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Our
speaker this evening was Joann Salamone. The E.Y.E.S Program (Engaging
Youth Encouraging Service) was started in the summer of 2012 by local
community alumni and members, in cooperation with the Little Falls
City School District and the local YMCA to offer Little Falls youth
an opportunity to use hands-on activities to enhance their education
experiences. Through a shared responsibility model it uses experiential,
interdisciplinary learning to promote accountability, stewardship
and the value of meaningful work.
The
program is built on respect and responsibility for self, others
and community and has three main components: Healthy Self, Learning
and Service. The program runs in the summer from Tuesday through
Thursday over a six-week period and is housed in the Marina at Rotary
Park. During this time period the youth take part in activities
that enhance their understanding about the community of Little Falls,
what it means to be healthy both physically and mentally, as well
as what it means to give back to the community through service opportunities.
In short, the students learn to see Little Falls, themselves and
others through different "EYES". It is the mission of
the E.Y.E.S. Program to utilize the talents and resources of the
community to engage the youth in the writing of our collective futre.
From left to right, pictured are Wendy Mucica, JoAnn Salamone and
Pat Talaba |
