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Local health nonprofit Day One kicks off its annual BLOCK 9 series this Tuesday, which brings a variety of cultural programs and free family fun throughout nine days of stacked community festivities centered around La Pintoresca Park and beyond.
Youth Month was created over 20 years ago in response to the surge of local kids who often found themselves getting into trouble during the summer months when school was out of session and family supervision was low.
BLOCK 9 aims to bring free entertainment to the neighborhoods where many low-income youth live. Events will include everything from an island inspired Hawaiian Luau, local band performances to day trips to some of southern California’s most sought after destinations that include Six Flags Magic Mountain and local beaches.
“Events like these provide opportunities for neighbors to connect and talk – through these connections a safer more united community is created,” said Day One executive director Christy Zamani.
Inspired by a Youth Advocate-led environmental scans of Northwest Pasadena in 2013, youth took notice of the variety of vacant lots in northwest Pasadena and set out with the goal of creating the series to help make Pasadena a better place to live, one block at a time, while bringing the community together, according to a press release.
According to Zamani, data from past years showed that students who were left unsupervised during summer months tended to land in more.
“Youth Month was created in response to the increased number of youth arrests that increased during the summertime,” explained Zamani.
BLOCK9 also serves as an initiative to help activate underused spaces in Pasadena and provide families with free alternatives for fun and culturally appealing programming.
La Pintoresca Park is the central location where majority of the daily festivities are scheduled to take place.
“In today’s financially trying times it’s challenging for families to enjoy simple outings. Going to a movie would cost a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) $60.00 at Pasadena’s local theater. Day One intentionally hosts movie nights, game nights, and other character building activities that allow families to enjoy time together at no cost.”,” said Zamani.
Approximately 2,000 kids are expected to flock to the Block 9 festivities over the three week period.
“Through BLOCK9 we have the chance to provide students with caring adults that can become great mentors for them and these connections are vital to making that happen,” said Zamani.
For many years, Day One’s summer programming was centered around Youth Field trips, but in recent years programming has shifted to fill the needs directly expressed by Pasadena youth and families.
“All of these places are somewhere where kids can easily walk, bike, or skate to,” explained Zamani.
Every year the series is made possible by the planning efforts of Day One Youth Advocates, Summer Rose Workers, and the support of a host of local community partners.
This year’s partners include Side Street Projects, Light Bringer Project, BikeSGV, No Future Cafe, and the City of Pasadena Parks & Recreation Team.
“We’re so rich in resources here in Pasadena, yet you’d be surprised how many residents are unaware of the organizations and services available to them ,” said Zamani. “BLOCK9 provides a unique opportunity for nonprofit partners to connect with the community on a familiar turf,” said Zamani.
Check out the exciting schedule of free fun and community building activities and events designed for the whole family.
BLOCK9 Programming includes:
8/1 – AQUA – Youth Month
8/2 – Art In The Park Youth Month
8/3 – Fit Fest – Youth Month
8/4 – Tacos y Tamborazo – Youth Month
8/5 – Color Run/ Hawaiian Luau – Youth Month
8/6 – Push Play – Youth Month
8/7 – Gold Line Adventure-Youth Month
8/8 – Beach Trip – Youth Month
8/9 – Six Flags-Youth Month
For a detailed schedule and to register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youth-month-block9-tickets-36321800483?aff=erelexpmlt.
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