News

As we get ready for Spring here at YSB, I’m excited to share a few highlights with you from across our agency. In April, we’ll participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month activities as a member of our community’s “Better Together” collaborative where we’ll partner with other human service agencies to raise awareness, promote access to community support services, and offer free workshops on how to keep our kids safe. Check out the Project Safe & Smart section below! Spring also marks the start of YSB’s Special Event fundraising season, and we need your help to make sure this year’s events are successful in supporting high-quality programs that enrich the lives of our kids - including our Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. I hope you enjoy our updates, and I invite you to join us in providing opportunities for local kids to reach their full potential!

~Christine Bishop, CEO

prevention

The Prevention team is currently serving small groups of youth within Wingate ​Elementary School. These small groups are participating in the Too Good for ​Violence and One Circle curriculums. Both curriculums teach about decision ​making, friendship, and more!

In February, the Prevention team facilitated CATCH My Breath with all the 5th grade students enrolled within Bald Eagle Area School District. This includes Port Matilda Elementary, Wingate Elementary, Howard Elementary and Mountaintop Elementary! CATCH My Breath is an evidence-based youth nicotine vaping prevention program that is taught in four sessions. CATCH educates youth on the consequences of using e-cigarettes, how to use refusal skills and exit strategies, and more! During Session 4, the youth develop and present a messaging project (warning label) that addresses misconceptions and promotes the benefits of being e-cigarette-free. Check out this one that highlights the importance of flexing your lungs!

Smarter Parents Safer Kids is a one-time two-hour workshop that helps prepare caregivers for tough conversations with their youth. The workshop covers topics in healthy child sexual development, creating positive channels of communication, and fostering protective environments to empower caregivers to protect their youth better.

The BBBS program creates and supports one to one mentoring relationships that help children reach their full potential. Our volunteers come from all walks of life with varying levels of experience working with children and youth. You do not need to have a specific title, a degree, or any specific qualifications to be a Big. All you need is the time (which truly isn’t that much!) and the desire to build a relationship with a young person in our community who could use an additional caring adult in their life to encourage them, be a safe space for them, and have fun with them. BBBS Case Managers support each match participant every step of the way. All are encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the program options, volunteer requirements, the enrollment process, and more.

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April Information Sessions:

Tuesday, April 2nd at 6pm, Zoom

Thursday, April 11th at 5pm, YSB office (325 W. Aaron Drive)

Wednesday, April 17th at 12pm, Zoom

Saturday, April 27th at 11am, Zoom

room makeover

The visit room at YSB was recently renovated. The room now brings a sense of warmth and welcoming to our families and clients and makes it feel as if they aren't in an office. The room encourages our clients to express themselves through play and creativity. The various resources around the room help our clients de-escalate and calm their emotions in times of crisis.

Our Annual Fly Fishing Tournament stands as a pivotal event, not just for angling enthusiasts but for the broader community. Beyond the thrill of fishing the premier and private waters of Spruce Creek, its success resonates deeply with our organization’s mission. The funds generated directly fuel our programs, acting as a catalyst for enabling every youth to reach their full potential. Will you join us? We have a few individual and team spots still available. New this year, we are raffling off a team. For $50 you can buy a chance to win a team of 4 in the tournament. Act fast, only 50 tickets will be sold and the drawing will be held April 1st at noon. Don’t worry, if you are not an angler, there are opportunities to volunteer and sponsor!

To purchase a raffle ticket or to learn more, please reach out to Kathy at kcoursen@ccysb.com or call 814-237-5731.

We hope to see you soon On the Fly!

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