Social Services News

A job well done is in order for the girls who helped create the first issue of the Smart Girls Magazine. Girls in each club ages 11-17 worked independently of one another to create something new and exciting for the girls. They created the idea of the magazine themselves and sought out staff support from Social Services Coordinator Jessica Tourtellot to make it happen. They created their own idea for their articles and with help from mini “writing workshops” the girls wowed Jessica with their creativity and skill. The magazine was published with articles ranging from fashion, movie reviews, to advice columns. Copies were distributed county wide for all girls to enjoy. The combined efforts of the girls from three different clubs have gained a lot of positive attention from their peers. We hope the attention sparks some new faces to come check us out at our next meeting for the second issue of the Smart Girls Magazine! Members can find out more information about being a part of the Smart Girls Magazine at their local clubs front desk.

Lights, Camera, Action! 9 young men at our Grace Wilday after-school program in Roselle have made a pact to stay out of gangs. Their participation in Street Smarts has not only given them tools to say no to a gang recruiter but educated them on the misconceptions of what gang life is like. With the realization that gang life is not the glamour portrayed in movies and rap videos the kids wanted to spread the word. With the knowledge base provided to them while completing the Street Smarts program they created a script and characters for their own gang prevention video. Shooting has begun with the youth starring and filming in the movie with their vision in mind. The movie follows a young man who is recruited into a gang. He is promised money, power, and friends. When he realizes the cost for what was promised to him he wants to get out. With the help of an ex-gang member and staff he seeks the help he needs to become gang free. Although the kids enjoyed dressing up and pretending to be part of a tough gang they never forgot the purpose of the video. At the end of the movie the youth talk to the viewers about the importance of staying out of a gang. With statements like “The best way to stay safe is to say no a gang recruiter instead of trying to get out later.” It shows that they had a lot of fun and the message wasn’t lost along the way. The movie was highlighted in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County Media Technology Showcase.