YEAH! Network 4th Annual Conference

Thanks to everyone who came out for the conference.  We had a great day with over 70 community members participating in lectures, workshops and networking.  We would like to thank all those who came out, but especially our workshop leaders: Sarah Perez McAdoo, Cindy Miller, Teresa Vazquez, Penny Sotiropolous, Erica Fletcher, Maureen Holland, Leslie Kayan, Elizabeth Wood, Waleska Santiago,  Maria Figueroa, and Sandy Serrano.  

 

Thanks also to the key note speakers: Dr. Katharine White and Dr. Laura Koenigs who helped put the discussion in context.  

We were also joined by both Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and Holyoke Mayor Elaine Plueta.  Both spoke eloquently about their belief in the power of communities to change - and about how both Springfield and Holyoke are making strides towards lowering the rates of unintended teen pregnancy.

Thank you also to all the Board members and YEAH! Network members who helped to make the day run smoothly.

National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy - Holyoke Press Conference

Mayor Elaine Pluta speaks about the importance of a community wide response to the issue of teen pregnancy.   The event (which was covered by channel 3 news ) was attended by members of recently convened Holyoke task force, members of the Holyoke Board of Health, teens from both Girls Inc and the YEAH! Network AAB, as well as community members and parents.

Jacquline Yos, mother of 2 Holyoke teens, speaks about why she supports comprehensive science based sex education in the schools, with translation by Teresa Vazquez.





Kevin Garcia, a long time member of the AAB, speaks about his mind on teen pregnancy and the importance of sex education in the high school.  He is surrounded by members of Girls Inc. and the AAB.

Advocacy Alert! Holyoke press conference on Teen Pregnancy Prevention Day

Please take a look at the Press Release from the Mayor's Office in Holyoke.  We will be joining the mayor tomorrow, together with other members of the Holyoke community.  We would love to see you there!

FROM: The Office of Mayor Elaine A Pluta
DATE:   May 3, 2010
RE:  Teen Pregnancy Task Force
CONTACT PERSON:  Nilka M Ortiz / 322-5511

Mayor Elaine A Pluta and Holyoke Board of Health Teen Pregnancy Task Force will be holding a press conference on Wednesday, May 5 at 11:15 a.m. in front of City Hall located at 536 Dwight Street.  The Mayor is inviting the community of Holyoke to participate in this event to support the National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Campaign.

We will be addressing our goal of supporting the role schools play in the implementation of the science-based health curriculum, grant monies for the program and presentation of the Adolescent Advisory Board.  We will also stress the framing of these issues, of its effect on the health, economic, and community welfare of our city.

This task force has been formed to address the Teen Birth Rate in the City of Holyoke which has positioned our city on first place for 4 years in a row.  Because we know how important education is, we have to play a part in changing the dynamics of the City for a better future.

For further information, please contact 413-322-5511.