Bowling, ice skating & more: New initiative to support Norwalk teens!
Teen Nights Out (TNO) will offer a series of fun, substance-free events for high school students in Norwalk, starting this month!
We're kicking things off with a bowling night at Bowlero on Friday, April 14th, followed by a skate night at SoNo Ice House on the 28th.
Why Teen Nights Out?
The Teen Nights Out initiative is the brainchild of The Norwalk Partnership, a city-wide coalition of community members and agencies working to prevent substance misuse and promote mental wellness in teens.
The idea developed in response to TNP's 2021 and 2022 Youth Surveys, which found high levels of depression and disconnectedness among Norwalk teens. The students who reported worse mental health also reported increased substance use. TNP members recognized a need to provide fun opportunities for students to socialize in a safe environment.
"One of the most common complaints from our teens is that there is nothing to do in Norwalk but eat and go to the movies. We remembered the times in our younger years when there were events that catered to teens in Stamford, CT. Clubs, for example, would dedicate Thursday nights to teens," explains Diana Revolus, an active member of TNP and owner of Ase Kreationz, who was part of the initial discussions.
It Takes a Village
The planning team involves multiple community partners involved with TNP, including Ase Kreationz, Community Services Department, Human Services Council, Norwalk ACTS, Norwalk Strong clubs, Positive Directions-The Center for Prevention & Counseling, Youth Business Initiative, The Norwalk Art Space, Triangle Community Center, and the Youth Services Advisory Board. On March 31st, a group of about 15 teens met at Youth Business Initiative to brainstorm future activities and ways to reach students who are most disconnected.
Initially, events will focus on high school aged students, who are at highest risk in terms of mental health and substance use, according to the Norwalk Youth Surveys conducted by Positive Directions. There will be a variety of activities and locations, in order to reach teens from all around town.
Funding is provided thanks to an ARPA grant from the Mayor's Office. TNP's members are working with local businesses to negotiate discounted rates in order to stretch the available dollars to provide as many pro-social events as possible.
How to Participate
Due to limited space, teens are asked to register in advance of each activity on TheNorwalkPartnership.org/events page. They will be asked to show their student ID at the door.
Are you a parent interested in chaperoning? A business interested in participating? Contact Dayna Macari at dmacari@positivedirections.org.
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