Y.E.S.! Mentoring Newsletter March 2009 Click to turn the page ~

Breaking The Cycle of Poverty We want to give our kids the tools to help them succeed now and in the future. Having that extra caring adult in their lives helps us to achieve that goal. Our mentors are there to listen, advise and be role models to our children to help break the cycle of poverty.   Many people live in a state of poverty. Poverty is more than just a lack of money. Poverty is when someone lives without resources. Lack of resources can be financial but it can also be: Emotional - Someone who lacks the stamina to withstand difficult or uncomfortable emotional situations & feelings* Mental - Someone who is unable to process information & use it on a daily basis * Spiritual - Someone who views themselves as hopeless, worthless, or useless and doesn’t see they have a purpose for living or that worth and love are gifts from God who is there to help them* Physical -lacking mobility* 5. Support Systems -Someone who is lacking persons they can turn to for help* 6. Role models - Someone who is lacking positive people in nurturing and are good for them*. We hope that through YES, we can help supplement and meet these lack of resources for our children because they are worth it!   *Information from Ruby Paynes ’A Framework for Understanding Poverty’

Helping Kids Get Ahead Academically We want our children to be successful in school and in life. Success is a by product of hard work and a good education. Here are three good basic study habits that you can teach your student to help them get ahead academically. Consistency & Time Management: Have them find a place in their home where they can go everyday to study and do homework. Along with a specific place, students need a specific time when they will be studying. Everyone in their household should know the schedule so that your student is not interrupted. Focus, Focus Focus: Turn off the t.v., radio and cell phones. Students need a place where they can think and concentrate. Removing the distractions will help kids stay more focused and more effective in completing their assignments. If they stick with it, they’ll have their work done in no time! Eat Healthy & Get a Good Night’s Sleep. Students will perform better when they get proper nutrition and an adequate amount of rest. Encourage them to eat healthy meals and snacks and get their rest.

Iowa Mentoring Partnership We are proud to be certified with the Iowa Mentoring Partnership, an organization dedicated to building brighter futures for children and youth. Character Counts in Iowa is a project of the Institute for Character Development at Drake University.

Donations Individual Donors Our program is supported by individual donations and grant opportunities.  To keep our program up and running, we need the financial support from generous donors such as yourselves. Loss of money also means loss of opportunities to help meet the needs of children in our community. Would you consider giving a donation today?  No gift is to too small and every gift is appreciated!  If you would like to invest in this program, please send your donations to:  YES Mentoring 904 Broad Street, Red Oak Ia  51566 And remember, your gift is tax deductible!  Businesses Businesses can donate to our program several ways.  They can donate on a monthly basis, an annual sponsorship, paid volunteer leave for employees, or reduction of fee's or free services. ~ Paid Leave Businesses can help donate to our program by providing their employees a ‘Paid Volunteer Service Leave’. All mentors involved with YES are required to mentor their student for one hour a week for one year. Businesses who are willing to offer paid volunteer leave to their employee's as an extra benefit end up profiting themselves.  By offering this bonus to your employees, you are enabling your company to give back to the community and studies show that employees who are given the opportunity to volunteer and give back something positive to their community are happier and more productive.  This is just another way to invest in your employees, your business and your community.  Would you be willing to give one hour of your employee's time to help make a difference in the life of a child, a future resident and possible employee? Youth Experiencing Success – Making A Difference One Child At A Time!!

Annual Respect Our Community Red Oak R.O.C.K.S. Annual Respect Our Community Clean Up Day! The Red Oak Chamber and the Y.E.S.! Mentoring Program are teaming up for another clean-up day in our community. It will be held Saturday June 13th from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. There will be a free lunch for all volunteers at Legion Park from 11:30 AM 12:30 p.m. rain date has been set for June 14th from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, with meal to follow from 4:30 TO 5:30 at Legion Park. If you or your business would like to participate, please contact Brenda Black at 623-6630 or email yesmentoring@roschools.com Save the Date!

Mentors Wanted!! Every child needs someone to look up to. Someone just like you! Your positive influence in a child’s life means they are more likely to stay in school, stay out of drugs or other negative lifestyles, and become responsible, active members in the community. For as little as one hour a week, you can make a big difference in the life of a child. For more information, please contact our mentoring coordinator at 623-6630 or email us at yesmentoring@roschools.com.