"Positive Choices" Offered at Hamden's National Night Out

Hamden’s National Night Out, held at Rochford Field on Aug. 6, brought together residents to strengthen community spirit and promote safety within our community. 

This collaborative community event, which began as an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie, offered many “Positive Choices” for our young people and their families.  

Shown are Hamden Police Officers encouraging use of Fatal Vision Goggles to demonstrate impairment when under the influence in an effort to discourage drinking and drug use. 

Hamden's Police Department and Youth Center have been working to build police and youth relations. Recently, they received a $10,000 grant from the Office of Policy and Management for a Police and Youth Grant to strengthen relationships between police and youth though informal interaction, team building activities, and a jointly planned service project in the local community. Hamden is one of only 13 projects funded across the state.

Also shown at Hamden Youth Advisory Council's "Positive Choices" booth are Deborah Stewart, YDTRC Director, The Consultation Center, Inc., Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson and his family and HYAC Parent Advocate Shayla Moye. 

The “Positive Choices” campaign is an initiative of the Hamden Youth Advisory Council (HYAC) to prevent underage drinking in Hamden and to encourage youth to make POSITIVE CHOICES to live a lifestyle free from the influence of alcohol and drugs.

For more information about HYAC’s “Positive Choices” Campaign, contact Beth Chiarillo, Town of Hamden Youth Services Bureau, at (203) 777-2610 ext. 137. Hamden's work is supported by The Consultation Center, Inc. with funds from DMHAS as part of a statewide initiative.