Warren County agencies partner to fill school backpacks for local youths
WARREN COUNTY, NY -- A public-private partnership pulled together by the Warren County Probation Department outfitted 14 local youth recently with new backpacks, books, school supplies, snacks and personal hygiene products just in time for the new school year.
The young people who benefited from the donations are individuals with whom the Probation Department has been working in a variety of programs.
Probation Department staff, local businesses, Warren County departments and local organizations helped to fill backpacks with supplies for school and home to make sure their school year began on a good note.
“We wanted to ensure our young people started the school year well, and we are thankful for the help we had from our community partners to put together backpacks filled with items that they will need in school and at home,” said Robert Iusi, Warren County Director of Probation.
When they picked up their new backpacks, the young people and their family members also received some helpful information from community leaders as they return to school.
Community guest speakers included Roxanne Macaulay Westcott, from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County and Y-ReCONNECTS Parent Ambassador, who provided families with back-to-school tips for establishing a routine, importance of class attendance, communicating with teachers and learning healthy habits. Mike Gray, Director of the Warren & Washington Counties Youth Bureau, offered information about resources available to them.
Jason McLaughlin, Executive Director of WAIT House, talked of programs his agency offers to youth and families while warning of the local dangers of human trafficking, and Sam Luciano, President of Fort William Henry Resort, spoke of how actions define individuals and detailed the wealth of employment opportunities available to local teens.
“Our probation officers are creative in finding meaningful ways to engage our youth and our volunteer educators provided some good, real-life tips. The consensus was that we wanted to show our youth and families that our community is here to encourage and support their success,” explained Amy Secor, Warren County Probation Supervisor.
Thank you to Warren County Health Services, Fort William Henry Resort, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, Ben Osborn Memorial Fund, Glens Falls Rotary Club, and Schoolapalooza for their donation of items for the backpacks!