Stop the Violence Week 2009

This week through April 11th, Hastings Youth Academy (HYA) is holding Donald Washington: Stop the Violence Week according to an announcement received by Historic City News today.

Donald was an adolescent who was successfully discharged from HYA and barely two months later, was brutally murdered in Jacksonville, FL. HYA’s Stop the Violence Week has been established to preserve Donald’s memory as well as the countless others who have been the needless victims of violence.

Scheduled activities include a host of speakers to include Donald Washington’s family, political, community, and legal dignitaries; the involvement of victim advocacy groups, a church sponsored basketball tournament and a tri-county motorcycle benefit ride.

Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 11 a.m. – Hastings Youth Academy, G4S Youth Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice is sponsoring a police escorted “1st Annual Tri-County Stop the Violence Benefit Motorcycle Ride” through scenic St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam Counties. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and kickstands up at 11 a.m. The event will conclude at Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka where there will be a live concert, speakers, lunch, and raffle prizes of items donated by numerous merchants. This event was made possible by the following merchants and businesses St. Augustine Harley Davidson, 91.3 Hope FM, Benevolence, Ravine Gardens State Park, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Cheney Brothers, Inc., Anchor Faith Church, Betty Griffin House, His Heart Ministries International, Wet Tees Screenprinting, Goodday Apparel, Boneyard Skate Shop, My Art Department, Benevolence, St. Johns Super Service Center and Sunshine Trophies & Awards. A donation of $25.00 per bike and $10.00 per additional rider is being requested for participation. All proceeds will benefit the Victim Advocacy Programs for all three counties.

For additional information please contact Tammy Vaughn at 904.692.2920 ext. 24.

Hastings Youth Academy is a moderate risk secure 165 bed juvenile facility with an average length of stay of 6 to 9 months. This program has three components – Behavioral Health Overlay Services, Intensive Mental Health Treatment and Specialized Mental Health.