The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (APPS) Project of Ulster County is a
 multi-agency collaboration dedicated to raising community awareness, providing
 education, and ensuring services that address teen pregnancy prevention and/or support
 for pregnant and parenting teens.  We are currently serving youth in Kingston, Ellenville,
 Kerhonkson, Naponach, and Rosendale.
   

 APPS Objectives:

       Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention
       Coordination/Community Awareness
       Self Sufficiency
       Child Development
     

APPS Services:

    The “Youth Empowerment Series” (YES!), is a multi-agency, interactive program, 
    available to area schools and youth serving organizations. The goal of YES is to educate 
    the students and enhance their knowledge and skills around healthy decision making, 
    relationships, character development and the consequences of risky behavior. This 
    program is adapted to be age-appropriate and can be modified according to the needs
    of participants.

Topics & Presenters Include-  
    "Healthy Decision Making & Communication Skills"
    Mental Health Association in Ulster Co., Inc.
    "STIs and HIV Prevention"
    AIDS-Related Community Services
    "Self Esteem & Self Care" 
    Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley
    "Teen Dating: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships & Norms" 
    Crime Victims Assistance Program of Ulster County
    "Teen Pregnancy:  The Real Deal" 
    YWCA of Ulster County or Maternal-Infant Services Network  
    "Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Living" 
    Unique Fitness - includes a dance workshop
    "Life Skills"   
    Big Brothers, Big Sisters
    "Think Before You Act:  Conflict Resolution, Consequential Thinking & Refusal Skills"
    Family of Woodstock, INC.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS INCLUDE- Diversity, Body Image, Depression & Anxiety, Nutrition,
    Sexual Violence, Puberty and Sexuality, Sexual Harassment and Media Literacy.	

C.H.I.C. (Courageous, Healthy, Independent, Confident) Click- Is a weekly group
    for local girls ages 11-14 that in live Kingston, Rondout Valley or Ellenville school
    districts.  The group will focus on fostering self-esteem, healthy decision making and
    empowering participants to build positive relationships.  It is designed to counter trends
    toward self-doubt by creating a supportive connection between the girls and their
    community and fostering genuine self-expression through group discussion and creative
    activities.  Please contact Stephanie Russo, APPS Program Assistant at 338-6844 ext 103
    for more information.

Real Care Babies-  Real Care babies are part of an experimental simulation program
    called Baby Think it Over! designed to give adolescents insight into the realities of caring
    for an infant.  The "dolls" come with an instructional video, and record all data for review
    at the end of the simulation. APPS owns 14 Real Care Babies, and they are available on
    loan to interested groups, agencies, schools and individuals.     

The "Empathy Belly" Pregnancy Simulator- Through this hands-on, experiential type
    of learning, wearers of the weighted garment find out what it feels like to be pregnant,
    and gain realistic understanding of the changes and demands imposed by pregnancy.  It is
    used in conjunction with an extensive presentation.

Loan Library/Computer Lab-  The APPS program has several prevention and
    parenting resources including videos, informational brochures and educational games on
    a broad range of topics having to do with pregnancy prevention, child and character
    development, communication and sexual health.  APPS also has four computers available
    for youth to learn important skills, and utilize our ever growing selection of CD and
    DVD-ROMS, ranging from topics like SAT prep, job skills, movie developing and
    editing, as well as multiple character building programs.

Teen Parent Support Services- APPS supports the BIRTHE (Bridge to Increased
    Responsibility Through Health Education) Program, and provides clients in the
    YWCA Teen Parenting Program with resources including supplies and educational
    incentives.  Please call Linda Showers, R.N., for more information at 338-2057.

Youth Leadership Internship Program- A six week summer internship program with
    local businesses and agencies in Kingston, Ellenville and New Paltz  for teens ages 13-15.
    The experience provides great job/interpersonal skills, and a $250.00 stipend for each
    participant.  Please call Donna Muller at 338-6844 ext 119, for more information.

The Safe or Sorry (S.O.S.) Peer Education Program- Through a partnership with
    Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley, and with funding from a Community
    Based Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (CBAPP) grant, the YWCA of Ulster County is
    able to offer this extensive program to Kingston High School students.  The goals are to
    promote abstinence, delay the onset of sexual activity, and foster leadership through
    health education and positive youth development activities.  Graduates of the S.O.S.
    program become Peer Educators, and if selected can receive stipends for the work they
    do in the community.  Please contact Heather Newman 338-6844, ext 111, for more
    information. 

  
Free Planned Parenthood Clinic Services- for youth up to 21 years of age from
    Kingston, Ellenville, Rosendale, Kerhonkson, or Naponach who have no other means of
    payment, are eligible for free appointments.  Services include pregnancy, STD/STI, and
    HIV testing, emergency contraceptives, birth control, and family planning education.
    ALL SERVICES ARE BY APPOINTMENT and are AVAILABLE AT:

    Planned Parenthood of             Planned Parenthood of
    Kingston                                       Ellenville
   169 Washington Ave                     98 Center Street
   (845)338-0840                               (845)647-8470
    

  
Questions?
  
Contact Krista Adams, APPS 
    Project Coordinator at: