In this Issue

Today more than 7,500 communities and 1 million Americans celebrate Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide event organized by the Afterschool Alliance to rally support for afterschool programs.

Nationally, only 11% of K-12 children participate in afterschool programs; studies show an additional 15 million would participate if a quality program were available in their community. With the hours between 3p.m. and 6p.m. being peak hours for juvenile crime and 9 in 10 Americans wanting all children and teens to have some type of organized activity or safe place to go after school the need, nationally and locally, is huge.

Here in New Orleans we are proud to provide networking, research, training, and advocacy for our rich culture of community and faith-based afterschool providers. As research and personal experience from around the country and world continues to support the work of afterschool, GNO Afterschool Partnership is excited to support and shine light on the work of New Orleans providers!

Remember to leave the lights on as we rebuild New Orleans one afternoon at a time.

Share our Strengths

This week our monthly provider meeting had an emphasis on curriculum resources and sharing of program successes. It was extremely valuable to hear from a variety of vendors and discuss our specific program needs. We were also honored to have US Attorney Jim Letten stop in to offer his continued support of afterschool.

If you missed the meeting or would like to know more about our discussions and current efforts please be sure to visit our website, www.gnoafterschool.org.

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Youth Matters!

At the writing of this E-Newsletter the Advancing Youth Development training, being presented by DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation, is well underway. We look forward to the positive impact this training will provide New Orleans Youth and the adults that work with them.

Organizations participating include: American Friends Service, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, City of New Orleans-Human Services, Drop-In Center, Hope of Life, Jefferson-Human Services, Job One, New Orleans Outreach, NOPD Juvenile Counseling, Office of Youth Development, RSD, Reconcile New Orleans, RETHINK, Trinity Christian Community, Turning Point Partners, UNO Upward Bound, Urban League of GNO, Waldo Burton Boys' Home, and the Youth Empowerment Project.

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All Heart

This month The Times-Picayune celebrated the heart and dedication of the Rabouin Marching Band by telling the story of their dream trip to the University of Southern California with Julie Benson. The band was also highlighted in a recent 48 Hours Mystery focused on the ongoing struggle with crime in New Orleans.

Read the complete account of how the members of Robouin Marching Band were able to turn tragedy into triumph.

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Teen-Friendly GNO

YOUTHanasia Foundation now has afterschool programs available for teens in grades 8-12 at The Teen Center for Non-Violence in Gretna.

Activities are offered Monday-Thursday, 3p-7p and include academic and enrichment opportunities with field trips one Friday each month. YOUTHanasia is dedicated to the Youth of New Orleans and are working with Youth to rebuild a teen-friendly GNO. If you know of Youth that would benefit from being involved with this dynamic group or you would like to help please visit www.teenzmatter.org to find out more.

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Next Meeting

Our next meeting will be after the Thanksgiving holiday on:

Wednesday, November 28, 2007 • 10 am
4319 Carondelet, New Orleans, LA

See you then!

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