Somerset County Teens Invited to Youth Council Program

Deadline Extended to March 19

BRIDGEWATER – Freeholder Shanel Y. Robinson invites county youth in grades seven to 12 to the Somerset County Youth Council’s annual Safe Night program on Saturday, March 30, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Ted Blum 4-H Center, located at 310 Milltown Road. This year’s program is titled “Diversity Isn’t Just About Black and White.” The registration deadline has been extended to Tuesday, March 19.

“The Youth Council is celebrating its 20th annual Safe Night program by focusing on the importance of diversity. We encourage participants to wear a variety of different colors to help promote the diversity theme,” said Freeholder Robinson, human services liaison. “This program is important because it brings youth from around the county together in a fun-filled, safe environment. It also provides an opportunity to share experiences, make new friends and learn leadership and coping skills.”

Admission is $2, which includes refreshments. Seating is limited to the first 150 registrants. Youth can register online at http://bit.ly/SafeNight19 or by contacting Sarah Murchison at 908-704-6307 or murchis@co.somerset.nj.us.

The program will begin with an introduction by students Natalie Sheik and Jamie Moni, co-chairs of the Somerset County Youth Council, and a welcome by Freeholder Robinson. The event also will include an “Improvisation on Diversity” presented by the Hillsborough High School Theatre Council, a magic show, board games, yoga, team building, a sports corner and minutes-to-win-it games.

Today’s youth are no different than many generations before them. The temptation to experiment with drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, the misuse of drugs as study aids, the struggle with mental health and substance use disorders and the desire to help friends who may be on the wrong path are very real.

The Youth Council’s “Safe Night” program offers teens an evening planned by their peers, with assistance from adults, that focuses on having fun without alcohol, drugs, weapons and arguments.

Students attending the party will earn three and a half hours Community Service Learning credit. Certificates will be awarded.

This year’s “Diversity Isn’t Just About Black or White” program is presented by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Somerset County Youth Council and EmPoWER Somerset.

“Safe Night” was started by former police officer Olusegun “Olu” Sijuwade through the City of Milwaukee Health Department in 1994. It is recognized by the National Crime Prevention Council as a model violence-prevention program.

To stay up to date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/subscribe or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.