After-school hours are a critical time for youth. That time can represent either an opportunity to learn and grow through quality after-school programs, or a time of risk to youth’s health and safety. There has been recent press coverage of the increase in gang activity and rise in the prevalence drug dealing and drug use throughout Hudson County. That’s why the organizers of the Crossfire Teen Group, an after school program in the Hoboken Housing Authority, say that effective after-school programs are more important than ever.
They say that those hours are the peak time for juvenile crime and risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug use. They agreed that after-school programs offer a healthy and positive alternative. Every school day, from 4 to 6 p.m., youths ages 12 to 18 from the Housing Authority gather to learn lessons about pressing teen topics such as drug abuse, peer pressure, teen sex, smoking and teen pregnancy. The group often has group speakers and has open discussions about the difficult issues that these teens face everyday.
According to the program’s director, Alicia Rodriguez, who is also the Housing Authority’s teen outreach counselor, and her volunteer assistant Joe DiMonde, the program focuses on outreach facets, but it’s also place that students can relax, unwind and spend time with friends.
According to them, in addition to the educational aspects, the teens participate in computer lessons, arts and crafts activities, cooking classes, field trips, volunteer events, and mixers with teens from other area housing authorities. “When there kids here they are off the streets and out of trouble,” said Rodriguez Tuesday. “We’re able to help them with their homework, and they are able to be with their friends. If we’re able to help 20 to 25 kids a year, that’s a real accomplishment.”
She also said that students that come out of the program not only do well for themselves, but also for their neighborhood. “They’re able to go out and be successful, go to college, get good jobs, and then when they come back they are great role models,” she said.
The teens polled at Thursday night’s meeting said that they really enjoy the program. Eighth grader Angelica Sanabria said that she enjoys the computer class Mondays and cooking class Thursdays. On this Thursday, the Crossfire Teen Group was baking cupcakes. Everyone was required to participate in the baking process. Some were busy mixing-up icing, others busy stirring up the batter. “We have to work together in a group,” said Sanabria.
Eighth grader Steven Gordillo said that the teen group is a good option to just hanging out. “It’s fun,” he said. “If you stay home, there’s nothing to do.”
The Crossfire Teen Group is open to every 12-to 18 year-old who lives in the Hoboken Housing Authority. For more information on the program call (201) 459-0466.