Building Connections, Building Character
May 2021 Newsletter
GPS & BLOC Spring Break
GA had many events and activities for spring break this year, including a fun-filled field day for our Guiding the Path to Success (GPS) after-school participants, which served as a much-needed break from a long winter of indoor learning. On April 1, 150 kids from 6 GPS sites gathered at Homestead PAL to enjoy a day in the sun with a range of fun physical activities including soccer, football, horseshoe, and sack races. The youth also enjoyed great food, snacks, and a video game theater in celebration of the school year.
In GA's Building Leaders of Character (BLOC) program the theme was "Self-love", which addressed self-awareness, identity, physical care through hygiene, creative expression, and fun physical outdoor activities.

The youth also got to experience devotion connected to self-love from a spiritual aspect, in partnership with our Youth Splash program.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GA!
On April 18, GA turned 16 years old! The milestones are numerous since our humble beginnings in 2005 and those can be measured in terms of expanding staff, revenue, and programs. Thank you for your participation and your support in our continued success.
Spring Break Camp
“Getting to the Next Level”

“What do you plan to do after you graduate from high school?” This was the question posed to about 30 high school students participating in Gang Alternative, Inc.’s 2021 Spring Break Camp. Under the theme “Getting to the Next Level,” the week-long spring break included workshops geared towards graduation preparedness, college readiness, and soft skills needed to enter the workforce.

Camp activities were led by GA’s College and Career Specialist and included a review of graduation requirements; individualized assessments to help chart possible career paths for each student; as well as in-person and virtual college tours. The week’s festivities ended with a Career Fair where local professionals presented on their personal career paths and the tools and education needed to succeed in their field. Students also had the opportunity to show off their professional style and test what they learned from the week through a competitive game of trivia.  

As part of GA’s approach to college and career development, students get to work with a dedicated College and Career Specialist throughout middle and high school to hone in on their God-given talent and find the path best suited for them. For more information about these services, please visit https://bit.ly/3dWWPq7
Servant Leadership
As a part of National Rebuilding Month, some GA staff volunteered a few hours last weekend to do some basic home repairs for several families in need through one of our partners, Rebuilding Together. Their objective is to eliminate unsafe and deplorable living conditions for low-income homeowners who are elderly, veterans, or have disabilities. Everyone chipped in to do some exterior painting, with masks and proper ventilation. Through this one-day housing revitalization event, it was a wonderful occasion to be servant leaders, with GA always welcoming the opportunity to help others.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day 
As part of GA’s commitment to preventing prescription drug misuse, we set up three locations in Overtown, Liberty City, and Little Haiti in support of DEA National’s Drug Take-Back Day. Anyone could stop by with their expired or extra prescription drugs and get a safety package to bring home to destroy them.

GA has in-school and after-school programs, substance abuse counseling initiatives and it facilitates a community drug free coalition as well as a collaborative of 7 drug free community coalitions, all focused on reducing risk in youth as well as delaying the onset of any drug or alcohol use.

At Prescription Take Back Day, we were also able to share materials about our other programs specific to those communities. 
Upcoming May Events
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