The stories reveal reality:divorce, heartache, foster care,lost friendships, death.

But in the students’ newlypublished book, “Silenced TeenVoices Heard,” they also writeof their plans for the future andmaking their own dreams cometrue.

“The collection of shortstories, memoirs, recollec-tions, random thoughts, andpoems...In this book you willfind the voices of today'syouth. These are voices thathave been silenced in the past;ignored, disregarded as child-ish ranting. This collectiongives teens a chance to freelyexpress themselves,” the stu-

dents wrote in the introduc-tion.

The project was bornthis summer and fundedthrough Capital WorkforcePartners, a WorkforceInvestment Board thatserves 37 area munipalitiesby coordinating comprehen-sive programs to develop askilled, educated and vitalworkforce. Nick Jakubowski,High School Coordinator,said the students made atremendous effort in creat-ing a book that is poignantand honest. Some of the sto-ries are their own memoirswhile other selections arefiction. Eleven teens put the

News from Pathways/Senderos Center Page 1

NEWS FROM…Pathways/Senderos Center

A Publication of Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc.

Volume 13, Number 2 Fall 2007

Student authors put their thoughts, experiences and dreams on paper, articleswhich were assembled into the book, “Silenced Teen Voices Heard,” which isavailable for purchase at the Pathways/Senderos Center. Authors include, fromleft, Brandon Carrero, Josette Sanchez, Shaniqua King-Barrington, Alex Arroyo,and Jean Carlos Castro.

Teens’ Silent Voices Heard Through Book

continued on page 8

Pathways/Senderos Anticipates Largest Graduating ClassBy Nick Jakubowski, High School Coordinator

The 2007-08 school year will be a monumental one for the sen-iors at Pathways/Senderos. They will be applying to colleges, goingto proms and enjoying their fleeting moments in the hallways oftheir schools.

They will also have another accomplishment that they will beable to take with them as they journey into the real world: The Classof 2008 is the largest graduating class in the history of Path-ways/Senderos. In June there will be six students graduating fromhigh school as well as from our program. These seniors are a close-knit group, going through the perils of middle school together andsticking with each other throughout the years as they faced thedaunting task of graduating from high school. Together, they haveseen good days and bad days, and now they are at the end of thisjourney, ready to begin a new chapter in all their lives.

The seniors are from two schools, New Britain High School andE.C. Goodwin Technical High School. The three students from NewBritain High are Kathryn Carrero, Karina Lopez and Jean CarlosSanchez. The three students from E.C. Goodwin Technical HighSchool are Michelle Maldonado, Jean Carlos Castro and AngelicaZapata. All six of these students have plans to go on to higher edu-cation. Their future goals range from being a world-class pastrychef to owning a veterinarian practice.

MORE INSIDE...

Executive Director’s Message 2 Our Kids Shine 6

News Briefs 3 Pedaling for Pathways 6continued on page 2

This year our primary funding source, the ConnecticutDepartment of Social Services, has changed its requirementregarding the number of youngsters that they want us to serve.They increased our enrollment total from 50 to 60 youth. Thechange is in keeping with the decisions made by our Board ofDirectors during its most recent strategic planning process. Ourboard members have been so pleased and impressed with theresults of our teen pregnancy prevention/positive youth develop-ment program that they set a new goal for our agency — toincrease our number of enrolled youngsters from 50 to 100 par-ticipants over the next few years. Thus, CT DSS’ new directive hashelped to move us along our planned growth path.

At this time, we are nearly fully enrolled. It’s amazing to seewhat a difference adding 10 more girls and boys has made to ourdaily operations! We always have a full house! Our group isalmost evenly split between middle and high school youngsters.There are different activities going on in each room at all times. Anair of energy, purpose, enthusiasm and determination permeatesour facility.

Added to our increased number of participants, another newelement to appear this season is that most of our (pre)teens, themiddle school and E.C. Goodwin Technical School boys and girlsare now wearing uniforms. The high school students are the onlygroup which continues to wear regular clothing. Our staff defi-nitely prefers the uniforms. From the comments our youngstershave made, I believe that they also favor the uniforms. I think that

what they like the best about the uniforms is that they never haveto think about what they are going to wear. What I like best aboutthe uniforms is that they are a great leveling factor. Now, no onehas the “newest” whatever and every brand label is the fashionlabel!

Three of our youngsters attend magnet schools in Hartford,another has been recruited to enroll in an independent school; anda senior girl, Karina Lopez, attends the Greater Hartford Academyof the Arts. Practically all of our age-eligible students work part-time jobs, including two senior boys, Jean Carlos Castro andJean Carlos Sanchez, who are our Outreach Workers. One of ourjuniors, Shaniqua King-Barrington, has been selected for theNational Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy’s Youth LeadershipTeam. Shaniqua was one of 100 nominees selected for the 15-per-son Youth Leadership 18-month activity!

As the years progress and our youngsters’ accomplishmentswin increasing accolades, it is apparent that our full house is fos-tering, encouraging and nurturing New Britain’s future leaders.We’re proud of our role in New Britain’s history.

Page 2 News from Pathways/Senderos Center

This Year, A Full HouseBy RoseAnne Bilodeau, Executive Director

All promotional publications, including this newsletter, are produced with private funds.NEWS FROM Pathways/Senderos Center is aregular publication of Greater New BritainTeen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc.(GNBTPP) 100 Arch Street, New Britain, CT06051 (phone) 860-229-2776 (fax) 860-229-8608 (e-mail) nbtpp@snet.net. Website: www.Pathways-Senderos.com.

GNBTPP is funded by the ConnecticutDepartment of Social Services, City of NewBritain Community Development BlockGrant, Capital Workforce Partners, AnnualAppeal, and the Bike/Walk-a-thon. Contri-butions to GNBTPP are tax deductible to theextent allowed by law under the IRS 501(c)(3) exemption.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSDavid Sowa, M.D., President(OB/GYN Grove Hill Medical Center)Rev. Anne Marie Meyerhoffer,Vice-President(Community Volunteer)Derek A. Dibble, Treasurer(Metalform Company, Inc.)Kathleen McKeown Sauer, RN, LCSWCorresponding Secretary(Community Volunteer)Kate Betancourt,(The Hospital of Central Connecticut)David Bond,(Walnut Hill Care Center)

M. Alicia Conway,(Coldwell Banker Realtors)Mark J. Fortin, CFSA,(Community Volunteer)Janna Geysen,(DATTCO)Ron Jakubowski,(New Britain Consolidated School Dist.)John King, Esq., Immediate Past President(Updike, Kelly & Spellacy)Richard Moffitt, P.E.,(Richard L. Moffitt & Associates, PC)Antonio F. Rodriguez,(New Britain Youth Services)

New:Lynette Correa,(Community Volunteer)Gerard Roy, M.D.,(New Britain OB/GYN Group)

STAFFRoseAnne Bilodeau, Executive DirectorMourad “Mike” Guirguis, Barcodes DirectorHeather Mills, Middle School CoordinatorNick Jakubowski, High School CoordinatorLori Jacques, Executive AssistantJean Carlos Castro, Outreach WorkerJean Carlos Sanchez, Outreach WorkerRob Cherry, Academic TutorElizabeth Chasse, Academic TutorRobin Lee Michel, Newsletter Coordinator

“I want to have my own restaurant and a TV show on the FoodNetwork,” said Jean Carlos Castro.

All six of these seniors have worked extremely hard to get tothis point in their young lives, and it has been our pleasure to beable to be a parallel family for each of them during their transfor-mation into adulthood. Their next few months will be filled withcompleting college applications, searching for scholarships and

solidifying their paths for their future, but it will be the skills andsupport that they have received over the years from Pathways thatwill make this transition period in their life more manageable and alltheir goals seem that much more attainable.

Pathways/Senderos could not be any prouder of these sixyoung men and women. Congratulations Class of 2008!

Largest Graduating Class - continued from page 1

A Winning StartThis year, Pathways/Senderos students started out the new

school year with a tremendous gift from the Ronald McDonaldHouse Charities of Connecticut & Western Massachusetts. Thegrant award in the amount of $5,470 provided our 60 girls andboys with much of what they needed to properly prepare for theirnew school year.

Each youngster received a backpack filled with school sup-plies, socks and undershirts, and a “hygiene goody bag” overflow-ing with personal products including soap, deodorant, shampoo,conditioner, etc. In addition, gift certificates were issued to localhair salons and barbers so that our young people could enterschool all decked out for a new year of learning!

We wish to sincerely thank the Ronald McDonald House Char-ities of Connecticut & Western Massachusetts for their generosityin selecting the Pathways/Senderos Center. Their kind donationhelped our youngsters have a great start to their new school year!The Ronald McDonald House Charities supports global or nationalnon-profit organizations that help children read, provide nutritiousafter-school meals and other causes. The charity reaches intocommunities to address the most urgent needs of children.

Celebrating Our Students

As is a tradition, Pathways/Senderos celebrated the end ofthe school year with a program and reception in May. This year,senior Reggie Roberts was recipient of the Nancy Howe Award,which is presented to the student who exhibits academic achieve-ment, community involvement, personal character and commit-ment to the program. Reggie, who joined the program in sixthgrade, received a $100 check and his name was added to theplaque displayed in the common room. During high school, Reg-gie was selected as the 2006 New Britain Youth of the Year andwas active in the True Colors organization, attending the national

convention. His parents, Maria and Reggie Sr., have been greatsupporters of the program.

During the ceremony, every student received a certificateacknowledging his or her participation and special recognition wasgiven to those students who were moving from elementary to mid-dle school and middle school to senior high school, whether NewBritain High or E. C. Goodwin Tech.

Fun, Food and PurposeFor the second consecutive year, women supporters of Path-

ways/Senderos had the opportunity to meet and socialize at aluncheon held in their honor. In conjunction with National TeenPregnancy Prevention Day in May, more than 20 women gatheredat Great Taste Chinese Restaurant where they had the opportuni-ty to listen to the experiences of Reggie Roberts, our sole 2006high school graduate, and Awilda Rodriguez, former participant.The funds that were raised were for the book scholarship fund.Each year, our graduates who are attending an institute of higherlearning or training, receive $200 per semester to purchase booksand supplies.

Pathways/Senderos would like to thank Great Taste, located at597 W. Main St., for their continued support of the program.

Student Chosen For National TeamPathways/Senderos Center is extremely proud that Shaniqua

King-Barrington, 15, has been selected to participate in theNational Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy’s Youth LeadershipTeam. Shaniqua is the second program participant who has beena member of the 15-person forum which draws students fromacross the country — including New Mexico, North Dakota andCalifornia — to provide their input into the teen pregnancy issue.

She will travel to Washington, D.C. at least once over the next18 months to meet other participants, adults and legislatorsinvolved. During her term she will participate in training sessionson working with the press and public speaking, and learn how toassist projects that can raise awareness of teen pregnancy in NewBritain.

The Youth Leadership Team, an offshoot of the National Cam-paign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, was created in1998 to “reflect the views of teens in the National Campaign’s workand give voice to their unique perspectives by getting them active-ly involved,” according to www.teenpregnancy.org.

A junior at E. C. Goodwin Technical School, Shaniqua is pres-ident of the student council and is a straight-A student.

Awilda Rodriguez, who now attends Central Connecticut StateUniversity, was the first program participant to be selected as amember of the national Youth Leadership Team.

Car Washes: Sudsy SuccessSummer at Pathways/Senderos is a time for the youths to

concentrate on fun and relaxation rather than their schoolwork.But they certainly worked hard at the many car washes that wereheld to raise the funds for their own special activities such as the

News from Pathways/Senderos Center Page 3

NEWS BRIEFS

continued on page 4

Reggie Roberts, right, celebrates at the end of the school year programwith his parents, Maria and Reggie Sr. The student, who graduatedfrom high school and the program in June 2007, was the recipient ofthe annual Nancy Howe Award. Pathways/Senderos has been enjoyingincredible cakes created by Reggie Roberts Sr. Thank you!

Page 4 News from Pathways/Senderos Center

trip to Lake Compounce and the October excursion to the amuse-ment park for the Haunted Graveyard. More than $1,000 wasraised, said Heather Mills, Middle School Coordinator, thanks to avery generous donor who stopped by Arch Street for a $500 carwash.

Student Art Exhibit ImpressiveOur students are getting even more creative as was evident

in the varied artworks that were on display at City Hall in May. Forthe third year, Mayor Timothy Stewart welcomed the exhibit thatencouraged the students to express themselves using a variety ofmediums. Several of the artworks were sold, as were note cardsthat were made by students.

Karina Lopez, who attends New Britain High School and theGreater Hartford Academy of the Arts, was one of the first Path-ways/Senderos participants who showed a passion and talent forart. Sophomore Brandon Carrero is also considering studying artand possibly pursuing a career in that field.

“More of the kids seemed motivated and excited about doingthis,” said Kathleen McKeown Sauer, a Pathways/Senderos boardmember who helped organize the exhibit with Mary Ciccarillo, anassistant to the mayor. Kathleen said she and program officials aregrateful to the Junior League of Greater New Britain for continuingto support the youths’ interest in the arts by contributing the fundsto purchase paints and brushes.

Summer Activities Keep Us BusyDuring the summer, a focus is kept on academics so that the

students are well-prepared for school. However, it is not all workand no play; they were also busy swimming at the pool, playingsports at the Walnut Hill Park, taking a whale watch, going to themovies, visiting the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inSpringfield, Mass., and eating at Paradise Pizza.

“One of the things I liked about this summer was when wewent on the whale watch. One reason is because it was fun to seethe whales although I was really seasick. Another thing I likedabout the summer is that we got to go to Lake Compounce. Myfavorite ride was the Zoomerang, especially the part when you goupside down.” – Mike Matos, 13

“What I liked best about the summer is going to A.W. Stanley

Pool. Kathleen’s house was fun to go to.” – Alicia Davis, 12

“I liked it in the summer when we went to the pools every day.I also liked it on Fridays when we went to Klingberg. I liked theparty that we had there. The best thing was when we went to(board member) Kathleen’s house. I had a lot of fun swimming andeating.” – Luz Burgos, 11

“My favorite thing over the summer was the trip to Bostonfor the whale watch. The amazing thing was that everybody gotseasick and I didn’t and I got to see the huge whales. – JustinMartinez, 13

Students Visit CollegesProgram high school students will get a taste of college life

with numerous visits throughout the year to Connecticut col-leges, said Nick Jakubowski, High School Coordinator. Last year’svisits to colleges such as Eastern Connecticut State Universityand the University of Connecticut were very successful becauseit broadened the teenagers’ horizons and helped them redefinetheir goals for careers after high school, Nick said. He will bemaking two trips to some of the schools because they can onlytake 14 passengers at a time in the program van and we now have30 high school students.

Our Graduates – Where Are They Now???In existence since 1993, Pathways/Senderos has now gradu-

ated a number of young people who remained pregnancy-freewhile preparing for their adult lives. Our graduates live full,enriching lives.

� More than half of the graduates have gone onto highereducation.

� Two have graduated from college.� Two are studying for their masters degrees.� Four are undergraduates in college. One plans to graduatein May 2008.

� All are gainfully employed.Several are married and have started families of their own.

News - continued from page 3

Dear RoseAnne,On July 11, I stopped on Arch Street to have my

car washed by the Pathways/Senderos Centeryouths. A young man, Kevin, and counselor, Robert,greeted me. The kids worked enthusiasticallytogether to treat my car to the best wash it has hadin a long time. They were all friendly and enthusias-tic about Pathways/Senderos and washing cars on

a Saturday to raise money for summer travel pro-grams. It was an inspiring experience so I’menclosing a check for $500 to augment the car wasproceeds.

Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,Michael W. Tomasso

Letter to Our Executive Director

News from Pathways/Senderos Center Page 5

“Silenced Teen Voices Heard”can be purchased at Path-ways/Senderos for $15. The follow-ing are selections from the stories.

"We're young adults but notfully grown, and we still might dostupid things that we have to learnfrom." — Dominique Medina

"They say that whatever you doin the past creates who you will bein the future. I believe that the pastis a study course that prepare youfor your future." — Shaniqua King-Barrington

"I feel like I'm not only doing this for myself but for my cousinand my uncle who are now deceased." — Brandon Carrero

"I think if there were more people in the world like my grand-mas, there would be less drama in this world." — Josette Sanchez

"I love you for you, you are my inspiration, my light and myeverything. You're always in my mind. Mom, you are my hero, mybest friend and like a sister I never had." — Kathryn Carrero

"When I tried to call my father, I found out that he changed hisnumber so I could not reach him. I hope that I can find him one dayand return to them." — Jean Carlos Sanchez

"I know that if you want me to learn something you got to teachit to me with encouragement and you got to be excited to teach. Itdoesn't have to be with a lot of excitement, but with some type ofpassion." — Moises Marquez

"I've learned that forgiveness is important. It isn't good to holda grudge against someone, no matter how much they hurt you. Ifyou hold a grudge in your heart it hurts you, not the other person."— Alisha Roldan

"Baseball is not just a sport; it's a way to connect with the peo-ple you love...You are not only playing to win, you are playing forthe people that played before you." — Jean Carlos Castro

"I'm offended when the elderly don't get respect. That justdrives me crazy. They have been here longer than us and they havebeen through a lot in the world." — Alex Arroyo

"I am someone new today, and I feel good. Most of the time.Life is beautiful and it saddens me to know that I hate it at times."— Angelica Zapata

“Silenced Teen Voices Heard” On Sale Now

It may have been hot but the students stayed cool during one ofour summer field trips.

Our whale watchers prepare to board a boat in Boston Harborduring a summer field trip.

The Holidays Are Coming…Our Pathways/Senderos youths and their families

deserve to celebrate a joyous holiday season. Thus, eachDecember we celebrate with a special family party completewith gifts, dinner, and a visit from Santa Claus who brings abox of goodies to each student.

We need your help in making it possible. Can you con-tribute new, unwrapped items that are appropriate gifts forpreteens and teens? Ideas include CD or cassette players,calculators, toiletries, sports equipment, watches, photoalbums, disposable cameras, socks, slippers, gift certifi-cates, umbrellas, games, sweatshirts, T-shirts, gloves, hats,and school or art/craft supplies. Tickets to sporting events,museums, and movies are welcome. We also need wrappingpaper, ribbons, and adhesive tape. Groceries are also appre-ciated, especially those that can be used for the holiday din-ner such as canned fruit cocktail, canned vegetables, stuff-ing, potatoes, juice, rolls, and frozen turkeys.

All contributions will be gratefully accepted beforeDecember 12. For further informa-tion, please call RoseAnneBilodeau, Executive Director, at(860) 229-2776.

Thank you for making theseholidays especially memorable.

SilencedTeenVoices

Heard

Our Kids Shine

Page 6 News from Pathways/Senderos Center

…In Middle and Elementary School:This summer was very productive and enjoyable

for the middle school students at Pathways/Senderos.Every Monday the students participated in a “Book Club”. They read achapter each week and finished reading the entire book by the end ofthe summer. In addition to the reading, they kept a book journal wherethey wrote about what happened in the book. The students alsoexplored the world through the study of the seven continents, whichincluded map reading, animal identification and cooking various foodsfrom different continents including pizza and Chinese food. In JobClub the students focused much of their time preparing for our annu-al fundraising car washes which raise money for their recreationalfield trips.

As part of the educational component, this summer the studentswere presented with a challenge. For every day that they attended theprogram, participated in the scheduled activities and had good behav-ior, they earned a star. The goal was for the entire group to earn 300stars. If they reached their goal they would have an ice cream party.The group did reach its goal and the top ten students with the moststars received an extra prize for their effort. The top ten stars were:Alexis Johnson, Antanique Jordan, Joselyn Diaz, Dennis Villanueva,Luz Burgos, Mike Matos, Ananda Thillet, Felix Francisco, Jose Diaz,and Javier Burgos.

Besides all of the hard work they did, the middle school studentsalso had a lot of fun. Every day they went swimming at the New Britainpublic pools. They also went on a number of field trips including awhale watch in Boston, Mystic Aquarium, Naismith Memorial Basket-ball Hall of Fame and Lake Compounce. At the end of the summer wehad a barbecue at Stanley Quarter Park to celebrate all of their hardwork. - By Heather Mills, Middle School Coordinator

…In High School:Our high school students have been quite busy over the past few

months. Not only did they accomplish so much during their six-weeksummer employment, but that has carried over to school for many ofthe students. At E.C. Goodwin Technical High School, junior ShaniquaKing-Barrington has been elected school president and sophomoreWeyshla Castro, has been elected treasurer of the student council.Angelica Zapata has been elected president of Skills USA, which is anational organization of technical high schools competing to see whois best and most efficient in their particular trade. The students willcompete in May in a regional battle versus other Connecticut techni-cal schools to see who moves on to the national competition.

At New Britain High School, juniorMoises Marquez is enter-ing his third year on the cheerleading squad while freshman AlishaRoldan will be entering her first year on the team. Sophomore Kas-sandra Burgos who takes JRTOC as a class, has been selected tobecome part of the JROTC’s prestigious Drill Team. Last year, thisteam won the Governor’s Cup, a competition held between JROTCprograms throughout Connecticut and the region. Kyara Roman andJosette Sanchez are also part of the NBHS JROTC class, whichrequires students to dress up in uniform at least once a week. We arevery proud of these students and all the other students who are work-ing very hard day in and day out to make their high school experiencethe best that it can possibly be. Keep up the hard work. - By NickJakubowski, High School Coordinator

Pedaling for PathwaysKeeps on Rollin’

Pedaling for Pathways justkeeps getting better and better,said RoseAnne Bilodeau, ExecutiveDirector. This year there were moreparticipants - walkers and bikers,volunteers and supporters - thanever before for the 9th annualbike/walk-a-thon. About 30 stu-dents walked or biked, and parentsand board members were a greatcheering section. As in the past,the New Britain Police Departmentand a local cycling club assisted

and once again the American Savings Foundation was the pre-senting sponsor. RoseAnne said that preliminary figures indicatethat more than $10,000 was raised; what a success!

A beautiful fall day was the perfect setting for the 9th annual Pedal-ing for Pathways Bike/Walk-a-thon held Oct. 14 in Walnut Hill Park.Student Danerick (D.J.) Peralta created the artwork used for publici-ty and on the T-shirts. The Rock Cats Mascot added to the fun.

News from Pathways/Senderos Center Page 7

…New Face: Elizabeth ChasseMy name is Elizabeth Chasse

and I was born in Las Vegas,Nevada. I lived there until I waseight years old and then movedto Connecticut where I have livedsince. I graduated from Water-town High School and attendedStonehill College in North Easton,Mass. where I received a bache-lors of science degree.

I was fortunate enough tofind out about Pathways/Senderos from the

American Savings Foundation. Throughout my fours at college, Ihad received a generous scholarship from the foundation. The pastcouple of years I saw that the foundation had started organizingsummer internships. This year I decided to see what internshipsthey had to offer because I needed a summer job. Being that myultimate goal is to attend medical school, I was disappointed whenI first looked at the list and did not see any medically related jobs.I still needed a job so I picked the top six internships I thought Imight still like do just as a summer job. After interviewing with mytop three choices, I decided to work with the Pathways program.

Working with Pathways has been such a great experience andhas proven to be much more than just a summer job. I love work-ing directly with the children and knowing that I am making a dif-ference. I plan activities, supervise, tutor and talk to the kids. Thissummer I planned a continent lesson plan where I taught about acontinent every week. Some weeks we even cooked food relevantto the continent. The children really got involved and enjoyedthemselves. In addition, I help with office duties such as copying,making telephone calls, and organizing. I am always busy carryingout a variety of tasks and I think that is what makes my job sointeresting. This fall I have decided to continue to stay and workwith Pathways. I have really made a connection with the kids andI look forward to my time here.

…New Face: Robert CherryRobert “Rob” Cherry is a

junior at the University of Hart-ford. Born in Hartford, heattended Watkinson Schoolwhere he was a captain of thehigh school basketball, crosscountry and track teams.

At the end of my first day thatI came and volunteered at thePathways center, I rememberbeing asked, “Do you think youwant to come back tomorrow?” Iknew that if I said “yes” then I was

going to be here for quite some time.Nine months has since passed and I am currently holding the

position of academic tutor. When I think about what drew me tocome back the next day, it is the same thing that is the reason whyI loved the center in the first place. The center is a family. It is aplace of acceptance, loving and caring. Over the time, I’ve noticedwhat makes a place like this work. Though I work with a great staff,it is the children and young adults here that make a little officespace in Downtown New Britain into a haven.

Meet Our...

Elizabeth Chasse

Luz Burgos, left, and DennisVillanueva, right, clown aroundwith Rob Cherry, the new aca-demic tutor at Path-ways/Senderos.

Deja Rivera, left, and Amanda Torres, right, practice being futuresportscasters in a mock radio station at the Naismith MemorialBasketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

We desperately need donations of hygieneproducts such as toothpaste, toothbrushes,deodorant, and women’s hygiene products.Thank you for thinking of us! Items can betaken on weekdays to Pathways/SenderosCenter, 100 Arch St., New Britain. If youwould like to help but need to make otherarrangements, call us at (860) 229-2776.

GREATERNEWBRITAINTEENPREGNANCYPREVENTION,Inc.100ArchStreetNewBritain,CT06051

Phone:860-229-2776Fax:860-229-8608Email:nbtpp@snet.netwww.Pathways-Senderos.com

NonprofitOrg.U.S.PostagePAID

PermitNo.2005NewBritain,CT

Voices - continued from page 1

book together in four weeks, writing, editing and editingagain, four hours each day.

“I thought it was stupid at first,” Jean Carlos Castro saidhonestly. “Then it got to be pretty fun.” His story revealedmuch about himself including his memories of arriving in theUnited States in 1999, his career plans and his love of base-ball.

Shaniqua King-Barrington, a junior who is studyingdrafting at E. C. Goodwin Technical School, said that writingthe book was a good activity. She writes poetry for herself andthe book gave her the format to develop a fictional short storyabout an adolescent based on several people that she knows.Her teachers and principal were amazed by the book, she said,adding it showed them a different side of the teens’ lives. “Itwas quite a success,” Shaniqua said. “How many people cansay that they wrote a book?”

Josette Sanchez, a New Britain High School sophomore,said reading her peers’ stories made a big impression on her.“I realized that people have been through more than me.”

In addition to the support of Capital Workforce Partners,Barile Printers in New Britain also played a vital role, saidRoseAnne Bilodeau, Executive Director of Path-

ways/Senderos. The company, which has been an avid sup-porter of the program for years, printed the book for the pro-gram at a very low cost, which was much appreciated.

To purchase “Silenced Teen Voices Heard,” stop by thecenter at 100 Arch St., New Britain, or call Pathways/Senderosat (860) 229-2776. “Even though we’re young, we wrote goodstories,” Josette said.

Establishedin1993,GreaterNewBritainTeenPregnancyPrevention,Inc.(GNBTPP)isbasedonDr.MichaelCarrera’ssuccessfulpreventionmodeldevelopedinHarlem,NY.TheCarreraphilosophystates“Inordertocreateanenvironmentwherepositivechangecanoccur,itisnecessarytoinfluencemultiplefacetsofyoungpeople’slivesoveracontinu-ousandprolongedperiodoftime.”

Becauseacademicsuccessisthekeytoteenpregnancyprevention,thecoreofthisprogramintegrateseducationalsupportwithcareer/vocationalpreparationandfamilylifeeducation.

Toaccomplishitsgoals,GNBTPPhascreatedapublic-privatepartnershipinvolvingallofthecommunity’skeystakeholdersthatmaximizesexistinglocalresources.

ProgrammingandparticipantsatGNBTPPareevaluatedannuallybyanindependentsocialscientisttoinsurethatoutcomesaremeasuredaccurately.

Teens Hit the AirwavesNow the voices of several of our Path-ways/Senderos authors will truly be heard:on radio! Two of our student authors andNick Jakubowski, High School Coordinator,were invited to be interviewed on The FaithMiddleton Show. The show will be broadcaston radio station WNPR 90.5 FM at 3 p.m. ata later date. Stay tuned!