New Haven Independent

New Haven’s Citywide Youth Coalition had a highly successful Summer Summit on Wednesday, March 25, a half-day conference to support youth-serving programs and organizations in preparing fun and effective programming for youth this summer.

The Summit was hosted by Gateway Community College, and the event opened with welcoming remarks from the Dean of Academic Affairs. Mark Kosinski. Mr. Bill Graustein and the City of New Haven were sponsors.

Approximately 75 people attended representing youth-serving organizations, various departments within City of New Haven and area businesses and community resources for youth.

Honorees: We honored Deb Stewart, long-time community leader in promoting positive youth development. Ms. Stewart works as the Director of the Youth Development Training and Resource Center and champions many youth development programs and activities in our community. Also honored were Paul Hammer of BEEEP! and Sharon Henninger of United Teen Connection, for their long-standing volunteerism on behalf of New Haven’s youth.

Citywide Youth Coalition wants to acknowledge the kind contributions by knowledgeable volunteers who lead the terrific workshops this year:
Have it Your Way: Creating Brand Recognition for Your Program 
— Greg Davis of Xpresso

Hurry Up and Relax! 
— Beth Gibbs of Camp Courant

Keeping Up with the Kids: Blogs, Podcasts and Twitters 
— Sunnie Sette of New Haven Free Public Library

Talking to Families about Difficult Topics: Priceless 
— Joan Hoey, LCSW, of Hoey Training Associates

Transforming Field Trips: Extraordinary Adventures In and Out of the City 
— Chris Guerrette of City of New Haven Parks Dept, Paul Hammer of BEEEP! and staff from Solar Youth, Inc.

Youth Workers of the World Unite! 
— Maggie Scalzo of NH YMCA Youth Center, Gammiel Moses of Solar Youth, and Luis Diaz of Easter Seals Goodwill Industries