CELEBRATING ABSTINENCE - EMPOWERING YOUTH TO A POSITIVE FUTURE

Families United to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Families United to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (FUPTP) gets more exciting each year. Earlier this year, FUPTP was named Youth Program of the Year by the Youth Serving Agencies Coalition (YSAC). In addition, Dominique Jones was named YSAC's Youth Worker of the year. In August, Six of our mentors along with DeShawn Ewing attended the Youth Adult Partnership Leadership Training. This 4 day 3 night intensive workshop proved once again, that our youth are some of the best in the city.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the daily program! Coming off a great school year, FUPTP rocked its way into a sizzling hot summer program! Held this year at St. Leo's Urban Academy, FUPTP and Teens on the Move (see sidebar) served 100 youth between the ages of 9-18 years.

FUPTP is a program for youth between the ages of 9-17 years, which teaches life skills, and adheres to the message of abstinence as the basis of the program. In addition to our usual curriculum topics (self-esteem, communication and social skills, goal setting, values, relationships, male/female anatomy, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases), the youth participated in field trips, and even raised their own funds to travel to Wisconsin Dells. Deb Schober, FUPTP Program Manager said, "Our youth wanted to go to the Dells, and the only way we could afford to go was through fund raising. So, we took the curriculum topics and put them to practical use, by setting and achieving goals. The participants held a bake sale, car washes every Saturday morning, had a penny drive, a quarter carnival, and even sold candy. In total, we raised over $1,000, which was enough to take us to the Dells! I think the mentees and mentors appreciated it more this year because they earned it." In addition, FUPTP visited Cool Waters, the zoo and Havenwoods Forest. "We brought in the Milwaukee Public Theater who did drama and dance with the kids, and Artists Working in Education (AWE) who did art projects for one week," Deb said. Another exciting activity were the Power Point presentations that each participant created on the curriculum topics.

Teens on the Move took a tour of UWM, and visited an art exhibit entitled, Children of Children, held by Milwaukee Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition. They also became entrepreneurs by making and selling jewelry.

Every year, the FUPTP mentees hold a talent and award show, showcasing skits, dances, and raps based on curriculum topics. All of the groups this year were outstanding. Awards were given to two individuals who went above and beyond anyone's expectations. Toya Kimbrough was Mentor of the Year, and Nyesha Stokes was the Mentee of the Year.

The summer program's grand finale was the Abstinence Rally in Cathedral Square on August 2, 2002. With funding provided by WAIT (see sidebar), we had the best rally ever! All youth agencies in Milwaukee, who promote abstinence through their programs were invited, as well as community members and Friends of Rosalie.

The rally began with all of our youth and Rosalie staff marching from City Hall to Cathedral Square, led by a drum group from the Milwaukee Public Theater. With purple flags, lime green T-shirts, banners and drums, we were hard to miss! Once at the park, we were treated to a performance by Adjula, an African dance group. Our program kicked off with motivational speaker, Craig Campbell. Through his message, he empowered youth to believe they could do whatever they set their minds to because they truly are our future. He was followed by Mary Louise Kurey, Miss Wisconsin 1999. Speaking on her platform of abstinence, she explained that youth had the power to make positive choices, and they didn't need to give in to peer pressure because their bodies and health are too important to their future success. There were also performances by FUPTP mentees including "Abstinent Angels" dance group, the "So So Def Squad," the "Abstinent Steppers" and a rap by Mentor of the Year, Toya Kimbrough.

After the program, all attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by T 'N T Food Factory, music by Sweet Sounds of Music, and face painting by the Milwaukee Public Theater.

This fall, FUPTP is offered in five schools including St. Leo's Urban Academy, Congress Elementary School, Loyola Academy, Westside Academy II and Maryland Avenue. In addition, FUPTP is held Saturday mornings beginning in October.

For more information on FUPTP, curriculum presentations, or enrollment, please contact Walter Goodwyn at 414-449-2868 ext. 216 or rmwgoodwyn@access4less.net.