5 Reasons to Give
Over the past 50 years, Youth Emergency Services has helped countless youth on their way to self-sufficiency and strengthened relationships with so many partners in the Omaha Metro Community. As part of our 50th celebration, we are sharing 50 of these stories throughout 2024. Here are the first 5 of these stories. Make sure to watch this space for more!
Kianna, Current YES youth: “YES provided me with stability and consistency that I have not gotten probably ever... They gave me help that helped me towards independence. I don’t think I’ve hit my full potential, but YES definitely gave me a kickstart.” We covered Kianna’s story before here or you can watch Kianna tell her story here.
Autumn, former YES Youth: “I was kicked out at 17. My scholarship was on the line. My social worker at school, he had told me “Why don’t you just call YES and see about their transitional living program.” that seemed perfect for me because I’d get to have my own apartment, I would get to learn the things I didn’t get to learn growing up. … They’re there for you. It’s been an amazing resource for me.” Watch Autumn tell her story here.
2023 Dancers: “I think people need to be supporting YES because they are trauma-informed and people driven. These youth in our community learn life skills, what is financial literacy look like, how do you pay rent, how do you act in interviews. YES is out there in the streets, in classes, helping them really get connected to the resources and really create a sense of autonomy and independence and confidence to go out and be an adult and contribute to a greater community.”- Maria Corpuz. Watch Maria Tell her story here.
David Ortman, Board Member: “These kids that are just starting off in their adulthood and offering them an advantage to overcome all the disadvantages that they’ve had. It’s just an incredibly hard to recognize and underserved group. I love the different services that they offer. I think they touch on probably the most needed services. If people see that and they hear the stories and they see the good works that just continue. This really means something to them.” Watch David tell his story here.
Antoinette Scaife, Maternity Group Home Lead: “Each day I hear about the trauma that impacted the youth's ability to feel wanted. The ability to feel needed. The ability to accomplish what seems so far beyond. MGH uplifts these young moms, bringing them in and coming up with realistic goals. Most moms are scared and unsure if they're taking a step in the right direction. Our goal is to assure them that we will do our best to change those feelings. You should support YES in any way you can because we are creating healthy habits and doing what's needed to reach the youths' full potential. When they leave MGH they feel empowered, they feel a breath of fresh air. Not only MGH staff but the entire YES team strives for success for any youth that comes through the door.”