The Golf, Not Drugs initiative was developed in the summer of 2024 with the goal of engaging Hartford youth in positive, healthy activities. Offering free golf lessons at Keney Park Golf Course, the program aimed not only to teach the fundamentals of golf but also to provide young people with the opportunity to build new skills, develop healthy habits, and form meaningful connections within their community.
Supported by two Office for Community Child Health (OCCH) programs—North Hartford Ascend and Hartford Youth Health Identification and Linkage Consortium (HYHIL)—along with a dedicated Community Health Worker, Golf, Not Drugs successfully involved local youth in activities that promote healthy development. Through these efforts, participants were introduced to new social and recreational opportunities that can contribute to their overall well-being and personal growth.
A Unique Opportunity at Keney Park Golf Course
Keney Park Golf Course served as the perfect location for the Golf, Not Drugs program, which ran from May 10 to June 20, 2024. Led by a Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Professional, Estela Morales Segarra, the initiative offered five free sessions, providing beginners with a welcoming and supportive environment to learn the sport. The program began with 13 participants who were eager to take part in a new activity, giving them a break from their routines and a chance to build new friendships.
The Power of Golf as a Tool for Change
For several participants, golf was a completely new experience. Brittany Shumpert, the Community Health Worker who helped facilitate the program, described it as the first initiative of its kind for Connecticut Children’s. Like many of the youth participating, it was her first time trying the sport as well. The choice of golf was intentional, as the sport fosters qualities like discipline, focus, and decision-making—traits that can help young people make healthier life choices. Despite some initial challenges, participants showed noticeable improvement by the second session. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many partakers expressing how much they enjoyed the experience and appreciated what they had learned. Most importantly, the program left a lasting impact, offering participants a new hobby and valuable tools they could carry with them beyond the lessons.
Collaborative Efforts and Support
The Golf, Not Drugs program was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several key initiatives within OCCH, including Ascend, HYHIL, and Youth Recovery CT, all of which played vital roles in bringing the project to life.
This collaboration helped to bring awareness to the positive impact community programs can have, not only on the individuals who participate but also on the larger Hartford community. The goal was not just to teach golf, but to show young people the wide array of opportunities available to them right in their own neighborhoods.
The Value of Community Programs
Events like Golf, Not Drugs are essential for fostering community engagement and offering positive alternatives for Hartford’s youth. They highlight the valuable programs and resources within the city that can empower young people to make healthier choices and grow personally.
By providing access to new experiences and skills, programs like this demonstrate the significant impact that community-driven efforts can have. Continued support for these initiatives is not just important—it's essential for creating lasting, positive change. When communities invest in their youth and provide them with the resources they need to thrive, they pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.
Looking to learn more about community programs happening in Hartford? Reach out to BShumpert [at] connecticutchildrens.org (BShumpert[at]connecticutchildrens[dot]org)