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For Immediate Release
Date: February 10, 2007
Contact: Andrea Bonner, Executive Director, The Sad Café
(603) 642-9930
andreabonner1@comcast.net

The Sad Cafe Welcomes AmeriCorps Volunteer

The Sad Café is pleased to announce they have teamed up with the AmeriCorp Organization and its PlusTime NH Program to bring on board Donna Rooney for a six month full-time volunteer position “We are extremely fortunate to have Ms. Rooney join our staff,” says Andrea Bonner, Executive Director of The Sad Café. “She brings enormous energy, enthusiasm and experience that will serve to enhance and expand our programs for youth.”

Ms. Rooney, a local resident, recently graduated with a degree of Associates of Arts, in Human Services: Youth, Elderly and Community Services from Hesser College and has volunteered at Family Mediation and Juvenile Services in Atkinson. Ms. Rooney has an extensive background in administrative management and has strong community ties. "At this point in my life I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be, says Rooney. “ I want to thank the Sad Cafe for affording me an opportunity to serve youth in our community, in a program of such magnitude."

Ms. Rooney will be working with the Sad Café after school program, Steppingstone Music Arts (SMARTS) and out of school time programs to enrich the program offerings and strengthen community involvement. Ms. Rooney also coordinates as a volunteer a free Parent Support Group for the Sanborn/Timberlane Safe and Drug Free Community Coalition and Family Mediation and Juvenile Services, more information can be found at www.fmjs.org

PlusTime NH AmeriCorps program is designed to both address the need for additional out-of-school opportunities for NH youth, and also to meet the critical need for better quality opportunities for youth in the out-of-school time. Data from Kid's Count

2001 suggests that youth growing up in poverty are more likely to experience substance abuse, early parenting and court involvement than their more economically advantaged counterparts. PlusTimeNH AmeriCorps members implement programming to counter these trends through the promotion of youth developmental assets, as identified by the

Search Institute (2000). Examples of these assets include engaging youth in daily homework activities, helping youth develop skills to resist negative peer pressure, and helping youth develop a positive view of their personal futures. As a result, this program increases the number of youth who resist involvement in substance abuse, violence and sexual activity while simultaneously encouraging the development of positive social behavior.

Members also help after school programs become more involved with communities by recruiting local volunteers.. Members serve on local coalitions; they talk with school groups and community groups to increase the visibility of host-sites in order to promote program involvement with the community.

The Sad Café is a community based nonprofit serving youth and families by providing safe, substance free opportunities and supports and is the fiscal agent for the Sanborn/Timberlane Safe and Drug Free Community Coalition.

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