JASMAINE CLAY

Saving Our Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization dedicated to human services, with a focus on providing basic necessities, direct advocacy, and accurate referrals. They are currently in the transitional phase of building their grassroots coalition called "Parents Today For the Youth of Tomorrow," drawing from the community and the youth as a whole. Their goal is to develop a productive and safe environment for all, with a strong emphasis on preventive measures.
The organization recognizes the responsibility to educate youth about the harmful effects of substances on their growing bodies. They aim to incorporate factual information, fun activities, and incentives to keep everyone engaged and progressing. Alongside this initiative, Saving Our Tomorrow also runs street outreach programs, meeting the community where they are to effect change from within. The increasing rate of overdose cases in their city motivates them to push for sustainability and expand their programs.
During the pandemic, the organization faced significant challenges as fundraising and community outreach were put on hold for safety reasons. This hindered them financially and had an impact on their staff and volunteers. Nevertheless, Saving Our Tomorrow remains committed to equity, inclusion, and anti-racist principles, working with and for all humankind.
Parents Today For the Youth of Tomorrow utilizes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) SPF (Strategic Prevention Framework) as prevention planners in the City of Poughkeepsie. They have formed collaborations with the Counter-Drug Task Force, the Prevention Resource Center, Catholic Charities, and other organizations to host successful trainings, workshops, and community events.
The City of Poughkeepsie is grappling with substance and alcohol use issues, evident in the presence of paraphernalia, open-air drug markets, and citizens overdosing in various locations such as Main St, Pershing St, playgrounds, and sidewalks. Saving Our Tomorrow aims to provide a safe haven for youth and an alternative to addiction through their programs.
Currently, the organization operates at four service sites. They conduct three-hour-long classes every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for children aged 5 to 10 at Poughkeepsie Middle School. They hold bi-weekly meetings and workshops at 218 Main St, Poughkeepsie, NY. Additionally, daily trainings with NYSMICJ take place at the Family Partnership Center located at 29 N Hamilton St. Street outreach occurs bi-weekly in various locations throughout the city.
The staff and volunteers of Saving Our Tomorrow, along with their collaborating partners, contribute to the success of their initiatives. They work closely with the Counter-Drug Task Force, PRC, Catholic Charities, Common Council, and other entities. Facilities and equipment needs are addressed, including laptops, projectors, tables, chairs, a printer, and office supplies.
Collaboration is also fostered with organizations such as PCSD, YIT Foundation, Sole Purpose, City of Poughkeepsie, United Way of Dutchess and Orange County, Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health, Community Schools, NYSMICJ, Tuskegee Airmen Foundation, and more.
Saving Our Tomorrow's programs encompass various prevention and education topics. They focus on drug prevention, substance awareness, alcohol education, mental health, positive outcomes, identifying barriers to success, conducting demographic surveys, exploring reasons for and against substance use, and creating logic models. These efforts are supported by resources such as forums, expert-led trainings, assessments, community scans, presentations, pamphlets, inebriated goggles, Q&A sessions, field surveys, and guest speakers.
The organization serves not only the youth but also the parents, caretakers, service members, veterans, families, seniors, and domestic violence survivors. They provide information on prevention, rehabilitation, and local services. Programs are offered free of charge, and childcare is provided during program times. Saving Our Tomorrow ensures inclusivity by offering assistance to the ESL community through Spanish-speaking affiliates and providing information in both English and Spanish.
Funding is a significant challenge for Saving Our Tomorrow, as they rely heavily on donations, in-kind funds, and collaborations to operate effectively. Without grant funding in the past year, they have relied on street outreach and event-based programs to make an impact. However, with grant support, they can strengthen their movement and expand their reach to serve more youth in an impactful manner. The organization aims to allocate funds to the most beneficial aspects of their program, enhancing their ability to make a difference.
In addition to their work with youth, Saving Our Tomorrow recognizes the importance of supporting service members, veterans, families, seniors, and domestic violence survivors. They collaborate with the Counter-Drug Task Force, including the Air and Army National Guard, to address prevention efforts. They have also hosted an event on Rose St, bringing together community leaders to combat the opioid crisis and provide essential resources. Monthly clothing and hygiene distributions take place at the local emergency shelter, while street outreach involves tabling and disseminating prevention methods.
Saving Our Tomorrow prides itself on using the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) model, which includes assessment, capacity building, planning, implementation, and evaluation. They regularly pull reports and conduct surveys to identify emergent needs within the City of Poughkeepsie. These findings inform their workshops, meetings, and trainings, ensuring their programs remain relevant and effective. They remain open to expanding their strategies based on evidence-based practices and continually seek to improve their coalition's impact on the region.
Despite facing challenges and limited resources, Saving Our Tomorrow has successfully developed a grassroots coalition that collaborates with all 12 sector participants. This coalition facilitates routine cleanups, community outreach, prevention training, workshops, events, and Saturday Morning Lights collaboration, benefitting over 200 children. Their collaborations and partnerships strengthen the organization, leading to positive outcomes for the community as a whole.
Saving Our Tomorrow's dedication to serving the community is evident through their numerous collaborative efforts, preventive programs, and outreach initiatives. Their impact extends to families in need, service members, veterans, seniors, and domestic violence survivors. By addressing substance abuse, promoting positive choices, and providing support, Saving Our Tomorrow strives to create a safer and healthier environment for the youth and the entire City of Poughkeepsie.