FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Milwaukee, WI
August 8, 2016
Contact: Sharon Selz; 414-977-5064; Email: sselz@stanncenter.org
Twenty-eight Milwaukee youth will be recognized for their service to the community at the 7th annual Gwen T. Jackson Award Banquet on Thursday, August 18, at 6 p.m., at St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care-Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Avenue.
The honorees are members of St. Ann Center’s Buddy Program which offers service learning, mentoring and educational opportunities to youth ages 11 to 15. This unique program connects youth with older adults and people with disabilities in Milwaukee area senior centers and adult day programs. This summer, the Buddies committed nearly 800 hours to intergenerational activities designed to promote compassion, respect for diversity, and a peaceful community.
The theme of the evening, “I Have a Say in My Future,” will involve the Buddies in a Future Mapping exercise led by Alie Kriofske, a youth leadership specialist. Kriofske and co-facilitators will help the young people review where they are now and guide them in creating a map to a bright and responsible future.
Youth who successfully complete the Buddy Program will receive certificates, stipends and back-to-school backpacks as tokens of appreciation for their service at the celebration dinner named for Gwen T. Jackson, a lifelong Milwaukee volunteer and community leader. Following her example, the Buddies joined older adults at seven community centers, playing games, creating art projects, reading and discussing the news, and sharing life stories and experiences.
Buddies to be honored include: Amari Poe, Anna Kraco, Antonio Gates, Armarion Ross, Asia Blevins, Camya Coleman-Vance, Corianna Nabers, Danielle Prophet, Dejon Winfield-Gates, Demetrius Batchelor Jr., Deshunna Washington, Devan McAlister, Indiana Tharpe, Isaiah Mitchell, Jalen McBeath, Jerrielle Rutledge, Joshua Cobb, Kiara Bentley, La’Dajha Carter, Madison Roby, Marianna Lee, Markayla Houston, Markel Wilson, Miracle Jones, Phillip Daniels Jr., Sania Gray, Talanesha Anderson-Carolina and William Thomas-Rodgers.
For 13 years, St. Ann Center’s Buddy Program has provided Milwaukee’s youth with skills needed to work with others who are different from them while developing self-esteem, a positive work ethic and the ability to make wise life decisions. Along with their volunteer service, they participate in job shadowing and learn skills needed to secure and maintain a job.
For more information on St. Ann Center’s Buddy Program, contact Dayo Akande at (414) 977-5004; dakande@stanncenter.org.