Pictured with our youth at Straight Up Cafe are: a juvenile court judge; 2 Worcester City Councilors, 3 local Mayors, our Massachusetts state senator and state representative, and US Congressman.

Catering manager Matty Londergan and team catered a community political forum on Saturday night at Straight Up Cafe

Sharing a CALL TO ACTION: Advocates for The Safe and Successful Youth Initiative, which has had great impact in communities like Worcester and Lynn, are requesting support for the level funding amendment proposed by Senator Chang-Diaz. Please call your State Representatives and Senator and voice your support!

Please make your call soon! Sign-ons need to take place before Wednesday, May 22. Here's a helpful script that you can adapt for your call:

"Hi my name is NAME from ORGANIZATION/CITY and I’m calling because I am (We are) supporting the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative which has already had great impact on our community. We saw the Senate Budget funded SSYI at $4 million and we are calling to ask for Senator __________________ to sign onto Senator Chang-Diaz’s budget amendment which calls for level funding for SSYI at $10 million.

The LINE ITEM is 4000-0005.

SSYI is unique. It was specifically developed to address a gap in current youth violence prevention by focusing on the young men most at risk of killing or being killed. The results are already being seen throughout our state. It is important for us and our community to continue this work.

Thank you for supporting our community’s young people!"

Straight Ahead Ministries posted a photo:

Sheila Raye Charles, daughter of the legendary Ray Charles, behind those famous shades. Sheila performed at Straight Up Cafe in March 2013.

Straight Ahead Ministries posted a photo:

Sheila Raye performs to a full house at Straight Up Cafe.

Straight Ahead Ministries posted a photo:

Sheila Raye shares her journey from childhood abuse, addiction and federal prison to faith, recovery and freedom with youth in Straight Ahead's Worcester Aftercare program.