NEWS FROM… - Pathways/Senderos

NEWS FROM…
Pathways/Senderos Center
A Publication of Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc.
Volume 19, Number 1
Spring 2013
Middle School Students Embark on a Scientific Journey
By Heather Mills
In September, our middle school youth embarked on a scientific journey.
On a weekly basis our children have been visiting The New Britain Youth
Museum at Hungerford Park in Kensington. Through the help of The American
Savings Foundation, Pathways/Senderos and The New Britain Youth Museum at
Hungerford Park collaborated on an after-school STEM enrichment program for
our middle school children. The purpose of the program is to stimulate interest in
science and to introduce students to scientific concepts that they will encounter
in high school. Each week the students are introduced to basic theories, simple
experiments, and activities.
So far the students have been introduced to the concepts of earth science,
physical science and chemistry. Every session includes a lecture on a topic and
an experiment. All of the students also have a journal where they take notes
and record their observations. In the fall, the students were able to explore the
grounds of the park where they discovered a variety of ecosystems within the
park and observed different weather patterns. During the winter months the
Pathways students receive a science lesson at
Hungerford Park
Scientific Journey - continued on page 3
Pathways 2 Sustainability Continues To Evolve
By Geoff Elterich
Last summer, Pathways Community Education Coordinator worked
alongside Professor Button and the Geography Department at Central
Connecticut State University (CCSU) and Hannah Hurwitz of Community
Central to create a new project for Pathways/Senderos students.
The goal was to educate Pathways students about the importance
of conservation and sustainability. The resulting program is called
Pathways 2 Sustainability and it is currently underway at the Center.
Since this is the first time implementing this project, we expected
it to be a learning experience. We were prepared to make changes to
the format as we deemed necessary. Over the last few months, the
program has been modified greatly, but we are excited about where it
is and where it is headed.
Eric Francis, a CCSU student who has worked closely with
Community Central, has helped out a great deal. He took the project
under his wing and helped it flourish. Through his connections, we set
up a field trip to an “aquaponic” farm in Meriden. The farm, more of a
greenhouse, was developed by The Arc Eatery, a division of the nonprofit organization The Arc of Meriden-Wallingford, which employs and
serves individuals with developmental disabilities.
Sustainability - continued on page 3
MORE INSIDE...
Executive Director’s Message
2
Clean-Up Crew Returns
3
2012 Donors List
4-5­­
Much Needed Holiday Celebration
6
Teen Outreach Program
7­­
New Staff Member
8
News from Pathways/Senderos Center
Page 1
APPROACHING THE 20 YEAR MARK!!!
By RoseAnne Bilodeau, Executive Director
Hard to believe, but definitely true…Pathways/Senderos
celebrates its 20th anniversary this year! I remember when we first
started. Then, the short and long term successes of an evaluated youth
program were a theory to us and the rest of Connecticut. We dreamed
of what we could be and the impact that we could have in the lives
of girls and boys who live in high risk, impoverished neighborhoods.
Now, we have twenty years of experience under our belts and
theory has developed into hardcore experience with an exceptional
level of accomplishments. Our oldest graduates are in their 30’s.
Many are married. Some have a child; very few have more than one
child. The vast majority of our graduates either attend college or have
graduated from an institution of post-secondary education. As they
mature and their careers develop, they pay progressively more in
income taxes and now also pay property taxes for the cars and condos
that they’ve purchased.
This great experiment has been a win/win scenario for everyone
involved. Our youngsters and their families have been made more
stable and whole as a result of their participation with Pathways/
Senderos. Now, those same youngsters are already giving back to
society by paying their taxes, working in careers that benefit society,
and being involved community members and engaged citizens.
Our youngsters’ evaluated accomplishments to date include:
* 97% remain pregnancy-free through high school graduation
with only three pregnancies in 20 years;
* 100% high school graduation;
* 77% of our graduates enroll into post-secondary education,
mostly 4-year institutions of higher education;
* 80% of our graduates who are able to work are employed;
* Two have served in the U.S. Marines, one of which has
re-enlisted for another tour of duty.
Recently, we learned that one of our graduates, who is working
on her Masters of Arts in Teaching, is transferring to the University
of Hawaii. We are very proud of her and all of our participants and
graduates. They demonstrate that if society is sincere in its stated
desire to raise up the poor, then the Children’s Aid Society’s Carrera
teen pregnancy prevention methodology is worth its weight in gold.
That’s what we’ve been doing here in New Britain at Pathways/
Senderos for the last twenty years – diligently following the Carrera
teen pregnancy prevention model. This model involves recruiting
poverty-stricken girls and boys when they are very young to learn
about a path to a whole new way of life, a path that involves nurturing,
long-term caring, bonding, academic success and the identification of
realistic adult career goals. Over the years, our youngsters develop
hope; from the wellspring of hope grows the motivation and ambition
required for them to embrace what they learn from us in order to move
forward in their fragile young lives, which are so burdened by the
challenges of the poverty that surrounds them.
We are so appreciative to have this opportunity to affect such
great change in the lives of our young (pre)teens. We are particularly
grateful to all of you for your support in helping us make it happen.
Thank you!!!
Check out our web site www.pathways-senderos.com
for the latest news, photos and information about events.
All promotional publications, including this newsletter, are produced with private funds.
NEWS FROM Pathways/Senderos Center is a
regular publication of Greater New Britain
Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. (GNBTPP),
100 Arch Street, New Britain, CT 06051
(phone) (860) 229-2776; (fax) (860) 229-8608
(e-mail) [email protected]. Web site:
www.Pathways-Senderos.com.
GNBTPP is funded by the Connecticut
Department of Social Services, City of New
Britain Community Development Block Grant,
Annual Appeal, and the Bike/Walk-a-thon.
Contributions to GNBTPP are tax deductible
to the extent allowed by law under the IRS
501 (c)(3) exemption.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ron Jakubowski, President
(Educator)
Derek A. Dibble, Vice President
(Clear Automation)
Rev. Anne Marie Meyerhoffer,
Recording Secretary
(Community Volunteer)
Kathleen Sauer, RN, LCSW,
Corresponding Secretary
(Community Volunteer)
Roberto Mercado, Treasurer
(New Britain High School)
Marsha L. Boratynski, Ph.D
(Community Volunteer)
Richard Byer
(Deming Insurance)
Page 2 News from Pathways/Senderos Center
Atty. Pamela H. Del Negro
(Robinson & Cole, LLP)
Dr. Stephanie Garozzo
(New Britain OB/GYN Group, PC)
Donna Griffen, Ph.D
(Merrill Lynch)
Sarah Harris
(Principal, Vance Village School)
Karen Kellerman, LCSW
(Community Volunteer)
Jackie Lillo
(Community Volunteer)
Sylvia Lucas
(Community Volunteer)
Lynda B. Moecker
(Merrill Lynch)
Atty. Richard H. Pentore
(The Law Offices of Richard H. Pentore)
David Sowa, M.D.
(OB/GYN, Grove Hill Medical Center)
Marina Perez Taverner
(Educator)
STAFF
RoseAnne Bilodeau, Executive Director
Heather Mills, Middle School Manager
Nick Jakubowski, High School Services and
TOP Manager
Corlene Swanski-Agos, Office Manager/
Bookkeeper
Geoff Elterich, Community Education
Coordinator and TOP Specialist
Eyda Calderon, Family Liaison Specialist
Alexis Rodriguez, Family Life and Sex
Education Co-Coordinator
Sustainability - continued from page 1
The aquaponic system combines hydroponic gardening (the method of
growing plants in water, not soil) with fish farming. It is a self-sustaining design
that rapidly and inexpensively produces organic vegetables and fish year-round
by placing the two into a symbiotic relationship. The greenhouse contained a
plastic pool filled with swimming goldfish, coy, and tilapia. Dozens of various
herbs and plants were sprouting from the plant beds throughout the room,
which were all connected to one another by pipes with flowing water. Waste
from the fish fertilizes the plants, and the plants in turn filter the water so that
clean water is returned to the fish.
Eventually, the nonprofit hopes to sell fish and plants and to expand their
farm. We are very appreciative for the tour of their facilities. It was a very
interesting process; none of us had seen anything like it. The students were
fascinated by the idea of a self-sustaining, dual fish-and-plant farm. We’d
CCSU student Eric Francis and Pathways’ Christian Adames planning
like to explore something similar, on a smaller scale, at the Center. Dennis
for Pathways 2 Sustainability
Villanueva, a junior at New Britain High School, who has been involved with
Pathways 2 Sustainability since its inception, is glad he joined the project: “The
aquaponics system was really interesting. I hope we can do something like it!” We are very excited to continue this project and we can’t wait to
see where it goes from here!
Pathways Clean-Up Crew Returns!
By Nick Jakubowski
Spring has arrived, and with it comes Pathways Clean-Up Crew! Over the two years that the
Clean-Up Crew has been established, our students have completed a variety of jobs for our valued
customers. The Clean-Up Crew provides an opportunity for our students to gain a sense of the real
working world by going out into the community and completing manual labor jobs. These jobs include
weeding a garden, painting, lawn debris removal, and much, much more. The majority of our students
are too young to be hired at most businesses, so the Clean-Up Crew helps ensure that our high school
students receive proper instruction on how to work well and are exposed to a meaningful experience
in the working world.
While at a work-site, our students are under constant supervision and receive proper guidance on
how to complete the job efficiently and, most importantly, how to make sure the customer is satisfied
with the effort put forth. Our students earn money for each hour of work completed, which adds to
the benefits of this venture. Usually these students are denied employment because of age restrictions
or lack of real world working experience. The Clean-Up Crew serves as a pathway into the world of
work. This business venture allows our participants to get a true feel for hard work and the sense of
accomplishment that comes with it.
Our hourly rates are extremely competitive and our customers have always been satisfied with our work. Not only do we use the money
we make to pay for our students’ services, but any profits not used for job costs go directly back into Pathways. It is a win-win opportunity for
everyone involved.
If you are looking to have some work done, please feel free to give us a call. If the job is feasible, we’ll quote you a price and set up a time.
You will be satisfied! We look forward to working for YOU.
Scientific Journey - continued from page 1
students have explored chemistry and physical science concepts. At the end of each class the students have the opportunity to meet one of the
animals in the park’s collection of animals, from birds to lizards. The children really enjoy exploring the park, conducting experiments and most of
all the animals. Seventh grader Jailene C. says, “I love the animals and the science plus the experiments and the outside area.” Seventh grader
Jordan S. says, “I like the nature walks at Hungerford.”
This collaboration has been very successful. We are constantly looking for a variety of educational projects in which to involve our kids,
especially math and science projects, so we are happy to have found this opportunity. We look forward to more exciting educational adventures
at Hungerford!
News from Pathways/Senderos Center Page 3
2012 Donors List
Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc.
We wish to thank our donors for their generosity and vision. The essential support
system that our youngsters receive puts them on the path to success now and in the future.
This list reflects 2012
donations made through Dec.
31. If we have inadvertently
omitted
any
donor’s
name, please accept our
apologies and immediately
notify Executive Director
RoseAnne Bilodeau. We will
acknowledge your generosity
in the next newsletter. Thank
you for your understanding
and continued support.
Los Amigos De Senderos
(Friends of Pathways/Senderos)
$500+
Anonymous Donor
Bethany Covenant Church,
Berlin - Shepherds Fund
Fred & Marsha* L. Boratynski, Ph.D
Dr. Kirsten Kerrigan Bradley &
Mr. Kevin Bradley
Jay Porter Bruemmer
Charitable Trust
Cancer Center of Central
Connecticut, LLC
CT State Medical Society
Charitable Trust
Atty. Pamela H. Del Negro*
Derek* & DeAnna Dibble
First Church of Christ,
Congregational, UCC,
Caroline Aston Fund,
New Britain
First Church of Christ,
Congregational, UCC,
Service & Outreach Board,
W. Hartford
The Fund For Greater Hartford
Grove Hill Medical Center
Nancy Howe
Howey Family Fund of the
Community Foundation of
Greater New Britain
Dr. Ted & Mrs. Nancy Johnson
Kensington Congregational Church
Mary Krenn
Dr. Nicholas & Mrs. Jackie* Lillo
Manafort Family Foundation
Ronald & Mary Beth McKenna
New Britain Obstetrical &
Gynecological Group, P.C.
New Britain Youth Museum
at Hungerford Park
Otis Hispanic Leadership Forum
- UWCNECT
The Petit Family Foundation, Inc.
Ronald Pringle
Robinson & Cole, LLP
Kathleen Sauer*
Sue & Bill Sonstrom
Stanley Seniors Charitable
Foundation, Inc.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans,
Hartford County Chapter
Uberdog: Dog Playcare & Hotel
United Technologies Matching
Gift Program
The Walmart Foundation,
Facility # 6636
Local Community
Contributions-Hunger
Outreach Grant
Lisa Wilson Foley
Los Amigos De Futuro
(Friends of the Future)
$100-­$499
Aetna Foundation, Inc.
Matching Gifts
Dr. Rafael & Mrs. Susan Adames
Amato’s Toy Store
Stephen & Evelyn Anderson
The Andrews and Woznis Fund
of the Community Foundation
of Greater New Britain
Raymond & Barbara Andrews
Atty. Peter Arakas &
Ms. Karen Kellerman*
Russell & Cecilia Arnold
Wayne & Lori Arute
Samuel & Janet Bailey
Bank of America Matching
Gift Program
Theresa Baylock
The Beach Family
Evelyn Berg
Craig & Kate Betancourt
Alderwoman Suzanne Bielinski
RoseAnne Bilodeau
Bill & Mary Britcher
Roderick & Sara Brown
Anthony & Rosemarie Burton
John & Karen Canora
Dr. Antoinetta Capriglione
Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr.
Maureen & Lennart Carlson
Center for Fertility & Women’s Health
Andre & Frances Chabot
Paul & Beth Chotkowski
Manon-Lu Christ
Church of Christ Congregational,
UCC, Newington
Clemow Consulting Group, LLP
Club Lido, LLC
Dr. James & Mrs. Kristine Collin
Alison Coolbrith & Barry Lastra
Brendan & Carol Conry,
Conry Asset Management, LLC
Deming Financial Services, Inc.,
Rick Byer*
John & Linda Del Negro
Geraldine & Tom Devers
Dr. Mark F. DiLoreto, DMD, PC
Rosanne Druckman
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Duncan
Patrick & JoAnne Egan
Ken & Marie Elterich
Jean Watson Esselink
Rev. Katherine Fagerburg &
Mr. Vernon Baker
Maria Falvo
Robert Farr & Diane MacPherson
Ronald & Donna Filipek
First Lutheran Church of the
Reformation, New Britain
Michael & Laura Foran
Page 4 News from Pathways/Senderos Center
Gordon & Molly Fowler
Joel & Susie Freedman
Wayne & Laura Goldner
Timothy & Pamela Granucci
J.W. Green Company, Inc.
S. Kenneth & Donna* Griffen
Rev. Richard & Dr. Karen Haverly
Anne Hicks
Larry & Nancy Hollen
Marcia Howard
Jon & Carol Howe
Ted and Nancy Howe Fund of the
Community Foundation of
Greater New Britain
Greg & Barbara Howey
Brian & Cori Humes
Alice E. Hurlburt
Ronald* & Aurora Jakubowski
Dr. Peter & Mrs. Kathleen Jannuzzi
Jones, Raphael & Oulundsen, Inc.
Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.
Todd & Sarah Kallman
Jeffrey H. & Lorraine E. Katz
The Maurice N. Katz
Family Foundation
Elizabeth F. Keane
Atty. John C. King
Mary-Ann Kjellquist
Erik Kornbrekke
Pam Lavery
Lego Children’s Fund
Dr. Ellen Leonard
GIVE WITH LIBERTY, Liberty
Mutual Foundation Match
Brian & Barbara Liistro
Lindquist Insurance Associates
Gregg & Jill Lombardi
Ian & Sylvia* Lucas
Dr. David A. Lund
Bill & Anita Manuck
Robert & Patricia McLaughlin
Arnie Menchel & Shereen Edelson
Merck Partnership for Giving
John & Barbara Meskill
Bill & Robin Michel
Lynda Moecker*
William Molloy
Dr. James Mulrooney
New Britain Municipal Employees CSA
New Britain Pediatric Group, P.C.
Dave & Patricia O’Connell
Olivia Ohanesian, Chase
Collegiate School Spanish Club
Mark & Dianne Orenstein
Richard Oulundsen
Jane Palley & Lawrence Young
Arthur & Karen Palmunen
Atty. Richard H. Pantore*
Carol Pearson
John & Betsy Perkins
Peter & Judith Perugini
Daniel & Wai Price
Dino Puzzo
The Round Table of the
Community Foundation
of Greater New Britain
John & Susan Rathgeber
Lesley Remig & Fran Miffitt
John & Simone Reynolds
Dr. John & Mrs. Mary Rodis
Antonio & Elsa Saavedra Rodriguez
Atty. Laura & Mr. Theodore Roman
Thomas Ronalter
Dr. Peter & Mrs. Pamela Rosa
Raymond & Cynthia Ruta
Paul & Annette Salina
Mary Samul
Dr. Steven M. Soberman &
Ms. Suzanne B. Phillip
Stanley and Bernice Shepard
Fund of the Community
Foundation of Greater
New Britain
Sirois Tool Company, Inc.
Dr. David* & Mrs. Elise Sowa
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church, New Britain
William & Melissa Stachelek
Gregory Stafstrom, Spring Brook
Service, Inc.
Stephen & Jacqueline Stites
Corlene Swanski-Agos
Sweeney & Griffen
State Representative Peter Tercyak
Leonora Thramann
Tilcon Connecticut, Inc
Angelo & Joy Tomasso
Michael Tomasso,
Tomasso Brothers, Inc.
Dr. Michael S. Tosatti, DMD
Paula D. Trigilio
Dr. Edward &
Mrs. Kathleen Truscinski
Dr. Gerald & Mrs. Katherine Tullai
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
(Meritas Law Firms Worldwide)
Connecticut’s Law Firm with
a worldwide reach
John & Leanne Valengavich
Louise Valentine
Vance Village School,
Students & Staff
Michael & Julie Walsh
Dr. Joseph A. Welna
Joeline Wruck
L­ os Amigos De Niño(a)s
(Friends of the Children)
$1-$99
Anonymous (2)
Marie Abate
Aser Abdel-Massih
Linda Aglio
Frederick & Patricia Ambroszewski
Gerry & Lisa Amodio
Ann Anderson
Corrado & Sebastiana Annino
Dr. Ann-Margaret Anselmo
Rev. Anne Elisabeth Aurand
Dennis Barone, Ph.D &
Deborah Ducoff-Barone, Ph.D.
Alfred & Rosemary Baylock
Jamey Bell
Dr. David A.J. Belman
Dr. Abraham &
Mrs. Estelle Bernstein
Better Building Performance,
E. Haven, CT
David & Debra Bond
Frank & Betsy Bradley
Revs. Ron Brown & Jane Rowe
Regina P. Burgio
Robert & Barbara Burrill
Dr. E. Ann & Mr. Frank Carabillo
Terry Carnes
Cynthia Cassada
Chubb & Son Inc, a Div. of
Federal Ins. Co.
Matching Gifts Program
Dennis Ciccarillo
Leslie C. Clark
Peter & Marcelyn Clarke
William & Jane Coyle
Paul & Janet Culton
Frank & Diane D’Addabbo
Donald & Diane DeFronzo
John B. & Loretta Delaney
Kathy & Lou DiCocco
Helen Dilzer
Normand & Hughette Dube
Edward & Ann Duncan
Atty. William & Mrs. Norma Dworski
Emily Elterich
Mary Ellen Farrell
Nikki Federovicius & Benj Kozower
Fenmore & Gladys Feigenbaum
Laura Fry
Victor & Elizabeth Fumiatti
Anthony Garro
Lee & Florence Gillette
Dr. Eleanor Godway
Ernest H. Groth
Rev. Barbara G. Hager
Jonathan & Carrie Hammond
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Harrison
The E.R. Hitchcock Co., Inc.
Hoffman Auto Group
Mark & Kris Hoffman
Central CT Chiropractic, PC,
Small Miracles Natural Health Ctr.
Barry & Angelina Jacobs
Jason & Sarah Jakubowski
Januszewski, McQuillan &
DeNigris, LLP
Sally Johnson
Robert & Alice Judd
Paulette D. Kellerstedt
Alan & Miriam Kennedy
Carl & Dorothy Krein
Beverly Kukuck
Sharon Langer
Bob & Shelly Langer
Alice Levine
Dr. Nicolas A. Lillo
Ennis & Sharon Locke
State Representative Richard
P. Lopes
Edward Lukaszewski
Dr. Robert Lussier
Chester Lutynski
Jack & Sarah Lynn
John & Elaine Lyons
John & Rosemarie Maljanian
John & Keeva Mancini
Paul & Kathleen Marier
Patricia Mele
Edwin & Joan Mercier
Rev. Anne Marie Meyerhoffer*
Dr. Jeff & Mrs. Debbie Mihalek
Margaret A. Miller
Ruth Mills
Martha Moses
Paul & Carol Nelson
New Britain Federation of Teachers
New Britain High School Baseball
Deane Olson
John & Marita O’Neill
Thomas & Vanda O’Reilly
Suzanne Oslander
Leslie Paladino
M.J. Parlow
Philip Pearson
David & Laura Pels
Nieves Perez
Ted Pisk
Edward & Barbara Preneta
Jeffrey & Alison Prokop
Robert Putnam
Constance Rachac
Kathleen Rancourt
Frederick & Barbara Rau
Rosalind Richmond
Rosemary Richter
Anna M. Robbins
Marilyn Ronalter
Christie Sanders
Sanson, Inc.
Atty. Robert & Mrs. Judith Scalise
Drs. Steven & Carole Shmurak
Barbara Sladeck
Chester Sledzik
Donald & Elayne Slive
Jason Smutnick
Carlos & Ady Solar
Robert & Susan Stacy
Stanley Black & Decker Inc.,
Matching Gift Program
Dominic Tambutto &
Donna Rozanski
Susan Truglio
Thomas & Julie Tydeman
Attys. Stephen & Mary Ann Varga
Dr. & Mrs. Charles V. Wahlberg, Jr.
Kyle W. Watson
Lee & Carol West
Bruce & Roberta Wilson
William & Lorraine Wixon
Bertha J. Wnuk
Dr. Elizabeth Yannello
Lois Zink
­In Kind
Anonymous
AIG Benefit Solutions Employees
Marsha Boratynski, Ph.D.*
Doris Brisson
Richard Byer*
Eyda Calderon-Mantovani
Cancer Center of Central
Connecticut, LLC
Clear Automation
Brian & Chelsea Daley
Atty Pamela Del Negro*
Derek* & DeAnna Dibble
Kathy & Lou DiCocco
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Edwards
Chip Eveleth
Great Taste Chinese Restaurant
Green Tea Chinese Restaurant
Donna Griffen, Ph.D.*
Sara Ice
Ron Jakubowski*
Junior League of Greater
New Britain, Inc.
Todd & Sarah Kallman
Atty. Peter Arakas &
Ms. Karen* Kellerman
Pam Lavery
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Levy
Ian & Sylvia* Lucas
William & Virginia Mason
Arnie Menchel & Shereen Edelson
Edwin & Joan Mercier
John & Barbara Meskill
Rev. Anne Marie Meyerhoffer*
Lynda Moecker*
New Britain High School
Teachers & Roberto Mercado*
Otis Hispanic Leadership Forum
Pagliacci’s Restaurant
Papa’s Dodge, Inc
Atty. Richard Pentore*
John & Simone Reynolds
Beth Rubino
Donald Sagarino
Kathleen Sauer*
Atty. Ralph Sherman
Siracusa Moving
Sue & Bill Sonstrom
Dr. David* & Elise Sowa
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church, New Britain
Tim & Flo Stella
The Presbytery of Southern
New England
Beata Wielgoszewski
­In Honor Of
In Honor of Dr. &
Mrs. John B. Franklin
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Fowler
In Honor of Nancy Howe
Jon & Carol Howe
Elizabeth F. Keane
In Honor of Jackie Lillo*
Kathy & Lou DiCocco
Jeffrey & Lorraine Katz
Dr. Nicholas A. Lillo
Dr. Steven Soberman &
Ms. Suzanne Phillips
In Honor of Ann &
Douglas Putnam
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Fowler
In Honor of Kathleen Sauer*
Better Building Performance,
E. Haven, CT
In Honor of the (Pathways) Staff
Alderman Carlo Carlozzi
Putting for Pathways
RoseAnne Bilodeau
Deming Financial Services, Inc.,
Rick Byer*
Derek* & DeAnna Dibble
Rosanne Druckman
S. Kenneth & Donna* Griffen
Hoffman Auto Group
Atty. Peter Arakas &
Ms. Karen* Kellerman
New Britain Obstetrical &
Gynecological Group, P.C.
Dr. Nicholas & Mrs. Jackie* Lillo
Ian & Sylvia* Lucas
Rev. Anne Marie Meyerhoffer*
Lynda Moecker*
Dr. James Mulrooney
New Britain High School Baseball
New Britain Plumbing
New Britain Youth Museum
at Hungerford Park
Atty. Richard H. Pantore*
Kathleen Sauer*
Jason Smutnick
Carlos & Ady Solar
State Representative
Peter Tercyak
14th Annual Pedaling
for Pathways
Presenting Sponsor
American Savings Foundation
Platinum Sponsors
Grove Hill Medical Center
The Manafort Family Foundation
New Britain Obstetrical &
Gynecological Group, PC
Petit Family Foundation, Inc. for
Jennifer, Hayley and Michaela
Robinson & Cole, LLC
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans,
Hartford County Chapter
Gold Sponsors
Hoffman Auto Group, Driven by Trust
Sue & Bill Sonstrom
Uberdog: Dog Playcare and Hotel
Silver Sponsors
Anonymous
Kate & Craig Betancourt
RoseAnne Bilodeau “In Loving
Memory of Luis Miguel Santiago”
Conry Asset Management, LLC
Deming Financial Services, Inc.,
Rick Byer*
Derek* & DeAnna Dibble
J.W. Green Co., Inc., Plainville, CT
The Jakubowski Family
People’s United Bank
Sweeney & Griffen
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
(Meritas Law Firms Worldwide)
Connecticut’s Law Firm
with a worldwide reach
Bronze Sponsors
Amato’s Toy and Hobby
Dr. Mark F. DiLoreta, DMD, P.C.
Ken & Marie Elterich
Robert Farr & Diana MacPherson
Griffen Group of Merrill Lynch
Lindquist Insurance Associates, Inc.
Sylvia* & Ian Lucas
New Britain Emergency Medical
Services, Community
Training Center
New Britain Police Explorers
Post 25
Atty. Richard Pentore*
Kathleen Rancourt
Familia Rodriguez-Saavedra
Rogers Orchards, Inc.
In Memory of Dr. Ferd Sauer
Sirois Tool Company, Inc.
Spring Brook Ice & Fuel Service
St. John’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church
State Representative Peter Tercyak
Raffle Prize Donations
Anonymous (2)
Craig & Kate Betancourt
Fred & Marsha* L. Boratynski, Ph.D
East Side Restaurant
Hoffman Auto Group, Driven by Trust
Roberto Mercado*
Mystic Seaport
New Britain Rock Cats
Puzzo Agency
Kathleen Rancourt
Salute Restaurant
Kathleen Sauer*
Grants
American Savings Foundation
Capital Workforce Partners
City of New Britain, Community
Development Block Grant
Connecticut Department
of Social Services
Foodshare, Inc.
The Fund for Greater Hartford
New Britain Youth Museum at
Hungerford Park
The Walmart Foundation,
Facility # 6636
Local Community
Contributions-Hunger
Outreach Grant
U.S. Department of Health &
Human Services
Employer Matching Gifts
Aetna Foundation, Inc.
Bank of America Matching
Gift Program
Chubb & Son Inc., a Div. of
Federal Ins. Co.
Matching Gifts Program
GIVE FOR LIBERTY, Liberty
Mutual Foundation Match
Lego Children’s Fund
Merck Partnership for Giving
Stanley Black & Decker Inc.,
Matching Gift Program
United Technologies Matching
Gifts Program
Volunteers
Marsha Boratynski, Ph.D*
Alderman Carlo Carlozzi, Jr.
Tony Carrero
Rosanne Druckman
Stacey Dubowsky
Deborah Guzman
Alex Ingleton
Ashley Ingleton
Jackie Lillo*
Karen Maisonet
Carmen Meledez
Lori Principe
Dino Puzzo
Sherreida Reid
Atty. Laura Roman
Kathleen Sauer*
Atty. Ralph Sherman
UCONN Medical School,
Urban Service Track Members:
Taylor Aglio
Rose Barham
Daniel Beauvais
Cailyn BetteWaner
Gerri Blick
Amy Eklund
Leah Gergorio
Neha Greway
Douglas Lambert
Eunice Sang
Keisha White
* denotes board members­­
In Recognition of Your Support
Thanks to our donors’ commitment, vision, and belief in Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention Inc., we have successfully served the underprivileged
youth and parents of the Arch Street area for 20 years. We are proud that during that time, 100% of our participants who stay in the program graduate from high
school, and 97% have remained pregnancy-free, while 77% continue on to higher education. Others have begun full-time employment. Without your generosity and
your support, it is probable that these successes would not have materialized. Please realize that your contributions positively affect local youth, your community,
and ultimately, the future. Remember that our first program participants are now college graduates, property owners, taxpayers, and leaders.
We hope that you have taken the time to browse the donors list to see who our many wonderful supporters are; you will find your friends, neighbors, and
business associates. Our Gift Clubs enable us to more completely recognize and acknowledge your gifts. The donations you make this year are totaled when
identifying your Gift Club placement in the 2013 Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. Pathways/Senderos donors roster. The Gift Clubs are: $500+ Los
Amigos De Senderos (Friends of the Senderos), $100-$499 Los Amigos De Futuro (Friends of the Future), $1-$99 Los Amigos De Nino(a)s (Friends of the Children).
Why don’t you set your sights on joining one of our gift clubs in 2013? Invest in the future of our youth and community!
News from Pathways/Senderos Center
Page 5
A Much Needed Holiday Celebration
Friday, December 14, 2012, was a very sad day for Connecticut
and the country as a whole. We were all shocked and saddened to
hear about the tragedy in Newtown. Working with kids, it was hard to
accept and comprehend the events of that day. It’s still difficult.
However, it is important to put on a strong face when working
with children. They need to know that everything will be all right
and that life will go on, and they look to adults for that assurance. At
the same time, children are often more resilient than we give them
credit for. In this instance, our youngsters helped us get through the
emotions regarding the tragedy as much as we helped them.
We had planned our holiday party well in advance, and although
it was difficult to imagine a celebration after hearing about the events
at Sandy Hook Elementary, we knew it could help alleviate some
of the fear and sadness we were all feeling. As usual, people and
businesses throughout the community helped make our celebration a
huge success. The amazing folks at St. John’s Church on Arch Street
again allowed us the use of their space for our party. We received
food donations from Great Taste Chinese Restaurant, Pagliacci’s, and
Green Tea Restaurant, as well as our participants’ families. There was
so much delicious food, home-made and freshly prepared from the
restaurants, that it was a little overwhelming! Still, we managed to
finish almost everything, and families took the remaining food home.
gifts. The smiles on their faces as they sat on Santa’s lap truly helped
ease the sadness and anxiety of the day.
We’d like to sincerely thank everybody who donated food and/
or toys. We’d also like to thank everybody who helped with the event
itself. Several parents helped serve food and clean up—some even
helped wrap gifts in the weeks leading up to the event—and a few of
our graduates even showed up to help (and eat of course!). We’d like
to send an extra special thank you to our graduate and resident chef,
Tony Carrero. He kept the kitchen operating smoothly and we don’t
know what we would have done without him at the past few parties.
Thanks Tony!
After being overwhelmed by the events in Newtown for most of
the day, we were all able to unwind, relax, enjoy delicious food, and
cherish the company of our loved ones. In fact, it’s possible that we
all enjoyed the evening more because of the events in Newtown. We
needed to enjoy it. We needed that party. Our smiles were just a little
bit wider as we watched the kids joyfully eat their food with friends
and family, receive their gifts from Santa, and generally act like kids
on Christmas morning. It was a great distraction, and a great reminder
of why we all do this in the first place: to assure a bright, happy future
for the children we love.
We also received toys from individuals and groups throughout
the community. Toys for Tots provided us with many of the presents
for our kids, but most gifts came from board members, friends, and
supporters of Pathways. All 60 of our youngsters received gifts,
and in recent years, because of the overwhelming generosity of the
community, we have even been able to give presents to the younger
siblings of our participants. Everybody goes home happy!
It wouldn’t be a proper holiday party if we simply handed out gifts,
so we welcomed a special guest to handle the job. This year, Santa
Claus made a spectacular entrance, riding a New Britain fire engine to
the party. After greeting the kids outside, he came inside and greeted
all the parents, ringing his bell the whole time. After he took his seat,
the youngsters waited patiently as we called their names to get their
Pathways Elves Milly Molina, Antanique Jordan, Alicia Davis, and
Danerick Peralta
Pathways Staff Nick Jakubowski, Heather Mills, Geoff Elterich,
and Eyda Calderon-Mantovani
Page 6 News from Pathways/Senderos Center
Pathways Singers Ananda Thillet and Dennis Villanueva
Medical and Dental Students Teach Pathways Kids
This fall, medical and dental students from the University of
Connecticut Urban Service Track (UST) visited the Center to teach
our youngsters about various health issues. UST students have been
providing educational services at the Pathways/Senderos Center for
a few years now. A former intern/staff member, Elizabeth Chasse,
currently a medical student herself, established the connection
between our program and UST when she was a member of UST. We
are thankful that she introduced us to the group because they have
provided many interesting and educational lessons for our youngsters.
an actual lung! To this day, the kids present for that activity talk about
the horrible condition of the smoker’s lung. It certainly had an impact.
UST has had an impact as well. We truly appreciate their
commitment to our program and our youngsters. They put forth great
effort to make the lesson plans informative and compelling. We hope
this connection lasts well into the future because we know that it has
great benefits for our kids!
In October, UST students taught our participants about the
importance of healthy eating, focusing mostly on understanding
portion sizes and reading food labels. It’s obvious that the UST
students are becoming a little more familiar with our students,
as they brought some nutritious snacks for our kids to munch
on throughout the lesson. In December, UST held an informative
session with our students regarding hygiene. They talked about the
importance of personal hygiene and expelled many different myths
that are commonly held. In addition to information, they provided a few
supplies for our youngsters to take home.
In the coming weeks, UST students will be coming in to talk to
our students about the dangers of smoking. Last year, they did an
anti-smoking campaign and they brought in actual lungs to observe.
Everybody was shocked to see the difference between a healthy lung
and the lung of a smoker. Many of the kids were just shocked to see
Nazir Vellon “enjoys” a snack
Successful Implementation of TOP
In the fall of 2012, Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention,
Inc. (GNBTPP) began implementing Wyman’s Teen Outreach Program
(TOP) in New Britain High School. Nick Jakubowski and Geoff Elterich
have been facilitating TOP at New Britain High School’s freshmen
academy, working directly with health teacher Scott Driscoll. New
Britain is currently the only community in the state with both a TOP
program and a Carrera program.
As this is our first venture into the TOP methodology, it has been
a learning experience for everyone involved. We were very excited to
take on this program and we are pleased with how it has unfolded
so far. Throughout the semester, the TOP facilitators (Nick and
Geoff) balanced lesson plans with community service-learning. We
focused mostly on the lesson plans for the first semester and we will
coordinate the service learning portion this semester. The lesson plans
cover topics ranging from self esteem and learning the importance of
volunteering, to maintaining positive relationships and sex education.
The students were attentive and curious throughout the semester and
we felt a strong bond grow over the few months we have worked with
them.
One of our favorite activities was a “values auction”, in which
students used Monopoly money to purchase the values they deemed
worthwhile. Some of the items auctioned off included “doing well
in school”, “avoiding teen pregnancy”, “finding someone to love”,
“finding a good career”, and more. The most prized values, the items
which were “sold” for the most money, were “graduating college”,
“finding a good career”, and “spending time with family and friends”.
It was a great exercise for both the students and the facilitators.
It helped us learn more about the youngsters, and it helps them
figure out what matters to them so they can stay focused on what is
important.
An important aspect of TOP is service-learning. We started the
process last semester, and we are focused on completing the servicelearning projects this semester. Students have expressed interest in
volunteering at a variety of different places. Some youngsters want
to volunteer their time and efforts at a hospital, others want to help
at a homeless shelter. Many students have expressed interest in
helping with New Britain’s Race in the Park, an annual breast cancer
awareness fundraiser. Regardless of the location or activity, we are all
very excited to begin volunteering.
As we remind our students repeatedly, however, service-learning
and volunteering are not the same thing; volunteering is just one
aspect of service learning. Service learning requires a long process
of thought, preparation, action, and reflection. Over the next few
weeks, students will research ideas for community service and
ultimately make their own decisions about where they want to serve.
The community service aspect aims to get youngsters involved in the
community, but it also serves to give them a sense of purpose; for this
reason, it is the most vital component of TOP.
We are very thankful to the administration and staff at NBHS,
especially Mr. Driscoll, for allowing us to facilitate this program at the
high school. We have thoroughly enjoyed the program so far and we
are very excited for the future of this program…we can’t wait to see
our youngsters volunteering throughout the community!
News from Pathways/Senderos Center
Page 7
GREATER NEW BRITAIN
TEEN PREGNANCY
PREVENTION, Inc.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 151
Cheshire, CT 06410
100 Arch Street
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: 860-229-2776
Fax: 860-229-8608
Email: [email protected]
www.Pathways-Senderos.com
Established in 1993, Greater New Britain Teen
Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. (GNBTPP) is based on
Dr. Michael Carrera’s successful prevention model
developed in Harlem, NY. The Carrera philosophy
states “In order to create an environment where
positive change can occur, it is necessary to influence
multiple facets of young people’s lives over a continuous
and prolonged period of time.”
Because academic success is the key to teen
pregnancy prevention, the core of this program
integrates educational support with career/vocational
preparation and family life education.
To accomplish its goals, GNBTPP has created
a public-private partnership involving all of the
community’s key stakeholders that maximizes existing
local resources.
Programming and participants at GNBTPP are
evaluated annually by an independent social scientist to
ensure that outcomes are measured accurately.
Meet Our...
New Staff Member!
By Alexis Rodriguez
Greetings! My name is Alexis Rodríguez and I am the newest member of the Pathways/
Senderos staff. I joined this past October as the co-coordinator of Family Life & Sex Education.
I am currently finishing my undergraduate degree in economics at Central Connecticut State
University (CCSU). A few years ago, I volunteered at the Center through the Latin American
Student Organization at CCSU, and I was interested in the program ever since. I have been
delighted to work with the students and staff here on a regular basis and contribute to all that
Pathways/Senderos has to offer.
Pathways New Employee,
Alexis Rodriguez
My goal is to provide the students here with the knowledge, motivation and tools to
become healthy, self-confident adults. It is critical for our students to realize the potential that
they possess, to develop goals and become equipped to successfully achieve those goals. As a
Latino male and first-generation college student, I can attest to the importance of mentorship
and support systems in developing strong, well-rounded women and men. I have a passion in
working with youth because they are our future.
This newsletter is printed in color due to the generosity of Barile Printers, who covered a substantial part of the color-printing costs.