…that some of your friends, neighbors, co-workers, Town boards, agencies and local groups have been helping to support, empower, provide boundaries and set high expectations for Old Saybrook young people? These are the “asset-builders” -- those who help build developmental assets such as a commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies and a positive identity for our town’s youth.

Many of these asset builders have been part of Old Saybrook’s Healthy Communities Healthy Youth (HCHY) initiative, begun in response to studies involving hundreds of thousands of young people across the country. Everyone has the potential to offer meaningful support to our youth.

Here are just a few examples of asset-building in Old Saybrook:

• The Historical Society’s Junior Docent Program provides a meaningful role for kids who in turn become valuable advocates for the Society.

• The Fire Company’s Junior Firefighters and Police Department’s Explorers programs empower young people with concrete skills to make meaningful safety contributions in their community.

• The Rotary’s Interact Club at Saybrook High School and several Faith Community groups engage our young people in service to the local and national/international communities.

• Several Town Boards have active youth members who are directly involved in planning and decision-making.

• Parents who hold regular family meetings where every family member’s voice is heard.

• Caring neighbors who talk with kids on their block and ask about their interests.

All of us, in many different situations, can have a positive impact on a young person’s life. We want to hear from you about those efforts in Old Saybrook.

If you know someone or some group that is supporting, empowering or contributing to a constructive program for our youth, please let us know about it. Send an email to the HCHY Communication Sub-Committee c/o lmccall@town.old-saybrook.ct.us or drop a line to the committee c/o Youth and Family Services, 322 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.

Please also join us at the Community Summit: Asset Building Challenge October 22nd 7 – 8:30 pm at OS Middle School to learn more about our mission.

Submitted by the HCHY Town/Community Communication Sub-Committee: Judy Sullivan (Chamber of Commerce), Kathy Bai, Sheila Riffle & Karen vander Horst (OS Public Schools), Karen Bradshaw & Michele Hanly (Parents), Bill Sheahan & Sophie Alden (Youth), Jonathan Paradis, Larry Hayden & Linda McCall (OS Town Depts.)