Cupid's Dance

Last Monday, we took a break from regular programming and had a special Valentine's Day party: "Cupid's Dance." The Youth Center was transformed into a dance club, complete with two DJs (Mr. Geoff Godfrey, and Mr. Sal Garcia from Friday Night Live), food from Fillippi's Italian Restaurant, cupcakes, candy and members dressed in red, white and pink. Members, staff and families alike partook in various dances, including an impromptu breakdance circle, Cupid Shuffle, and whatever's going on in this picture. Check out more from the party at our 2011 Cupid's Dance album here.

Let's learn how to skateboard...

Want to learn how to skateboard?  I know I do.  For those youth members that are interested, we are beginning a skateboarding group starting in March!  The group will take place on Thursdays from 5-6PM, in between Substance Abuse Class and Gung Fu.  If you want to join the skateboarding group, then put your name on the sign-in sheet at the Youth Center or reply to this post so that we know you're interested.  The group will begin with waiver signing and basic safety knowledge, then a "make-your-own-skateboard" workshop.  This will be followed by excursions to Balboa Park and the Washington Street Skate Park (with all the proper safety gear, of course).  For those of you who already know how to skate, this will be a great chance for you to not only show off your skills, but to mentor those who don't know how to skate (including me!).

Do you like science? Here's an opportunity!

There's a conference coming up at the University of San Diego (USD) on Saturday, March 5 entitled "Celebrating Milestones of Women in Science." The event is geared towards girls grades 6-10, and as the attached flyer states, will include "hands-on workshops" with "San Diego's top biologists, chemists, computer scientists, doctors, engineers, forensic scientists, geologists, physicists, medical specialists, and veterinarians." If any of those are careers you want to get into, this event might be for you! We have copies of the flyer here at the YC. Thanks to Kiana for the info!

"The Wolfpack" Health & Fitness Program: Year I in Review

SDAIHYC members and staff recently created a video, reflecting back on the first year of our Health & Fitness Program, "The Wolfpack." Watch and hear our thoughts on the Youth Center's physical fitness, proper nutrition, and health-related discussion programming. Thanks to all the members and staff who shared their voices for this project; let's make this year an even more outstanding one for health & fitness!

1st Community Night of the year tomorrow!

With a new year comes a new round of Community Nights, held on the fourth Thursday of every month.  Tomorrow will be the first Community Night of 2011 with guest speaker Steve Newcomb (Shawnee/Lenape) author, news columnist and founder of the Indigenous Law Institute.  Community Nights are hosted at the Normal Heights Community Center, located at 4649 Hawley Boulevard.  The event goes from 6:30-8:30PM.  Dinner is provided, and potluck items are always welcomed!  See the attached flyer for more information.

Don't fall!: Ice skating with SDAIHYC

Last Thursday, December 9, Youth Center members, family and staff headed to Horton Plaza's outdoor ice rink for Fantasy on Ice, sponsored by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. Participants ranged from seasoned figure skaters to youth who have never been on a pair of skates! We skated for nearly 2 hours, and would have gone longer if we didn't close at 8PM...Pictures can be found in our 2010 December Festivities album here.

Celebrating the season with December Nights 2010

The holiday season was kicked off by active and new Youth Center members and families yesterday with a dinner and field trip to December Nights at Balboa Park. The night began with a salad and pizza dinner amongst the newly-decorated tree, along with cupcakes, brownies and cookies baked exclusively by Youth Center members. We then walked over to Balboa Park and enjoyed the newly-lit trees, free museums, and rides. Click here to see pictures from December Nights and other holiday festivities in the 2010 December Festivities album.

2010 World AIDS Day

Nearly 30 SDAIHYC youth members, parents and staff participated in the 2010 World AIDS Day events in Hillcrest. The night started with a candlelight vigil from the LGBT Center to Village Hillcrest. This was followed by the 19th annual Tree of Life Ceremony, co-hosted by Mama's Kitchen. Participants heard remarks from community members and elected officials, including Councilman Todd Gloria. Lighting of the Tree of Life and participants' candles followed the speeches. The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus also performed a medley of holiday standards. Visit our Photobucket album here to view pictures from the event in the 2010 December Festivities album.

Au revoir, mis niños y niñas!

Dear Youth, Family, and Community Members,

It has been a fulfilling year and a half with the San Diego American Indian Health Youth Center. Since I have become a licensed psychologist, there is a stronger need for me to focus my workday in the Behavioral Health Department with adults. This means I will no longer serve as the Youth Center Project Coordinator. This position has been awarded to a much-deserving Christopher Scott. I know he will take the Youth Center in a positive direction.

If you ever want to stop by, I am across the street in the Behavioral Health Department and will be available for individual therapy sessions. No, individual therapy isn’t just for “crazy people” :). We can all benefit in having someone to talk to from time to time. For those of you whom I have worked with, I will continue to provide individual therapy. Please contact me to schedule an appointment, if necessary. I can be reached by telephone at (619) 234-2158 x128 or by email at melanie.cain@sdaihc.com. Please remember, I care about each and every one of you and will have many fond memories of my experiences with the Youth Center. I wish all of you the best. Remember to study hard and be “respectful” of one another, especially your parents :). You will be a grown-up before you know it and it’s important to develop a healthy sense of who you are. Use the Youth Center as a positive space for growing up. Take care of yourselves and make all your dreams come true!

Sincerely,

Melanie J. Cain, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

PSY 23411