Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Pelham Together. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community

After a long two years of pandemic, many things around us are starting to open up—shopping without masks, travel, visiting friends inside homes—and this feels hopeful. However, not for everyone, and we still have a ways to go. Pelham Together’s HOPE Campaign is an effort to emphasize the importance and need for hope, recognizing that everyone finds it in different ways and places—interactions with neighbors, caring relationships, relaxing activities, learning something new, connecting to extra support. Young people need to see hope around them as much as possible, and that is why we are launching a HOPE Contest, encouraging them to share their sources of hope with their peers and the community.

Nothing like a healthy contest to elevate the youth talent in this town….and we are harnessing that talent to give our kids a way to show us all how they find hope. The “I Am Hope Contest” asks young people to consider the question, “What Brings You Hope?”  We are accepting submissions in a variety of formats from writing, to music, to video, to drawing and more! All details can be found here, and the deadline for submissions is March 31, 2022. The contest is open to all local youth in grades 6th – 12th; there are First Place and Honorable Mention prizes (for the middle and high school levels) and one Grand Prize winner for $200!

“We believe that hearing about peoples’ sources of hope in creative ways will inspire more people to look for the hope in their own lives,” says PT Executive Director, Laura Caruso, “especially among our young people.”

Pelham Together has banners and signs on display around town that encourage those who do not feel hopeful and need support to check our website of vetted mental health providers and other resources. Where there is help, there is hope.

About Pelham Together

Pelham Together is a not-for-profit, community-based organization located in Pelham, NY.  Our mission is to ensure a safe, healthy and vibrant community for and with all the youth of Pelham.  We do that by connecting the community, informing parents and families about youth-related topics and risks, and elevating and empowering our youth. www.pelhamtogether.org