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Community Chronicles

February 2019 Issue 2

Message from our Executive Director

A Salute to Black History Month!

Founded by Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week and since 1976 has been declared Black History Month by every sitting President of the United States, the month of February brings Americans together to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary contributions, struggles and triumphs of Black people. It also allows us to collectively reflect on how far we’ve come and the work still to be done to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to a life that is safe and sound. This Black History Month, we salute those that have come before us and applaud those that will continue a trailblazing legacy for years to come.

The month of February is also American Heart Month, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Gang Prevention Awareness Month and many others. For such a short month, February has a lot packed into it! The same can be said for the work that is going on in our community. Here in Hillsborough County we are seeing a lot of growth and partnerships. We are certainly excited to be a part of it!

As we look ahead to more in 2019, we’re excited to celebrate our successes as a community, support our members, and work for improvements in the safety and well being of our communities. Planning is under way for our Violence Prevention Conference, of which we need YOU to help make it a success. We are also expanding our programming into the Town N’ Country area with a partnership with Hillsborough County to operate services for youth at Sandy Perrone Park. We are helping to lead an effort to increase services and quality at the Juvenile Detention Center, and mobilizing for state legislative action. We have recently launched two separate initiatives designed to increase mentoring activities for youth males and females through our Boys and Girls Night Out Activities, and as always, seeking to keep Mental Health at the forefront of our conversations through our provided training workshops and community forums. We will be monitoring local, state, and national legislation, and mobilizing support for policies that support youth and families, increase safety, promote workforce development strategies for those with barriers to employment, and address racial, economic and social equity.

This coming year, when the health, safety, and dignity of so many in our communities feel threatened, I believe that the work of Safe & Sound Hillsborough is more important than ever. To maintain past gains and continue making progress, I believe we must consciously deepen and strengthen our connections, share our knowledge and resources, and stay rooted in our core values while working to find common ground with those whom we disagree. Now more than ever, we need YOU, our members and supporters to stay connected and engaged in our work. Please l ik e us on social media with these handles: Facebook, @SafeandSoundHillsborough , Instagram @SafeSoundHills and Twitter @SafeSoundHills .

Lastly, of all of the things to celebrate in February, one day I’d like to point out is February 17, which is National Random Act of Kindness Day. Though not known as much as other observed days, I’d like to challenge you all to reach out to someone and provide that random act of kindness. They may surely need it. You may even help save a life.

Yours in progress,

Freddy

Working together to build strong families, safe schools and healthy neighborhoods.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Ready Steady Yeti Go! Premiere

Join us at the world premiere of Ready Steady Yeti Go! on Thursday, February 7, 2019 with a reception starting at 6 p.m.; curtain call at 7 p.m. and Talk Back at 8:30 p.m. The Stageworks production is in partnership with Howard W. Blake High School for the Arts .

The proceeds from this event will provide tickets for Middle and High School students to see the play. To learn more about the play and to purchase tickets, click the link below:

Purchase Tickets Now

Girls Night Out

The first in a series of safe, fun evenings just for girls at Kings Forest Park & Recreation Center is happening on Friday, February 22 at 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to girls ages 11-17.

This month we are excited to host the event in partnership with the women of the Beta Kappa Sigma Tampa Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The girls will be engaged in various activities that include: girls talk, dance/step, outdoor fun, Pretty Poodle Boutique (FREE clothing and accessories), and more.

For more information, to host a Girls Night Out, or to register contact Sammecia Bagley at 813.461.0816 or via email at info@safeandsoundhillsborough.org .

Click here to download flyer.

3rd Annual Violence Prevention Conference

Call for Workshops

Deadline: Tuesday, March 5, 2019

The 3rd Annual Violence Prevention Conference - Safe Summit '19 will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Middleton High School . This year's theme is Educate. Engage. Empower! We are currently seeking workshop speakers and proposals. Full proposals must be received by Tuesday, March 5, 2019. To download the request for proposal or for more information, visit SafeSummit19.com .

Calendar of Events

February 3

Becoming Healthy Together Health Fair

11:45AM at Wholesome Church , Wimauma

February 12

Faith & Wellness Planning Committee

2:00PM at the Children's Board

Family Health & Well-being Committee

3:00PM at the Children's Board

February 15

SafeSummit'19 VPC Planning Meeting

3:00 PM at the Children's Board

February 22

Girl's Night Out

6:00 PM at Kings Forest Recreation Center

February 26

Leadership Council Meeting

1:00 PM at the Children's Board

March 1

Youth Mock Trial

6:00 PM at the George Edgecomb Courthouse

All meetings are open to the public and are held at the Children's Board of Hillsborough County unless otherwise noted. For more information on how to get involved, contact our office at info@safeandsoundhillsborough.org.

Welcome Joseph Baker!

We are excited to have Cristo Rey High School Student, Joseph Baker as our intern at Safe & Sound. Joseph is 16 years old and he says his goal for 2019 is to have a 4.0 GPA by the end of the school year. His long term goals include becoming a mechanical engineer or a professional basketball player. We say you can do anything you set your mind to Joseph. Welcome to Safe & Sound!

MLK Day of Service

Youth Leadership Service

Last month, Freddy was the keynote speaker at the Greater Bethel M.B. Church's annual Teen Leadership Summit. Illustrating via a human chess game, he inspired youth with a speech titled, "Even a Little Pawn Can Change the Game" that focused on perseverance, courage, sacrifice, community, the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how important it is to keep moving forward in spite obstacles in order to help others and to realize our dreams. #SafeSoundHillsborough

Seeking Programs Coordinator

We are growing! Safe & Sound Hillsborough is seeking a Programs Coordinator that will be responsible for the success of programs. Duties will include assisting with year-round planning, implementation and quality control of program activities, supporting subcontracted vendors/providers and working alongside the team on community outreach and engagement initiatives. For more information and to apply, click here .

Cleats for All Feet

A heartfelt thank you to Coach Carlos Blake of Cover2 Athletics Foundations Inc.'s " Cleats for All Feet " program in partnership with Ricky Sailor of Unsigned Preps , Tampa Bay Area's very own WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil , and Under Armour for donating football cleats for youth throughout Hillsborough County. Because of the generous donation, we were able to distribute approximately 600 pairs of cleats worth nearly $50,000 within 24 hours at the Kings Forest Recreation Center. It is because of community partners that we are able to continuously give back and make a positive impact in the lives of families we serve.