Newburgh Free Academy Hosts Community Day

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – The theme for the day was “Strong Values, Strong Families.”  Its positive message could be spotted everywhere throughout Newburgh Free Academy’s North Campus Saturday.

Beginning at 8am for a breakfast session, Parent University was at the forefront, registering over 190 Newburgh Enlarged City School parents. Participants were treated to an array of informative workshops, capped off by potent words from Keynote Speaker, Angela Winfield.

A graduate of Newburgh Free Academy, as well as author, attorney, inspirational speaker and lifecoach, Winfield is legally blind. Speaking about resilience, and the need to develop it in life, ourselves, and our children in order to deal with life’s challenges, Winfield was able to capture the audience’s attention throughout her entire talk.

“Sometimes people face that flight or fight mentality when there is a challenge,” pointed out Pamela Peterson, Director of Family and Community Engagement (FACE.) “The flight is not a choice for our kids; they need to make sure they have the grit and determination to deal with fighting; today was successful with the information we gave out, and many parents said they enjoyed hearing the Keynote Speaker as well as the workshops they attended.”

Later on, in the afternoon, a lunch segment was provided, where a “Community Day” event took place. Here, a host of area vendors, including; Maternal Infant Services Network, Newburgh Free Library, MVP Health Care, Planned Parenthood, Cornerstone Family Healthcare and the Orange County Department of Mental Health lent their expertise. Whether it was giving out fresh fruits and vegetables, asssessing health surveys, or simply providing informative pamphlets, each guest service was pivotal in making the afternoon productive and educational. Yet another critical agency on site Saturday was TEAM Newburgh, whose focus for the afternoon was on some of the dangers connected to prescription drugs.

“We work very close with the Newburgh Schools as a partner with the Coalition; we came here today to talk to parents because of the grant we have for the ‘I Swear not to Share Campaign,’” said Regina Cieslak, TEAM Newburgh Coordinator. “It is aimed at not sharing prescription drugs; today we gave out pledge cards, dog tags to kids who signed them, as well as information on heroin and the dangers associated with some prescription and other drugs.”

By the days end, many walked away more informed and aware as well as pleased with the full day of crucial offerings.

“I thought Parent University this morning was very well organized, from the registration to the Keynote Speaker; Ms. Angela Winfield was inspirational and thoughtful, sitting with parents during her workshop and helping us create a life plan,” said Vanessa Rice, parent of children in the Newburgh Enlarged School District. “This is my fourth year attending this event, and it continues to provide information to help equip parents; I always enjoy myself and walk away fulfilled.”

Both organizations have future events slated on their calendars. TEAM Newburgh will host a “Rally for Hope” on May 20, 2017, from 11-1 at the park next to The Ritz. Meanwhile, the next Parent University meeting will be held on October 28, 2017.

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