#MORETHANJUSTANUMBER

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness month. To spread the word about Youth Emergency Services and the work YES is doing to end youth homelessness in Omaha, we are asking all of our followers, supporters, and donors to sign up for Thunderclap.

What is Thunderclap? Thunderclap is the first crowd-speaking platform that helps people be heard by saying something together. Basically, Thunderclap allows users to send a one-time, mass social media message to promote a cause, product, or idea. Once signed-up, Thunderclap will send the message on your behalf when the designated time arrives. In our case, that’s November 3 at 6 PM.

The catch? Our Thunderclap message will only be sent if we get 100 people to sign up. If we only get 65/3/99 people, the message will not send. Once we hit 100, our message is guaranteed to be sent through the social media networks to all of the user’s friends and followers.

What’s the message? More than 300 youth live on the streets of Omaha every night, but these youth are #morethanjustanumber. Numbers can be powerful, but the youth behind this number are even more powerful. The youth who come to YES have stories to tell and dreams that they hope to fulfill. The easiest way to end youth homelessness in Omaha is to raise awareness. With Thunderclap, our voice is louder than ever.

Will you join us?

NEW WHEELS

Hi! My name is Felicia, and I am going to explain how dedication and hard work helped me buy my first car.

 

Two years ago, I joined a program called Opportunity Passport. This program is for anyone who has been a former ward of the state. Opportunity Passport helps former wards by matching any money saved to help those in need purchase items like laptops for college or cars to help you get to school and work. I strongly encourage anyone who qualifies to sign up.

The match that I went for was the car match. Over the course of two long years, I saved $2,000. They not only matched my funds, but they also gave me an additional $6,000. All together, I had $10,000. On June 5, I was able to purchase my own car!

I wanted to give up three times while being in this program, but I stuck with it. All the hard work and dedication that was needed to save this money, has taught me so much. I no longer have to rely on anyone for a ride. I no longer have to ride the city bus. I just hop in my car and go. Having my own car is an amazing feeling. I am so very thankful for this program!

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About Felicia: Felicia is a former YES youth who worked very hard to get where she is today. She is currently a student at UNO and will be starting her sophomore year in the fall. To hear more about Felicia’s story, watch her video.

YOUTH ART: TREY

About Trey:

Trey came to Youth Emergency Services to find a better life for himself. After staying with his cousin for awhile, he left when he refused to drop out of school at her request. He had nowhere else to turn and very little resources available to him. That’s when he learned about YES.

Trey says, “When most teenagers turn to drugs when they have a bad life, art is all I really know. I love it. I eat, sleep, and breathe art. I don’t do drugs or use alcohol. Art is my drug.”

Trey one day hopes to become a tattoo artist and own his own business.

OMAHA GIVES

Last Wednesday, May 21, was Omaha’s second annual Omaha Gives! day. Youth Emergency Services participated, and everyone was so surprised and overwhelmed by the community support. This year, YES had set a goal to raise $15,000. Our supportive donors exceeded our expectations and raised over $17,000! That amount is almost double the amount raised last year.

Another new aspect of the day for YES was an event. Youth Emergency Services hosted a Youth Discussion Panel at UNO’s Community Engagement Center. The public was invited to join us live for the event at UNO or through the internet with a live stream of the discussion. Three of YES’ youth – Felicia, Nate, and Kate – shared their stories and how YES has helped them along the way. You can watch the discussion online by visiting YES’ YouTube page – http://www.youtube.com/yesomaha

We would like to thank everyone who came out to support YES last week and throughout the year. Youth Emergency Services truly wouldn’t be what it is today without your dedication. Thank you!

New Shelter Bathroom

With so many youth coming and going at the YES Emergency Shelter, it’s no surprise that it would need an update sooner or later. The First United Methodist Church of Springfield has graciously helped YES to make that update a reality. After taking a look at the before pictures, it’s easy to see why they made the bathroom a top priority.

 

We cannot begin to thank the First United Methodist Church of Springfield enough for the work they put into this bathroom. It looks great, and we are confident that it will help to make the youth feel more at home!

For more information on how you can volunteer your time and talents, please visit http://www.yesomaha.org.

Mentoring Match: Jen and Maurissa

 

Jen and Maurissa were matched in April 2014 and quickly formed a special bond and friendship.

To become a YES mentor to homeless and at-risk youth in the Transitional Living Program or Maternity Home, please visit http://www.yesomaha.org/get-involved/mentor.html

2014 Omaha Gives!

 

Omaha Gives! is a 24-hour, online giving event that raises money for nonprofits in the Omaha area. Youth Emergency Services will be participating, and we ask you to consider donating as little as $10! Below are a few reasons why you should consider donating to YES on May 21:

1. Your donation will be matched! During Omaha Gives! your dollar goes further because a percentage of all donations are matched. The more money we raise, the more funds will be matched.

2. Your $10 donation could become $1,000! Each hour, the Omaha Community Foundation will randomly select a donation and award an additional $1,000 to that organization.

3. Your donation could help YES win even more money! If YES has the highest number of unique donors on May 21, YES will be awarded additional prize money.

4. You can be part of something huge! Last year, Omaha Gives! raised almost $3 million that went directly to local nonprofits, like YES, that make a difference in our community.

 

Tip Top Thrift Shop

 

Tip Top has been a staple in the Benson area for many years. Here are a few things that make this thrift shop one not to miss on your next shopping trip.

1. The merchandise is constantly changing. Tip Top receives donations every day, and they are all priced to sell. The key to finding the best thrift store deals is to shop early and often!

2. All of the “employees” are actually volunteers. Different groups rotate days and shifts to make sure the store is always fully staffed, and they always welcome shoppers with a warm smile!

3. Specials change daily. One day you might receive $1 off all clothing items priced over $3. Another day, all books might be $1. The opportunities to save money are endless!

4. All proceeds go to support Youth Emergency Service. Yes! The merchandise is donated, the employees are all volunteer, and that means that all profits go to support YES’ mission of ending youth homelessness in our community.

What more of a reason do you need to stop by?

Tip Top Thrift Shop
5910 Maple St
Omaha, NE 68104
(402) 551-1302
Monday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM

Safe Place

If a youth has ever been in a dangerous situation, they need to know about Safe Place.

If a teen is the victim of assault or violence, they need to know about Safe Place.

If any young person is ever afraid to return home, they need to know about Safe Place. 

What is Safe Place? National Safe Place is an outreach program designed to provide access to immediate help and safety for all youth in crisis. 

How it works? Safe Place forms partnerships with local business and other locations including libraries to offer youth a safe and secure location to go in a time of need.

1. When youth find themselves in a crisis situation, the teen can find a Safe Place location through text message. When the youth arrives at the Safe Place location, they will then tell an employee they need help. 

2. Once an employee is notified, they will contact Youth Emergency Services, the local Safe Place affiliate, for assistance. Within 20-30 minutes or less, the Safe Place volunteer will arrive to talk with the youth and transport them to the agency, if necessary, for counseling, support, a place to stay, or other resources.

3. Once at the Safe Place agency, counselors meet with the youth and provide support, resources, and help. Family members or guardians are called to let them know that their child is safe. Agency staff make sure the youth and their families receive the help and professional referrals they need. 

Safe Place is a vital resource for all youth! Safe Place offers youth a safe alternative to dangerous or potentially harmful situations. 

How you can help! National Safe Place Week is March 16-22. To kick off the week, YES is holding a Safe Place Awareness Walk on Monday, March 17 at noon. We will begin on the steps of City Hall where a proclamation will be read. We will then continue through downtown towards Urban Abbey. Everyone is invited to join us and help spread the word about Safe Place!

For more information, please email info@yesomaha.org.

Poem by Anonymous

 

Picture and poem by a current YES youth.