(Peekskill Councilwoman Marybeth McGowan, Youth Director Valerie Swan, Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster, Senator Greg Ball along with students from The Peekskill Youth Bureau )
Peekskill, N.Y. – (10/20/11) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C – Patterson) joined Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster and Councilwoman Marybeth McGowan at a meeting of the Peekskill Agencies Together (P.A.T.) Coalition, a group that aims to reduce youth substance abuse in the City of Peekskill.
Over 30 organizations were represented at the roundtable including Family Ties of Westchester County, The Department of Social Services, The Peekskill Library, Child Protective Services, Hudson River Health Care and The Salvation Army.
Senator Ball commended P.A.T. for its hard work, “This is our future. It is vital that programs like this stay in place to keeps kids out of trouble and in school. I applaud all the organizations that are involved in P.A.T., that collectively do their part, to create a safe and prosperous environment for our young people.”
The P.A.T. Coalition understands that prevention work extends beyond simply telling our youth to stay away from alcohol and other drugs:
- It is reducing the ability of youth in our community to access alcohol and other drugs;
- It is ensuring that youth and parents alike are provided with sufficient information;
- It is affirming and recognizing the youth that participate in positive activities;
- It is strengthening community bonds and increasing community collaboration;
P.A.T. Execute Director Valerie Swan addressed the roundtable, “We all serve together with one common denominator, to serve the youth of our community.” Swan also stressed the importance of early intervention and keeping the youth busy and off the streets.
“The reason this coalition is so successful is because all these different groups wear many different hats,” said Peekskill Mayor Foster. The Mayor has been an active member of the coalition and is determined to keep the program thriving and helping youth throughout the city.
The coalition is currently looking for more funding from the state and federal government to support their programs and to keep the local youth out of trouble and in school.
For more information or to speak with Senator Ball, please contact Ali Skinner: (845) 200-9716.
