Hello and Welcome To All!
For the past 14 years our First In Orange Teen Program has promoted and supported the youth of Orange with
goals and objectives that reflect the aspirations of Orange residents and community leaders.
Our strategy is to provide opportunities for the exchange of information and experiences
among a diverse group of teens.
Our program and activities are designed to provide opportunities for middle and high school
students that encourages them to stay in school, promote personal development, provide access to positive role models,
while contributing to the youth cultural awareness and diversity.
We are proud of our accomplishments and the programs we continue to put forth.
First In Orange membership is open to youth 12 to 18 years of age from Orange,and its
surrounding communities.
There is no registration fee, however, parents/guardians must register each child
and are ask to support our annual fundraisers and attend 2 parent workshops.
First In Orange sessions are from the first week in October to the last week in June of
each year. Early registration begins the last two weeks in September.
During the months of July ,August and September the youth and adult volunteers are involved
with community service projects.
First In Orange, An Urban Initiative
First In Orange, Inc. (FIO), an Urban Youth Initiative,
was created in 1995 by the commitment and dedication of seven individuals along with the Orange Police Department to assist
in the development and strengthening of a community.
First In Orange's primary goal is to educate, lead and motivate
the community's youth in understanding the benefits of living a drug-free, healthy and educated lifestyle that will follow
them through out their life in their decision making processes and advancement into productive citizens and life-long learners.
First In Orange began in the City of Orange Township, that is 2.2 square miles with a population of over 32,000 and
a school system made up of seven elementary schools, one middle and one high school.
First In Orange was developed in response to the need for after
school activities for the youth of Orange. The program meets every Tuesday at a local church and services 25-30 teens
per year from Orange and the surrounding communities.
The program currently hosts the following activities during
our regularly scheduled meetings: basketball, arts and crafts, tutorial services with students from local universities, leadership
and basic sign language.
Through our partnerships with
the Orange Police Department, the Orange Municipal Alliance,
and other community organizations, we are able to sponsor parent workshops, field trips and mentoring opportunities that provide
First In Orange with various opportunities that afford the community's youth with alternatives other than the negative obstacles
that many are faced with.
Program
Goals:
To provide a positive social environment where teens are introduced to variety
of educational, social cultural and physical activities.
To promote individual development within their personal
and academic experiences.
To offer opportunities for teens to interact with career professionals via- mentoring,
career education and leadership programs.
To solicit parental participation through workshops directed towards
building a strong, supportive and healthy family.
