Tracy Kolsin: Coalition Member Spotlight
This quarter’s coalition member spotlight is on Tracy Kolsin.
Tracy has been with the Town of Southampton Youth Bureau for 21 years and was named Youth Bureau Director last year. He has a BA degree from Southampton College of LIU as well as an MSW degree from Adelphi University.
As Youth Bureau Director, Tracy provides positive youth development and early intervention services that support young people to achieve their potential at school, work, and beyond. The Southampton Youth Bureau serves youth from Riverhead Central School District in Flanders, Riverside and Northampton. It offers services for middle and high school youth including a Youth Advisory Committee, a journalism program, and Youth Court. The Youth Bureau also offers seasonal and afterschool programs for school-aged youth which include Chess Club, Homework Help, and Boxing Club. These programs empower today’s youth to create a positive and healthy community.
EMPOWERING Youth Through Community Work
Tracy has been working with the coalition since 2012. He is an integral member and has takes part in multiple committees and events. During the past year, Tracy was active on the coalition’s cannabis committee, and helped organize a cannabis forum for community members. He assisted with the committee’s environmental scans of local vape shops, which helped the coalition collect important data.
Tracy is also key in engaging youth in coalition work. His support and insight aids the coalition for youth-led events, such as Sticker Shock, Medication Take Back Days, and the annual Meet and Greet.
Riverhead Community Coalition Coordinator Isabella Marcucci recently sat down with Tracy to talk about his experience with the coalition. Here are the highlights:
Why did you get involved with the Coalition?
“I got involved with the coalition because it is very important to build a strong community through multiple ways. We are all experts in the fields we work and when we bring those minds together there is little we can’t accomplish. The coalition offers just that. Through efficiency, expertise, and coordination Riverhead CAP offers, the coalition is able to effectively pursue policy and healthy lifestyle changes for youth and families in our community. By building our community we are offering better choices and a better future for everyone.”
What is Your Favorite Coalition Activity?
“My favorite coalition activities are the Pre-Prom Red Carpet, Sticker Shock, and anything to do with the Youth Coalition.”
Name Three Words That Best Describe You
“Passionate, creative, problem solver.”
Besides coalition work, What else Do you Like To DO?
“I like to work with my hands and enjoy doing carpentry. I also really enjoy meeting people and experiencing things I have never done. I’m afraid of heights but will never turn down climbing a tall ladder. (Just don’t look down).”
Interested in learning more about coalition membership?
To learn more about joining the Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth, contact Isabella Marcucci at (631) 727-3722 ext. 106, or Isabella.Marcucci@RiverheadCAP.org.
