Vermont grant funds youth programs, Project Graduation in Northfield

By Christi Rinehard
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Thanks to the actions of concerned citizens and a grant from the Vermont Agency of Human Services, the Northfield community has come up with some innovative programs to keep youth drug free, according to a report issued by The Greater Northfield Collaboration Council.

This group of citizens, called "Take Back the Kids," learned of an opportunity to gain financial support through a grant entitled "New Directions," which is sponsored by the Vermont Agency of Human Services and the federal government.

Approximately $100,000 was awarded each year for three years to benefit the youth of Northfield.

"New Directions is a program to involve youth in activities so they stay clear of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs," said Meg Davis, Director of Arts Activities for the Greater Northfield community, "and to get them excited about their lives."

Toward this end, the Northfield community has developed a number of educational support, substance-free activities and community programs to help keep youth occupied and substance free.

One of these programs was the Greater Northfield Arts Activities. This program was designed to involve youth and adults working together in the various arts activities. One of these activities was "Summer on the Common," which provided outdoor summer concerts, youth dancers, and recitals on the Common in Northfield, according to Davis. "I believe that the arts is an expression of involvement," said Davis.

Another program that benefited from the New Directions grant was the Northfield Youth Center. "The Youth Center was set up for a safe place for kids to be substance free and violence free," said Terry Ashford, Director of the Northfield Youth Center. "We promote healthy ideas and healthy living."

Yet another program affected by the New Directions Grant is "Project Graduation." This program was set up to provide alternate activities, such as trips, to drinking on high school graduation night. Students spend a year making plans on how to spend their graduation night, and raising fund in order to bring those plans to fruition. "The kids work with such a realm of people, in different aspects of this community that they probably wouldn't have even crossed paths in another time or day," said Sally Davidson, Project Graduation Director.

Other programs benefiting from the New Directions Grant include mentoring programs, summer camps, peer mediation and a program which places youths on community boards.

"The programs we have are making a difference," said Peter Evans, Principal of the Northfield High School. "We hear from parents, kids and community leaders that the programs are having a big impact."

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