Inside TRAC E-Zine — April, May, June 2004

Inside TRAC E-Zine — April, May, June 2004
For more information, visit www.traconline.org

or call (214) 370-9300

TRAC Celebrates First Anniversary

Amazing as it seems, TRAC has been open a whole year! The youth who frequent TRAC wonder where they would be if TRAC were not here. After just 12 months, the TRAC web site had 7,065 visitors, with numbers growing each month; 344 youth had been referred to TRAC and 205 of those had received services on site. 42% of all referrals to TRAC have been in the first quarter of 2004, so we know that word is spreading fast that TRAC services are valuable. Many thanks to our donors and collaborative partners who make the TRAC possible!

Don't spend all summer in front of the TV — Explore your CREATIVITY at the TRAC.

The City of Dallas Neighborhood Touring Program is presenting two fun, interactive programs at the TRAC to encourage youth to explore their own creativity and emotions through reading, writing and the arts.

Creative Writing Classes

Lyrical Geniuses: Express Yourself in Writing

Do you like to write? Do you freestyle and just let it flow? Do you write poetry or songs? Have you ever written a short story but was afraid to show it to anyone or let someone know that you like to write?

Then this is the project for you. Lyrical Geniuses: Express Yourself in Writing is for teens who are willing to release "the writer within." This is a five week program that begins with modern poetry (think music), developing your thoughts into a short story and finding your own voice in writing.

Requirements:

Want to learn
Motivated to write
Creative mind
Commit to show up three days a week for the fun class.

If you think that expressing yourself in writing is something that you like to do and want to learn more about, then this is the project for you!

Session I:
June 1 — July 1
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Session II:
July 6 — August 5
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Space is limited. An application is required before May 15^th. This program will be FREE to youth willing to commit to a full session. Apply now.

Theatre Arts Classes

Roots for Youth African Children's Theater

Join TRAC this summer for a six week summer theater program presented by African Children's Theater. In "Roots for Youth,” teens will learn the cultures, ceremony and social elements that make the African Theater unique. This will be a hands-on experience in acting, visual arts, music, and dance. The professional actors and actresses of "Roots for Youth" will share African Culture and theater with TRAC teens. Students will co-write and perform an original work.

6-Week Session:
June 28 — August 9
Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Space is limited. An application is required before May 15^th. This program will be FREE to youth willing to commit to the full session. Apply now.

Make a Difference : Be a Youth Mapper

Summer Internships are available for youth in foster care. As a youth mapper, the youth will canvas the community to document existing resources for young people, children and families. The youth will be supervised by an intern from the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program.

As a Youth Mapper, you will:

Meet new friends.
Get work experience.
Learn about your community.
Have fun 16 hours a week.

You must:

Be 14-18 years old
Be available June 1 through July 25
Live in the Dallas area
Have a positive attitude
Be willing to have fun

TRAC has up to 8 unpaid summer internship positions for foster teens. Training will be provided for interns to help TRAC identify companies, organizations and resources that help youth aging out of care. If you would like great experience and want to make a difference, contact:

Imtiaz Haiyoom
Transition Resource Action Center
3108 Live Oak
Dallas, TX 75204
Call: 214-370-9300 Extension 11
Email: imtiaz@traconline.org