COMMUNITY FIRST IMPACTS HUDSON YOUTH

2005 has brought the revival of Community First in Hudson!

Under the guidance of the Hudson Community Foundation representatives, Jack Lieske, Den Rich and Fred Gross, Community First has sought to connect with Hudson youth by providing opportunities and experiences that promote the building of important developmental assets and valuable relationships within their families and the community at large.

In January, long-time residents Laura Gasbarro and Cheryl Rauch were tapped as co-directors for the organization.  Under their leadership, Community First has been reignited!

In April, Community First sponsored READY SET Relax - A program that afforded families to take a "time out" from the over scheduling of their children's hectic lives.  Over 7000 Community First bracelets were distributed to Hudson youth as a reminder to participate.  Local media and TV coverage made the program prevalent in the area and Community First was reborn.  Next year's READY SET RELAX is scheduled for May 1, 2006.

Since then many programs have been tried or are on the horizon.

This summer Community First is sponsoring a community wide Treasure Hunt with a Grand Prize of $1000.  This activity encourages Hudson Youth and their families to work together exploring Hudson to find five hidden keys.  The keys will unlock treasure chests at the Taste of Hudson on Sept. 4th.  Community businesses have rallied to support the hunt by donating hundreds of dollars worth of prizes. 

Also this summer, in conjunction with the Hudson Chamber of Commerce, Community First and the HHS guidance dept. sponsored an INTERN FOR THE DAY program affording 6 high school juniors the opportunity to work in a Hudson business environment for the day. 

The Fall of 2005 will bring the start of a year-long sponsorship by several Hudson groups under the umbrella of Community First:

Hudson PTO, Coalition for Mental Health, HPP/CARE, and Western Reserve Academy (to name a few) will unite to sponsor the YEAR OF HEALTHY YOUTH for a HEALTHY COMMUNITY.

Community First will publish all activities of these and other groups that seek to strengthen our youth throughout the year.

Community First is also seeking to form a Youth Council this Fall with representatives from all Hudson youth-related groups including sports.  More information will be published about this in the Hudson Hub. Email Laura Gasbarro at Gazbar81@aol.com if you are interested in learning more.

In 2006, Community First will conduct a membership drive and seek to sponsor more youth-related, fun activities.  It is thought that if youth are engaged with their families and community, they will make better life choices.

Everyone is a part of Community First. Community First does make an impact on Hudson.  Become a part of this exciting organization! Volunteers for activities are always needed.

Individual and business sponsorships are welcomed.  If you have questions about how to get involved contact Co-directors Laura Gasbarro at 330-650-0752 or Cheryl Rauch at 330-528-3116.