US Attorney’s Office and Bristol County District Attorney’s Office to “Conduct Your Future, Your Decision” for Area Youth
April 1, 2014
The United States Attorney’s Office Massachusetts District, in partnership with Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter’s Office and the New Bedford Public Schools, are conducting a crime prevention event for 6th grade students at Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Blvd., New Bedford. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, from 8:15am-10:30am. See attached flyer and agenda for a complete list of the event’s speakers. The media are encouraged to attend.
The event – “Your Future, Your Decision,” is a program combining presentations about the importance of good decision making with a resource fair. US Attorney Carmen Ortiz will speak to the students about the choices she made that led her from Spanish Harlem to her current position. A former gang member, Christian Berrios, will speak to the students about poor choices he made and how he turned his life around. Bristol County Assistant District Attorney and Shannon Grant Prosecutor Robert DiGiantomaso will speak to students about topics such as bullying, sexting, drugs and gangs and the legal and social consequences that can impact their future, particularly as it can affect their ability to get jobs, housing and admission to college.
Students will also visit a resource fair in the cafeteria to obtain information on various extracurricular in the community. The resource fair will be a vital component of the event, specifically highlighting programs offered after school and in the summer, when delinquent behavior is most likely to occur. Organizations include: YWCA, YMCA, New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks, North Star Learning Center, Trips for Kids, Youth Court, Boys & Girls Club, Dream Out Loud Center for the Arts, Gifts to Give, City of New Bedford Parks & Recreation Department, 3rd Eye Unlimited, and the City of New Bedford Public Library.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office will also distribute a resource guide, which was specifically created for area middle school students to inform them of activities and programs in the City of New Bedford. The guide offers an insight into different hobbies, sports, art, music, volunteerism, leadership, education, physical fitness, health and extracurricular activities. A product of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, District Attorney Sam Sutter urges students to spend their free time engaged in positive, productive and healthy activities. As a result, it is his belief that youth are less likely to become involved in gangs, drugs, or crime.
For more information contact Cecelia Porché, Director of Community Affairs, at (508) 961-1984.
Contacts:
Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576—after hours Ashley Bendiksen Media Assistant 508-997-0711 774-929-5614—after hours