Who can forget what a fabulous decade the 80s were? Kevin Bacon was teaching us all to be footloose, Aqua Net allowed us to pump up the volume on our bangs, Mary Lou Retton was stealing our hearts at the Olympics, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller album was turning out hits one after the other. And […]
Continue ReadingStories of Triumph: Laura
A common theme often occurs with the teens that come through YouthZone’s doors – trauma and mental illness, masked by substance abuse. As was the case for Laura, a teen who has had a difficult year, but is overcoming many hurdles in her life in order to embark on a promising future. More than a […]
Continue ReadingStories of Triumph: Adam and Paul
When a mentor and mentee come together to forge a relationship that is positive and meaningful for both, it’s a true success. Recently, YouthZone celebrated the graduation of a Pals Mentoring relationship that lasted four years and created a bond between both the mentor and mentee that will continue long after the formal mentor relationship […]
Continue ReadingG.O.A.L. Academy – Blended Alternative High School
For some students, traditional classroom settings simply don’t match their educational needs, which can lead to poor attendance and performance. Luckily, there are alternative schools that may offer solutions for students who want to receive a quality education. One such organization that is available for students in the YouthZone service area is G.O.A.L. Academy – […]
Continue ReadingStories of Triumph: Allison
Sometimes, our stories of triumph come from kids who have spent many months, or even years, overcoming obstacles. However, in the case of Allison, despite having a long road ahead of her still, she’s experienced a recent triumph thanks to the swift action of her family and staff at YouthZone. Recently, Allison came to YouthZone […]
Continue ReadingStories of Triumph: Danni
Watching teenagers make choices that will impact their lives in a positive way for years to come always makes us at YouthZone incredibly proud. Recently, a young woman working with YouthZone, Danni, made some important decisions that will affect her future for the better. Courtney Dunn, case manager at YouthZone, began working with Danni after […]
Continue ReadingStories of Triumph: Elizabeth
Essential to the success of any young person is a solid education. Unfortunately, some youth are at risk of losing access to an education that will provide them with the knowledge and self-esteem needed to excel. Recently, YouthZone worked with a young person, Elizabeth*, who was close to expulsion and at risk of losing her […]
Continue ReadingCarli Dean: Former Pals Mentor
Just as we are always proud of our YouthZone kids when they become successful young adults, we are equally thrilled when the young mentors that work with YouthZone continue to thrive as they enter college and careers. Carli Dean, who volunteered as a Teen Pals Mentor in 2006, is a remarkable young woman whose dedication to […]
Continue ReadingTalking to Your Kids About Drinking
Today is St. Patrick’s day … a day of celebration, parties and all around good cheer. You may have worn green today and may be planning to hit a party this evening to celebrate. St. Patrick’s day is fun, but what kind of message are teenagers receiving on a holiday that is traditionally steeped in […]
Continue ReadingStories of Triumph: Billy
Each and every young person that comes through the doors of YouthZone is unique and special. Five years ago, a young boy named Billy, at the urging of a school counselor, came to YouthZone in search of a mentor. Billy knew he needed someone to help guide him through some difficult times, and he was […]
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