When Paul Savramis first introduced Positive Alternatives for Youth to New York's Community board 7 (P.A.Y 7) back in the late 1970s, he had a singular goal: to improve the lives of student athletes and build better community programs for youth. Today, he continues that dream with the Rising Stars Youth Foundation and his vision of programs for youth has grown its reach further than Savramis ever imaged. Here, Savramis discusses the non-profit’s latest initiative and how collaborations with like-minded foundations in the community like the YMCAs of Long Island have helped the Rising Stars mission.
Q: When did Rising Stars first establish a partnership with the Greater South Bay YMCA?
Paul Savramis: Back in October 2016. After numerous meetings with community leaders for the need of additional after school programs for youth and in collaboration with the Great South Bay YMCA, we launched our initial program in the area with 20 boys from the Greater South Bay Long Island areas of Brentwood, Bayshore, Amityville, and Islip.
Paul Savramis: As with all of the programs offered through Rising Stars, we seek to increase high school attendance rates, deal with substance abuse, and reduce gang activity. In the months since we expanded into the Greater South Bay, we have seen consistent attendance and continued participation from all of the student athletes we enrolled as well as their families in the programs. We believe access to this and similar programs has had a positive impact on the student as well as to his or her community. Our athletes are required to improve their grades and volunteer time with community service projects so the benefits carry on well over what we do together in the class and the gym. Also, each family was given a YMCA membership allowing for activities seven days a week.
Q: How does working with the YMCA increase Rising Stars ability to help kids?
Paul Savramis: Having a partner like the YMCA in your corner is an invaluable asset. The YMCA’s three core values of being “For Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility” mirror our “Play; Learn; and Grow” values. We share the same mission, have the same philosophy and our different approach to accomplish each of these complement each other perfectly. The YMCA also already has an established face in the community that gives Rising Stars a perfect vehicle and home in which to begin our programming.
Q: How do you explain the boy's amazing success as a basketball team after being together for such a short while?
Paul Savramis: The Rising Stars team we formed with the Great South Bay YMCA surprised everyone in making such great strides in 2017 winning three local and one regional tournament. This, after only six months of working together as a unit was a real achievement! I can only try to explain that by saying these boys reacted in the best way they could to show how much they appreciated the opportunities they were given.That was by attending classes, practicing hard and of course, winning. All boys possess the skills to play and improve in the games they play - however I think the victories on the court by this group are a reflection on being motivated to do more, try harder, and a greater desire to succeed.
Q: What types of educational services are available to Rising Stars student athletes?
Paul Savramis: In addition to becoming eligible for our private educational scholarship pool, elementary and middle school students receive tutoring and academic support from peer mentors, coaches, and teachers. We also have a 24/7 365 day network of other social and community services support available when they need it. The most at-risk students are identified early in the program and well before entering HS. Those that need it the most are provided admittance into private high schools free of charge.