"What the YESS program means to me is friendship, family and hope. This program gives kids a chance that was not given to me at their age, a chance for better life!"
Juan, YESS Mentor
"What the YESS program means to me is fun, freedom, and learning. I learn something new everyday at YESS. That’s what it means to me."
Maurilia, youth in the Greenlee program
Here is what Jackie, a charismatic young Latina wrote at about her experience at our Lancer Leaders Program at Lincoln HS in Denver.
“I never thought life could be so difficult: crews, fights, drama, problems, no respect, gangs, boys, drugs, alcohol. Nobody understood me. Nobody cared about me. I was in my own little world. In my life there was a big change. Medina [Daniel Medina, YESS Program Specialist at Lincoln High School] that’s the name of the person I would never forget. I remember I ditched, they got me and brought me to Medina and that is when he gave me a contract and brought me into the YESS mentoring program. It was a Tuesday on my first day. I was scared, it was embarrassing. I met two mentors. They showed me how to respect and be good. At first I didn’t care but then I realized that my life wouldn’t be so difficult if I listened. Now my life is cool, no drama, no crews, no boys. I am just cool. I don’t have nothing to think about but school. I thank Medina and my mentors, without them I wouldn’t even know what would be of my life. I will always remember Medina and all of you that have helped me. Thank you.â€