EP-CAT partnered with Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H to assist

Hapeville Charter High School students and volunteers with creating a community garden. Green peppers, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers now grow inside raised beds made of wood and filled with rich soil. Using shovels, pitch forks and bare hands, the students and volunteers set the stage for future classes to learn food literacy, healthful eating habits, math, science, biology and responsibility. Teams are now forming to establish an  expanded garden for the fall planting cycle.

 

Working with high school interns in April 2010, SAPNET sponsored “Too Smart to Start”, a town hall meeting addressing the prevention of drug use. The forum-like setting allowed open discussion about the impact of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Students from high schools sat on a panel next to community leaders and prevention experts from South Fulton. Students, parents, and the presenters themselves were all enlightened by the degree of comfort that participants felt when sharing their experiences.  

 

New this year, vocal talent, spoken word featuring female team from Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA and Mark Jefferson. Talandra Echols, The Future Foundation, provided coordination and technology support to the planning team. Quinton Todd, one of the teen coordinators for the town hall meeting, expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to develop the town hall project. In a letter to EP-CAT, Todd wrote “I really can’t thank you enough, for all that you have done for me and my life, and in saying that you taught me to value my community more". Todd also wrote "I'm eternally grateful to your organization. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve on the planning team that developed the 2010 town hall meeting on underage drinking [because] it really blessed me”.

 

According to a survey taken after the town hall, 61 participants were asked if they were satisfied with the forum. 67% of adults strongly agreed; 32% agreed and 1% disagreed with the statement. 53% of youth strongly agreed; 45% agreed, and 2% disagreed.

 

Two youth advocates attending the forum signed-up to serve on planning team for Town Hall 2011.

  

Atlanta Tech High School students are creating the next chapter of the SAPNET comic book. The first edition follows Keith Wilson as he struggles with school bullies and abusive family situations. He relies on his mixed heritage and the lessons learned from being an army brat to help him learn how to manage his reactions to tough situations. Presently, students are working from the Intel Computer Clubhouse at the Whitefoord Community Program to transform the comic’s concept from the rise of "Umbra" (Keith's alter ego with supernatural powers) to challenging themes that they experience. Sneak preview coming soon.

 

Become a Youth Advocate Team Volunteer

SAPNET is seeking committed, talented, and passionate people to work on our Youth Advocate Team. This group will implement and grow our youth activities by developing relationships with new and current partners. If you are interested in an opportunity to make a positive difference, please submit your resume for consideration to info@ep-cat.org.