Events

Kickoff Celebration

See the full overview and schedule here

Purpose of Kick-off Celebration:

The purpose for the Kick off Celebration is twofold: 1) To provide detailed information about the Team Youth Initiative - 2011. 2) To orientate youth, parents and community partners about their roles in this endeavor.

Goals of Kick-of Celebration:

1. That those in attendance know about Life Opportunities Inc. and the goals and objectives of this year’s Team Youth Initiative.

2. That at least 50% of the youth and parents attending the kick-off celebration participate in the orientation session.

3. That the parents and youth attending the orientation session are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities in making this year’s initiative a success.

4. That 15 youth are recruited as a result of this community event.

The 2nd Annual Community Information Forum and Kickoff Celebration for Team Youth Initiative - 2011

Press release - December 2010

“The Team Youth Initiative begins its second year with its 2nd Annual Community Information Forum and Kickoff Celebration”

On January 11, 2011, The Team Youth Initiative will begin its second year with its “2nd Annual Community Information Forum and Kickoff Celebration” to be held at the BMIA Recreation Center located at 40 Arbutus Street in Browns Mills from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. This annual event gives the community an opportunity to learn more about the goals and objectives of the Team Youth Initiative, which is a collaborative effort between Life Opportunities, Inc. and the Pemberton Township Recreation Department. The Burlington County Sheriff’s Department and the Teen Center Program participate in this innovative youth mentoring as “Community Partners”. In 2009, Life Opportunities, Inc.’s founder and executive director, Inez Coleman, was motivated by the untimely death of a Pemberton Township teenager to do something that would facilitate a safe haven for the youth in the community that was both nurturing and supportive. Ms. Coleman approached Ms. Paula Kosko, Director of the Pemberton Township Recreation Department, with a project design that utilized a community-based approached to promote the healthy growth and development of youth by providing them with the supports and experiences necessary to successfully transition them to adulthood. As a result of that meeting, the two organizations formed a collaboration that resulted in the Team Youth Initiative Pilot Project, which began March 9, 2010 and ended in July 10, 2010.

As a result of the success of the pilot project, the collaborative partners made the decision to introduce the Team Youth Initiative as a 13 week program that will run in conjunction with the school year. This program will include: Mentoring, Capacity Building and Skill Development, Character Development, Community Service Project, Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity, Nutrition and Health Awareness. The purpose of these activities is to address three impact areas 1) any negative self-images that are perpetuated by the social and cultural landscapes that dominate the lives of many of our youth 2) the under exposure of our youth to a world that extends beyond the neighborhood or the block 3) a mindset that facilitates a disengagement among our youth when it comes to making healthy and constructive life choices.

If you are a parent needing to involve your child or children in an after school activity that is structured and designed to help your child make positive life choices, you are invited on January 11, 2011 to find out more about the Team Youth Initiative. This years theme is “Encouraging Positive Choices.”.For additional information about the “Team Youth Initiative” or Life Opportunities, Inc., contact Ms. Inez Coleman at (609-735-2249)