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Six Oswego County teens graduated last month from The Salvation Army of Oswego County’s course Bridging the Gap Between Youth and Community Service®.
"The 12 week course focuses on either prevention or intervention for court involved at-risk youth ages 16-19,” said Major Kathryn Purvis. They attend classes at the Army three days a week.
During the graduation ceremony, Major James Purvis said the youth “have a second chance and new start. I’m very proud of you.”
Major Kathryn noted that the curriculum “has taught you life skills, how to make good choices and get-along with others” and encouraged them to continue to make good choices. She saluted the parents who attended and the support they have given their children in attending the program and coming to graduation. She acknowledged that it was also “not an easy path for parents during this journey.”
Bridging the Gap Program Director Rae Domicolo said she has met with each of them and she has seen changes in each individual. The youth “have already accomplished goals in their life and should focus on strength, gratitude and compassion.”
She also thanked the community agencies who participated in the program with the students. “You now have a second chance; everyone here has helped you and wants you to be a success.” Teens who have completed the Bridging the Gap program will have their criminal charges dismissed.
“It’s a very powerful program,” noted Penny Morley, prevention director for Farnham Family Services in Oswego and one of the agencies who presented to the students.
The program serves to ‘bridge the gap’ between youth and community services by working cooperatively and effectively with the Oswego County District Attorney’s office, County Probation Department, local law enforcement, schools and health care organizations.
The Oswego Salvation Army received a three year funding grant from the Army’s Eastern Territory Thomas Lyle Williams Fund to start the program.
Through the curriculum, Bridging the Gap Between Youth and Community Services® offers a diversion program that tackles criminal behavior among youthful offenders by providing specific and useful alternatives for unhealthy behavior.
Goals of the program are to:
- Remove the arrest from the juvenile’s criminal record
- Lower recidivism rates
- Have students graduate from high school or complete a GED and
- Improve student communications with parents, teachers and police