Holiday Party Collaboration For the Youth

(Newburgh) - Newburgh APPS (Adolescent Pregnancy and Prevention Services) and Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley TASA & GOALS hosted a holiday party in the City of Newburgh for pregnant, parenting and at risk youth in the City of Newburgh on December 15.
The event was held at Calvary Presbyterian Church and was attended by approximately 40 area youth and their children. “Everything came together very well,” said APPS Coordinator Jennifer Howard.

The children were treated to pizza, soda and snacks. There were several arts and crafts projects for the kids surrounding the holidays. One project involved making a Christmas ornament that could be hung on the Christmas tree.
There was even a surprise visit by Santa Claus. Jolly Saint Nick gave out gifts and took photos with the children, as he listened to their holiday wishes. The children received toys which were donated by Toys for Tots, the Orange County Parks Department, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County and Maternal Infant Services Network.

Not to be called Ebenezer Scrooge, Howard made sure that everyone at the party was given a gift. “We didn’t leave the parents out,” Howard said, “we gave them little holiday gift bags.” They included nail polish, body scrubs, pens and of course literature from APPS, TASA & Goals. Howard also discussed relaxation technique’s parents could use to reduce the level of stress. “This can be one of the most stressful times of the year,” Howard said. “As parents, its important to know how to deal with it in a constructive manner, so it doesn’t affect the children in a negative way.”

One of the stress reduction techniques was demonstrated by Robin Pettway. She was set up at a table in the back of the room, giving free hand massage’s, which help reduce one’s stress level. “Massage is a wonderful way to relax,” Pettway said. She also brought along oils and soaps for demonstrating.

Newburgh APPS is funded by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and provides pregnancy prevention programming and parenting services to youth in the Greater Newburgh Community. For free information about free or low cost health insurance, prenatal care or breastfeeding support, call Maternal Infant Services Network at 1-800-453-4666.

Pictured Above: Child at party tells Santa what he wants for christmas.
Pictured to the Right: Zi’are and his mother were making picture frames during the event.