W.A.N.T.E.D. Project Enrollment Open for Boys 12 - 18

"Because you are Worthy, Accountable, Named, Thankful, Empowered and Determined!"

Back in June, I had the pleasure of attending the graduation ceremony for the young teen boys who completed the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project program held right here at the Valley Stream Presbyterian Church on Central Avenue. I went to support my husband who spoke to the boys about being "Determined" early in the session.  Each letter of W.A.N.T.E.D. stands for a particular word (see below). I also went to support  Rev. Kymberly Jones, who I featured back in February.  This program is definitely one in which all young boys should participate.


The next program will begin Thursday, October 4th and will meet evenings weekly for approximately 6-8 weeks.  All young men are welcome to attend from neighboring communities and must be ages 12 - 18 years old. Past graduates are more than welcome to attend the new class.  

The W.A.N.T.E.D. Project
A program of Community Healing and Caring Center, Inc. is partnering with Valley Stream and Memorial Presbyterian Churches

Location:  130 S. Central Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 11580
Voice Mail:   866-615-3284
Alternate Phone:   718-219-1628
Email: thewantedproject@aol.com

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Voices of Virtue Youth Choir + Ticket Giveaway

They've sang in Prague, Austria, and Italy and they're just teenagers.  Voices of Virtue Incorporated is a community based choir and non-profit organization that boasts the talents of at-risk teens living in various parts of Hempstead. The choir was established not only to provide a performance platform for talented youth  and young adults throughout Long Island, but it also serves as a fundraising agent to aid the efforts of the Hempstead Select Chorale.  Current membership includes existing and post Hempstead High School choir members.  However, membership is open to all on Long Island. 

"The founding of Voices of Virtue, Incorporated is the result of my strong belief that nothing surpasses experiential knowledge," says Rachel Blackburn, Founder/Executive Director.  This organization is an ideal platform where students musical talents exposes them to the community, nation and world they will one day impact".

Sparkle Invites You to "Strike Out Cancer"

Women are diagnosed with breast cancer year round so who says you only have to fund raise in October?  Sparkle Empowerment Program for Girls is hosting a "Strike Out Cancer" Bowling Party & Fundraiser on Sunday, November 20th at RVC Lanes in Rockville Centre.  Guests are invited to bowl as an individual or bring your team while raising money for breast cancer research.  Event details are below.

Sparkle is a new leadership program for girls in Valley Stream entering middle and high school from the Village of Valley Stream. This program is designed to engage, improve, and empower a young girl’s life.  The purpose of this program is to develop and enhance a young girls leadership qualities, encourage volunteerism, and self-pride while exposing them to philanthropy, etiquette, the arts and educational opportunities. Click here to learn more.

Strike Out Cancer Bowling FundraiserRVC Lanes - Rockville Centre
100 Maple Avenue
Time: 4 p - 6p
Registration @ 3:30 p.m.
Donation: $20 (includes 2 hrs. of bowling/shoes)
Individuals & Teams of 5 welcome
Trophies Awarded!
RSVP: (516) 531-3823

Can't make it but would like to make a donation, visit www.tydi.org.

Follow Valley Stream Mom on Facebook or on Twitter @valleystreammom.

Cub & Boy Scouts Recruiting Drive

The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of Valley Stream are holding a recruiting drive each Monday in Walsh Hall at Blessed Sacrament Church at 7:30 p.m.  Boys ages 7 - 17 years old are encouraged to come and check out what this awesome program that builds character, trains them in the possibilities of building citizenship, and develops personal fitness. 

For additional information, please contact Mike Powers at mp224@aol.com.

The W.A.N.T.E.D. Project: Helping Boys Make Better Decisions

Mayor Fare with The W.A.N.T.E.D Project Participants

Years ago shortly after we married, my husband's great aunt passed away.  We then travelled to Gary, Indiana which is the birthplace of Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and all of their siblings.  Decades ago, the town was abuzz with working families many of which had migrated from the south to work in the various steel mills.  As the steel mills began to close and work dwindled, crime began to rise.  As we drove from the funeral through his old neighborhood, it was hard for me to believe that my husband was raised in Gary.  As a young boy, my husband was in the Gifted & Talented Program at school.  His mother dressed him in nice clothing and sneakers.  He was well liked by many kids but also the target for others.  Again, he was smart, well dressed, liked in the community, active in the church, and was a good baseball player.  After school, he would sometimes go directly to the Boys & Girls Club or the Hudson Campbell gym to play basketball with some other neighborhood kids.  One day at the gym, an older teen approached him and told him that they planned to jump him, but were advised not to.  Sometimes it is who knows YOU instead of who YOU know.  Some kids today aren't so lucky. 

Pastor Kimberly Clemons-Jones, Pastor of Valley Stream Presbyterian Church tells her story of how her son was attacked here.  Because of her son being attacked and hearing of others being attacked in nearby communities,  The W.A.N.T.E.D Project was birthed while she sat waiting for her son to come of out surgery from a broken jaw after being attacked by five kids.  W.A.N.T.E.D. stands for worthy, accountable, named, thankful, empowered, and determined.  Its purpose is to teach boys decision making skills when dealing with violence and police targeting.  The program will host dynamic speakers, coaching, peer support, and much more.  Programs like this are just what every community needs.

Registration - Thursday, September 29th
Contact: Pastor Kymberly Clemons-Jones
Valley Stream Presbyterian Church
130 S. Central Avenue, Valley Stream
Phone: (718) 219-1628
Email: thewantedproject@aol.com
Young men ages 12-18 years old