October Letter to Supporters

Dear Supporter, 

It’s hard to believe fall is already here.  There are many good things going on at the Police Center. 

As regular readers and subscribers to our blog already know, two student interns from Syracuse University are working with us on several projects.  Shana is starting an after school homework/tutoring program for area children.  Stephen is conducting a mail survey of over 400 participants in our events. Already, sixty six completed surveys have come back. We will be sharing the results of the survey on the blog.  

By the way, please subscribe to the blog if you haven't already done so.  You can have updates come to your email automatically, or use a reader to check out our notices.  It saves us money and serves you better.  Head to www.northsidepolice.com and click on the links to subscribe (or follow these instructions). 

So many good things are happening at the Center that it's tough to talk about what's not so good.  We find ourselves in a position where we can't commit to events until donations are received.  At this writing, we do not have funds for the Pumpkin Carving and Christmas Parties.  Things were tough enough for us with the impact of soaring gas prices.  Now with the other pressures on the economy, we're concerned that donations will remain down.

If there is ever a time that I can understand the temptation to keep rather than to give, it's now. Last Sunday, our associate pastor announced an opportunity to give $20 towards a program to provide school clothing and supplies to families in Sabine Pass who were recently impacted by Hurricane Ike.  He held up yellow construction paper cut out to look like little boys and girls, and invited anyone who wished to donate to write words of encouragement on the back of a cut out.   

As I exited the sanctuary, I saw the pastor standing off to the side of the Welcome Center, ready to receive the donations.  I walked past him and others who stopped to make a donation.  I thought to myself that I already placed a check in the donation plate.  Plus, I left my wallet in the console of the car.  Those were good enough excuses, I thought, as I sipped my coffee and waited while the pastor began a brief dedication of our newly renovated Welcome Center. 

While enjoying my coffee, I began to think how fortunate we were to have this nice big Welcome Center with lots of space for Sunday School rooms and offices. I also thought about how blessed I am, with ample clothing, plenty of food, electricity and a roof over my head.  The Sabine Pass children and families were without the basic things I take for granted. 

I quickly exited the building, retrieved my wallet from the car and gave a donation to someone who certainly could use it more than me. Yes, these are tough times. It’s easy for me to dwell on how much the economy has strained my budget. Plainly, I can not afford the things I could a year ago.  But my basic needs are met, while that family is going without.  That $20 will see a far greater use to the family it reaches than had it stayed with me. 

Please remember there are many families in our community with greater needs than ours. During these tough times they need our support more than ever. It doesn’t matter if it’s small local organizations like us, or others. The organizations you have supported during good economic times will have more people turning to them for help when there's a downturn.  We need your continued support during these tough times. 

Since funds are dangerously low, and donations have been down for a while, we may end up having to choose between programs to ensure we can have at least one event in the remaining months of this year.  I've been very reluctant to even consider the thought of cutting an event.  It’s not a matter of wanting to but doing what circumstances say we have to. 

The children look forward to all the events.  But we have to prioritize.  Our Christmas Party, which is usually attended by about 1,000 children and families, is coming up in about 12 weeks.  It's our biggest event by far and will be here before we know it.  The bottom line is, things aren't the same as they were in the past.  So we can't do things the same way we always have. 

Therefore, we will have the Halloween Safety Center on October 31, sponsored by Neighborhood Watch, who provides the cider and cookies.  The Police Center will be open and staffed from 4:30pm-9:00pm to inspect children’s candy. Volunteers wear costumes and provide refreshments to kids and parents. 

If we receive enough funds in response to this letter, we will decide whether we can hold these other events, according to this tentative schedule: 

• Pumpkin Picking - Tuesday, October 28, 4:30pm:  We bring the kids to a field where they pick their own pumpkins.  200 pumpkins are needed for the pumpkin carving contest. Then we return to the Police Center to decorate for Halloween and enjoy snacks.
  
• Pumpkin Carving Party- Thursday, October 30, 5:00pm:  We invite area families to the Police Center to carve pumpkins and enjoy a free harvest meal. 

Donations needed include:  Pumpkins, candy, pumpkin carving kits, candles, decorations, food, drinks, cups, paper plates, napkins or checks to help us pay for supplies. 

If you are interested in helping or have any questions, please call me at (315)471-3257.

Sincerely yours,

Officer Clarke 

Volunteers Needed: Survey Mailing

Hey folks,

If you are interested in helping us with the mailing of our surveys, the date and time is Wednesday September 17, 2:00pm at the Police Center. If you want to help call 471-3257 to let me know you are coming.

Thank you,
Officer Clarke

Thanks to our Anonymous Benefactor

Bright and cheerful petunias on display near the front entrance of the Police Center.

These flowers were planted and are taken care of by someone who has chosen to remain unknown to us. They are a welcome and beautiful addition to our entrance.

Thank you to whomever is responsible.

Officer Clarke

Evaluating Our Programs

The Police Center relies on volunteers to assist with operations and programs. Without them, we would not be able to do much of what we do.

We often need help with the day to day work, and that makes it a real challenge to take on big or long term needs. One of those needs is to evaluate our programs to show they're working and supporting our community policing mission.

To move that idea forward, we have tapped into Syracuse University's program at Maxwell that involves students in service to the community. After we brainstormed ideas regarding how these students could help us and learn something useful at the same time, we submitted proposals and they were accepted. Now a few Maxwell undergrads will be working with us to handle some important projects.

One student will be collecting information that tells us whether our community policing mission is being met through our events for children and families. He will survey participants. We've asked him to blog, and in the near future he'll be telling you more.

We plan to mail 800-1,000 surveys with return postage. Labor will be supplied at no cost. Postage is estimated to cost $850.

You may wonder, “Why spend money on just getting answers to some questions?” There are a few reasons:

• If the results are favorable to our efforts, we may be able to use the data to seek new sources of funds.
• We may use the information to continue or enhance Police Department support of our non-traditional policing efforts.
• We may use the information to better serve our community.
• We will be helping an SU student learn, and meet a requirement of his course.
• Working with SU students will open doors for additional collaborative efforts.

I always try to be on offense, pushing forward with youth and family programs that put police and citizens working together to solve problems. There is value in this approach. At the same time, I have to protect these programs, as some do not see value in them.

If survey results come in and indicate a favorable response to our programs, it will add some backing to what our experience tells us. The results will also be a stepping stone to more data collection in the future. During these times of pressure on budgets, we need information like this that tells current and new donors that our efforts at the Police Center are worthwhile.

If you wish to partner with us in this project, you may help by:

• Donating stamps or envelops for the mailing and return of surveys;
• Donating your time to help address, stamp and stuff envelopes (I will set aside an afternoon in the very near future September 18th or 22nd are possible dates);
• Make a monetary donation for us to purchase the supplies we need;
• Filling out and returning the survey, if you receive one.

Once the surveys are returned and the data is tabulated, I'll be sure the results are posted here.

Your continued support will make this project possible.

Thank you,


Officer Clarke

The Difference A Donor Makes

We've added a new feature: The ability to donate online.

Press the button located in the right margin and you will be taken to a secure site where you can make a donation. It looks like this:

Who Benefits?

The Northside Community Police Center relies almost entirely on donations for operations and programs. The City of Syracuse Police Department allocates funds for the officer's salary, equipment (car, radio, etc.) and telephone. The remainder of expenses, including the facility, utilities, other operational and all program costs are funded by private donations.

Area businesses and residents say that having a police presence located in the neighborhood is of value to them. The Center has received regular support from their generous donations, which has directly benefited them, as well as other residents and many neighborhood youth.

But other people benefit as well. All kinds of people walk into the Police Center. A business person seeking immediate assistance with a loitering problem, a victim of domestic violence needing a coat, a few moments of respite in a safe place and some advice, an individual trying to avoid a road rage incident, and a person needing shelter and a good listener, have all walked into the Police Center within recent months.

So have victims of theft, criminal mischief and other crimes. The presence of a police cruiser parked out front is immediately identifiable. Whether or not people live or work near the Center, they regularly walk in seeking help with problems.

Your monetary donation of any amount is especially important at this time, and will be greatly appreciated.

Donating online is quick and convenient on Network For Good's secure site. There is an administrative fee deducted from your donation to cover the costs of online donations that goes to them.

Cash or checks can also be received at the Center in person or by mail, or we will come to your location. Checks should be made out to "The Northside Community Center of Syracuse, Inc.".

We're located at 255 Wolf Street, Syracuse, New York, 13208.

Summer Letter to Supporters

Officer Clarke with youth who recently volunteered
at Young Pheasant Release program.

Dear Supporters,

Our summer events are well under way. Unfortunately, Police Center funds are critically low. High gas prices have impacted our youth programming efforts. Whether it’s the cost of transporting youth to and from programs or picking up supplies, it all adds up.

Your past support has enabled us to provide regular youth programming throughout the year. We truly are in need of your help to continue these events. We’re currently seeking support for these upcoming events and programs:

• The Free Summer Breakfast and Lunch Program has begun. Monday through Friday 30 breakfasts and 60 lunches are made available to area children at the Police Center. Additional donations of hand soap and paper towels are costly supplies that are needed to supplement what is provided by the Food Bank. We urgently need these items to run this program.

• Our annual “Picnic With the Police and Fire Departments” is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 11:00am – 4:30pm, (rain date Friday 1st August) in Washington Square Park. We are expecting an attendance of over 1,000 people. The picnic is a fun time for children and families in the community. Each year we offer free food, drinks and prizes for the families that attend. This is a big event and requires much planning and community support.

If you are interested in helping make our event a success, please consider donating: Hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls, drinks, ice (lots of ice for snow cones), snacks, napkins, paper plates, cups, Polaroid film, game prizes, face paints, etc. for approximately 900 neighborhood children.

If you wish to make a monetary donation, checks may be made out to the “Northside Community Police Center Fund” and mailed to 255 Wolf St, Syracuse, N.Y. 13208. Donations may be dropped off at the Northside Community Police Center or one of the Police Center volunteers will pick the items up at your business.

Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions, want to volunteer your time or the time of your employees, please contact me at 471-3257. Since this is a community event, please bring your families and employees to the picnic for lunch.

• Our Summer Camping Trip will take place in August. We will be in need of donations for that event. Details will be posted on our site.

• My daughter Alyssa recently graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College and is assisting us again this summer with the Free Meal Program. She is also planning reading and craft making activities for the children. Donations to assist with the purchase of supplies are needed.

An easy way to help us reduce expenses is to link with us online. Many of you visited our new website when it was launched in March, and since then we've seen steady growth and regular visitors from around the world. Subscribers have increased dramatically in recent weeks, and we appreciate those of you who are loyal readers.

Please continue to visit our website www.northsidepolice.com to access all the latest information on the main page. But don’t stop there. We need you to link with us so that updates can be sent to you in a timely fashion by email instead of snail mail.

The recent postage increase makes printing and mailing 2,000 letters and cards five times or more per year a burden on the budget. The letters have been posted on our site since January, along with frequent updates and articles of interest to supporters. The photos included in the cards can be accessed from our site as well, along with many more. Now you can subscribe to the blog from the main page of our website and receive our updates automatically.

In addition, please get added to our email list. To do so, go to our website home page, click on “Contact” and fill out the form, including your email address.

In other news, the Syracuse Police Dept. recently transitioned over to a new handgun. We are now carrying the Smith & Wesson M&P 45. As a Firearms Instructor, I have assisted with the transition classes over the past few months. I’ll be writing a blog post on the new handguns in the near future.

Last week, I assisted our DARE officers with their summer youth program, “G.R.E.A.T.” (Gang Resistance Education and Training). My role consisted of team building and instruction on the Ropes Challenge Course. Following that session, I became aware that the Young Pheasant Release program needed volunteers to assist in affixing blinders on the birds. So I asked the group and a few children volunteered to assist. You can read more about these events by visiting our site. The next group of G.R.E.A.T. youth will be going through the program July 28th-August 1st. I’ll be working with them again.

Remember, subscribe online to receive updates on these and other things happening at the Police Center.

Sincerely,

James K. Clarke
Police Officer
Northside Community Police Center

Monster Jam

Saturday, May 31st, 2008
New York State Fairgrounds
Syracuse, New York

PIT PARTY* 3:00PM - 6:00PM

Tickets $12 - Includes Free *Pit Pass & Souvenir Book

Call Us! (315)471-3257 email

Support DARE!

Sundries for Sunday

"What's in my overnight travel sundries bag",
originally uploaded by Michelle Lyles.

While you're out selecting a card and gift for Mother's Day, consider meeting the basic needs of a less privileged mom.

Pick up a few extra sundry items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, or soap. If you're so inclined, add something extra and unexpected that a woman would appreciate.Then drop the items off at any public library location across Onondaga County in the designated barrels.

These items will be collected through May 10 on behalf of the Interreligious Food Consortium's "Mother's Day Non-Food Drive". The IRC will package and distribute the items to their clients.

Sundries are essential but rarely included in other types of collections, and are costly for a needy person to purchase. Mothers are sometimes overlooked in the various outreaches to children, yet they're often the primary caregivers. These distributions of sundries to needy mom's are appreciated, and make them feel special.

Keep on Giving, CNY: Adult/Teen Dialogue

"May Day Basket", originally uploaded by Barbara KB.

Congratulations to all the winners of "Oprah's Big Give CNY"! A large portion of the funds are going towards youth services, and we think that's great.

We're still seeking supporters for the "Adult/Teen Dialogue" that will engage youth with supportive Law Enforcement Officers (LEO's) in a dynamic learning environment.

The goal of this program is to teach and reinforce good values in young people, strengthening their internal compasses that can result in better life choices . As a tactic in our community policing strategy, investing in youth and equipping them with the capacity to make better decisions results in lower incidences of drug and alcohol abuse, delinquency, crime and other problems.

“Instilling Positive Values” is one of the key “developmental assets” or essential building blocks that research has shown has a positive impact on the lives of youth. These assets provide a foundation for kids as they grow. Good adult role models can provide young people with guidance as they put the values they’re learning into practice. Quality adult connections provide a safety net that is especially important during the teen years.

Depending on the resources received, up to four groups of 20 youth (up to 80) will have an opportunity to go through the program, along with four groups of 10 LEO's (up to 40) who will assume the role of “Asset Builders”. Young people living on the North side of Syracuse will be targeted as a priority, as will the officers who work in community policing and other capacities with youth and families. But any teen or officer who expresses an interest in participating is encouraged to contact us.

Each of four six hour programs will begin with a three hour “Teen Night Out”, where youth will be guided by facilitators in ice-breakers and skill building exercises. These fun and challenging group activities will prepare the youth to assume leadership roles as the session progresses.

In the next three hour session the following day, teens will practice what they learned by leading officer’s through an Adult/Teen Dialogue to build greater understanding and strengthen these relationships.

The primary outcome of this program is to reinforce the value of treating others with dignity and respect in participants, and show them how to put this into practice. By getting to know one another as individuals, discussing past experiences with each other and their perceptions, communicating effectively and other learning opportunities, participants will learn to value others as individuals, and treat them with dignity and respect.

We want to make this opportunity available to any interested and motivated young person who wants to be involved in a positive program that will give them a foundation for their short and long term development.

$1,750 will make that a reality for up to 40 city youth this year who will receive an experience that can make a positive impact on their lives. $3,500 will enable us to double the amount of participants.

Equipping young people with tools needed to make better decisions can result in a healthier community for all.

If you are interested in learning more or want to participate, please email us or call (315)471-3257.

Syracuse Chief's Season Opens

Now that the Chief's baseball season is underway, it's time to get outdoors for an afternoon of watching a ballgame with a child. This can be a fun activity for tweens, before they lose interest in doing much of anything with parents.

The stadium is a nice facility, the seats are comfortable and the new turf will add to the experience. Parking is plentiful, good views are available and the facility is accessible by bus. General Admission tickets are $10, and $4 for youth under 12.

From time to time, we have complementary tickets available to the Syracuse Chief's games, thanks to the generosity of area business owners and others who donate them for the use of neighbors and supporters.

If you're planning an outing, give us a call at (315)471-3257. And if you'd like to take a child along with your family, let us know.

Instilling Positive Values in Kids

One of the most important gifts an adult can give a child is to teach them good values. Consistent relationships with adults who behave with integrity is essential for their character development.

Some children lack this quality of relationship with their parents, or the primary adults in their lives, and it plays a part in their behavior. Other adults who come into contact with these children can have a constructive role in their development when they offer what is needed, positive youth-adult connections, where kids can observe good values put into action.

We're in the process of planning a series of programs that engage youth with supportive Law Enforcement Officers in a dynamic learning environment. The goal of this program is to teach and reinforce good values in youth, strengthening their internal compasses that can result in better decisions.

“Instilling Positive Values” is one of the key “developmental assets” or essential building blocks that research has shown has a positive impact on the lives of youth. They provide a foundation for kids as they grow. Good adult role models can provide young people with guidance as they put the values they’re learning into practice. These connections provide a safety net that is especially important during the teen years.

Assuming we're able to secure all of the required resources, we plan to engage city youth with Law Enforcement Officers in a series of Adult/Teen Dialogue Sessions. Four groups of 20 youth (up to 80) will have an opportunity to go through the program, along with four groups of 10 Law Enforcement Officers (up to 40) who will assume the role of “Asset Builders”. Young people living on the Northside of Syracuse will be targeted as a priority, as will the Officers who work in the community with youth and families in various capacities. But any teen or Officer who expresses an interest in participating is encouraged to contact us.

Each of four six hour programs will begin with a three hour “Teen Night Out”, where youth will be guided by facilitators in ice-breakers and skill building exercises. These fun and challenging group activities will prepare the youth to assume leadership roles as the session progresses. In the next three hour session the following day, teens will practice what they learned by leading Officer’s through an Adult/Teen Dialogue to build greater understanding and strengthen these relationships.

The primary outcome of this program is to reinforce the value of treating others with dignity and respect in participants, and show them how to put this into practice. By getting to know one another as individuals, discussing past experiences with each other and their perceptions, communicating effectively and other learning opportunities, participants will learn to value others as individuals, and treat them with dignity and respect.

The program will be available on a first-come, first served basis, giving priority to teens living on the Northside of Syracuse and Officers who are engaged with youth and their families. While we regularly involve city kids in events throughout the year, this program is particularly suited to tweens and teens.

We want to make this opportunity available to any interested and motivated young person who wants to be involved in a positive program that will give them a foundation for their short and long term development. $3,500 in funding will make that a reality for up to 80 city youth this year who will receive an experience that can make a positive impact on their lives. Equipping them with tools needed to make better decisions can result in a healthier community for all.

We have sought funding for this program from 9WSYR's "Oprah's Big Give CNY" giveaway. Supporters who partner with us in the planning stage of this endeavor can make this program available to more young people in our community.

If you are interested in learning more or want to participate, email us or call (315)471-3257.

Thinkin' Orange

Four years ago Tuesday night, Orange fans.

Remember?

Yep, we're a lil let down.

Since the Orange hoop season is officially over, and winter's hanging on for dear life, why not take a kid to a Syracuse Men's Lacrosse game? They're having another winning season. (Editor's Note: This just in: The Orange were ranked number #1 in the country after their win last Saturday against Loyola.)

The schedule includes a lot of Saturday and Sunday afternoon games, and one Friday nighter coming up. If they keep up this pace, they'll make it well past the regular season and give us an encore.

Did you know youth tickets (age 14 and younger) are only $4?

For $10 a child can be given a membership in 'Cuse Kids . That gets them into all Men's Lax and Women's Hoops games for free, plus other bennies, like t-shirts and chances to be rubbin' elbows with Otto. (Does he have 'em?)

We know kids who would love to be taken to the Dome with an adult or a family. If you'd like to make a connection, give Officer Clarke a call at (315)471-3257.

Teens Enjoy Easter Party.

"DSC03997", originally uploaded by northsidepolice.

These happy faces were among those of the many children who attended the event last Thursday, ranging in age from 6 months to over 16 years old.

You can make a difference in the life of a child. These are simple actions every adult can take to give kids what they need.

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

["Bloomin Crocus's! (Croci ?) (Crocus' ?"), by Allie's.Dad.]

Seneca reminds us that in order for something new to begin, the old has to end.

The seasons are like that. On this Easter Monday, winter doesn't seems to want to let go even though the first day of spring arrived last Friday.

In spite of the cold, we can see all the signs of spring as plants force their way through the soil. The days are lengthening and they're sunnier. The robins have appeared and are at work. The change of seasons takes quite an effort.

Part of the change is taking actions to turn away from the old season. It is time for spring.

We'd like to help winter end by removing it's reminders. We need a spring cleaning.

A lot of debris blew around the last few days with the high winds. The road dust has accumulated on the walkway and windows, and has been tracked indoors. Seeing this every day is a reminder of the old season when we're thinking of the new.

Would you help us? We could use some hands to pick up the debris that has collected outside. The windows need to be washed. The brick walls and sidewalks need a hose-down with a pressure washer.

Inside, our carpets need to be cleaned. A thorough spring cleaning by a skilled crew would be great.

If you can assist us with any of the above or in some other way, please give us a call at 471-3257. Thanks!