Youth safety is a concern of the city as Mayor Richard M. Daley Tuesday announced a variety of programs and activities for young people during the upcoming spring break.
Youth safety is a concern of the city as Mayor Richard M. Daley Tuesday announced a variety of programs and activities for young people during the upcoming spring break.
The programs, designed to keep kids busy and off the streets, will be offered by the City, its sister agencies and other partners during the Chicago Public Schools spring break, which began Monday for students in year-round schools and starts April 18 for students at traditional schools.
“As we move into spring and the weather gets better and children are outside the house for more time each day, we need to give them every chance to be involved in positive activities and away from violence,” Daley said in a news conference held at Navy Pier.
“This is a welcome break for parents, students, teachers and administrators. But as we all know, this extended period out of school gives our young people time on their hands, which can be dangerous,” he said.
Daley said one of the most important spring break programs is the Safe Haven partnership between the city, CPS and the faith-based community.
Safe Haven started in 2009 and provides lunch, security, transportation and a variety of activities centered on the theme city’s theme of Stop the Violence, Stop the Silence.
The program includes 24 churches serving over 600 youth, the city reported. This year’s Spring Break Safe Haven will include 100 churches throughout the city and will serve about approximately 3,500 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, the city announced.
The program operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Thursday of the spring break. That day at the UIC Forum, Safe Haven participants will engage in an “American Idol”-like competition in dance, group sing and spoken word.
The Chicago Housing Authority will offer activities exclusively for CHA youth. During spring break, the activities will include the College Resource and Scholarship Fair and the Youth Health Awareness Day.
The mayor reminded parents that it is their responsibility to ensure their children are safe, involved in positive activities and home by curfew.
Copyright 2011 Chicago Defender
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