Northeast Coalition evolves existing Hotline

Every day, at least 8 million children are left alone and unsupervised once the school bell rings. While 9 out of 10 Americans think that all youth should have access to after-school programs, two-thirds say it is difficult to find programs…even locally (according to the National Youth Violence Office).

This is true for Northeast Portland youth, who voiced a need and a concern at a recent Youth Engagement Workshop sponsored by the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods and League of Women Voters of Portland. During the discussion following a panel of community leaders, youth asked how to find out about all of the issues and opportunities to get involved. It was clear that youth want to be engaged and need the channels to do so. Youth participant, Deyalo Bennette, shares that “This is another step for our community to take the lead in responding to our own needs. It is a symbol of positive change. I am inspired to be the lead youth organizer for the Hotline.”

“I didn’t have this growing up and didn’t know there could be more to my life than basketball until I graduated college. The Hotline is helpful for youth to know resources to develop personal skills and interests. Today’s youth are primed to learn and explore. If they don’t have an outlet for this creativity or interest, then they turn to the streets,” explains Imani Muhammad, Hotline Project Coordinator, “For the average youth who are not enrolled in programs that provide afterschool programming, the number one question is where do I go and how do I find out about opportunities for youth. Youth today are ready to lead and want to be prepared,” she continues.

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