DONATE!!
Our current service system does not fund older youth that are most likely to succeed. Because of this, NYEP must carve out its own funding. Currently, NYEP is funded by a combination of monetary support from individuals, businesses, service groups, and private and family foundations. NYEP is a tax exempt 501©3 non-profit organization. We welcome your support and involvement in our efforts to offer education and life skills to homeless teen girls in Washoe County. |
| How Rich Are You?
Every year we gaze enviously at the list of the richest people in world and wonder what it would be like to have that sort of cash. But where do you sit on the list right now? Click here to find out!!! |
SPCA's
Windows of Art
If you are not yet in the Christmas Spirit, you should stop by The SPCA Thrift Store on 4th and Vine (401 Vine Street) to check out the Windows of Art. If you are feeling like the Grinch, these windows are guaranteed to make your heart grow three sizes... at least!!! NYEP residents Nina and Miesha decorated NYEP's window, and we think they did a great job. So, stop by and check it out, and while you are there vote on your favorite window for $1. All proceeds will benefit the SPCA, NYEP and other organizations participating in the Windows of Art Project. |
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THANK YOU!!
We would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for making contributions in the month of November:
Alpha Delta Kappa Cathie Bryant Jen Banks Tom & Jennifer Clark Jillian Crowl Bonnie Drinkwater Becky Gebhardt Jim Joseph Joan Jouan Nevada's Big Give Taylor Pettigrew Rick & Charlotte Pugh Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation Scolaris Sparks Sertoma Rebecca Shawdowitz Society Salon Hillary Schieve Aina Trodden Marilyn York NP Catalyst  Miesha with NYEP's new TV, generously donated by Jim Joseph. NYEP is pleased to recognize the following special donors who have provided continued support to NYEP throughout the year.
American Family Insurance Americorps VISTA AWCMS Catalyst 360 Charles Schwab John Wagoner Larry "Max" Bigler Nell J. Redfield Foundation NV Energy Nevada Women's Club Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation Sparks Sertoma Zonta Club of Greater Reno |
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Give A Gift
December Needs
We are currently accepting monetary and in kind donations for our Holiday celebration. Items needed are grocery gift cards, wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, gift tags, scotch tape, Christmas Decor.
It is our goal to offer our residents the full holiday experience by giving them the opportunity to take ownership of the holiday celebration and create traditions that they can take with them and share with their family and friends when they are no longer at NYEP.
For this reason, we ask that items donated for our Holiday Celebration be unprepared. We love Christmas Goodies and want our residents to not only have the experience of eating delicious goodies and dinner, but we also want them to learn to make Christmas Goodies and gain the necessary skills to create their own holiday experience when they have their own family.
If you love to bake or have a skill that you feel would be beneficial to helping our residents mold their holiday traditions, please contact Cindy at cindy.nyep@gmail.com to find out how you can get involved!!!
We are in search of some energetic and talented individuals to get creative and get involved with our Fundraising
Committee. Email cindy.nyep@gmail.com or fill out a volunteer application here.
We LOVE volunteering!!! We are always looking for group volunteer events for our residents. If your organization would like to host a group volunteer event, please email jeanine.nyep@gmail.com. |
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Our Shear Happiness Fundraiser on 11/20 was a success!!!
BIG THANKS TO:
All of our supporters who made it out to support NYEP and get some amazing hair dos!!
Our Fundraising Committee volunteers Cathie Bryant, Joan Joaun and Jillian Crowl worked hard to coordinate this event.
Society Salon and all of the stylists who donated their time and skills to give some amazing hair cuts and raise over $400.00 for NYEP!!
Watch for news about our next fundraising event, we hope to see you there!!!
Or, you can get started on your own fundraiser to benefit NYEP here. |
What it means to be a Supportive Friend 
NYEP resident Jazz
Being a supportive friend means to be there through whatever may happen, and see their point of view, not just your own.
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Get to know NYEP's Residents
JACQUE
lived at NYEP since 8/2010.
Tell us a little about yourself:
Hi, I'm Jacque. I work for the City of Reno.
Why are you at NYEP?
I am at NYEP because I want to learn the skills to live one my own.
What do you like about living at NYEP?
I love that I can go to any of the staff for help with anything. And I love all the roommates.
What is the best advice you have been given/received?
To stay out of trouble, and get a job.
If you could give the world one piece of advice, what would it be?
Help youth out.
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Get to know NYEP's Staff
CINDY
Americorps VISTA
Capacity Specialist
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am from Reno, NV. I have an amazing circle of family and friends that makes me laugh and smile daily, especially my son Jayden. I love being a mom and enjoy doing just about anything as long as I have good company.
What do you do at NYEP?
I am an Americorps VISTA volunteer. I am here to help create tools and resources that will build long term sustainability for NYEP. I also take lots of pictures!!!
What do you like about working at NYEP?
All of it.
What is the best advice you have been given/received?
"Keep your priorities straight and do what you are passionate about and love...if you do you will be successful and happy." and "Bad days make good ones better, the worst things that happen make the funniest and best stories later."
If you could give the world one piece of advice what would it be?
No one gets full editorial control of what their tombstone will say.
Live life the way that you want to be remembered. Know who you are, who and what matters to you, and show it everyday.
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Get to know us better
Have questions for NYEP's residents or staff??
Send them to cindy.nyep@gmail.com, We'll post them with our answers in a future newsletter.
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Be sure to check your mail.....
 NYEP's residents worked hard to make personal holiday cards for our supporters. Bet you can't wait to get yours!!! |
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Contact Us
By Mail:
NYEP
2030 W. 6th Street
Reno, Nevada 89503
By Phone:
(775) 747-2073
By Email:
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Dear Friends & Supporters,
A few days ago I met with a local social service agency to discuss how homeless teens could fit into our community services plan. Because there are currently no designated dollars in our community for homeless teens, I've been working to mobilize and connect those that see the importance of homeless prevention to NYEP's mission, purpose and methods. After talking for awhile I asked why our community was not being more proactive concerning homeless teens. It was stated to me that people either aren't aware that there are homeless teens, or just don't believe it.
I can assure you they are out there. Some of course are foster youth, but there is a new emerging subpopulation, others who have been abandoned or are neglected by their parents due to drug addiction, mental illness, the economy and/or incarceration. This is the fastest growing group of homeless people in the nation, doubling each year. You could call it a silent epidemic.
This is important because most people who are over 70 say that they made the biggest decisions of their lives in their 20's, when they felt the most unprepared to do so. Imagine not having a stable, safe place to live or a loving, caring adult in your life. How far would you have made it? How on earth could you ever hope to attend college, open a business, find and keep a great job or have a productive happy family? Positive relationships with trusting adults is the key factor in mobilizing and supporting success and happiness in disadvantaged youth. It is not until a young person has purpose and goals that they begin to realize their potential and feel true happiness.
One of our local unsupported young people recently posted on Facebook:
"I stand strong when you try to put me down. I will proudly admit that I'm an aged out foster youth willing to take on the world as long as god gives me the strength to do so. I love foster youth, because you will never meet such strong, loving hearts. Some of our youth are beaten, raped, starved and humiliated, but yet most of our youth are loving and caring. All they want is love and safety. All they want is a family that will be there no matter what life throws at them. ♥"
As the holidays approach, it's human nature to feel a stronger desire to give. This year, NYEP will ask friends and supporters to consider making a small donation to help ease the pain of being a homeless and parentless teen. The giving spirit of the holiday season helps to highlight the homeless teen epidemic in Washoe County, but the problem is constant, and it's increasing every day. Our local teens are suffering. Your donation to NYEP is used to provide homeless teens with housing first then food and clothing and success skills training to become self sufficient.
We know you have many choices, and that you too may have been hit hard by these difficult times. But even the smallest contribution can make a big difference in a teen's life. We ask you to consider donating to NYEP this year - not just to provide relief during the holidays - but to provide long term relief to the homeless teens who need it most.
Monica DuPea
Executive Director
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NYEP's 2011 Thanksgiving Day Celebration Family Photo.
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Accomplishments
- NYEP received it's United Way partner status November 17th
- Monica, Janinna, and MIesha were interviewed by KOLO 8 on 12/7
- Nina and Miesha decorated NYEP's window for SPCA's Windows of Art Project
- Monica and Miesha completed a radio interview for Connect the Good on 11/21
- On 12/14 NYEP will be awarded a grant by the Zonta Club of Reno
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December Events
- NYEP will hold it's holiday celebration on 12/25 Christmas Day.
- We will host our Annual White Elephant Party on Friday, 12/23.
- We will have our annual holiday baking day on Thursday, 12/22.
- We will be collecting teddy bears for the Show You Care Teddy Bear Drive on 12/09 at Martial Arts in the Move and 12/10 at Plato's Closet.
- You can vote for NYEP's Window of Art at the SPCA Thrift Store for $1 throughout the month of December.
- NYEP is accepting donations for Project Santa through 12/25/2010. Click here for more info.
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Last Month our Residents Asked You....
- What is morality?
- What is a true friend?
- What does it mean to be in love?
NYEP supporter Jim Joseph gave some great answers:
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What is morality?
Personal conduct and speech expected of people that is the acceptable norm in society whether an individual agrees or not. For example, but not all inclusive: it is accepted that men and women do not walk around naked in public; engage in sexual activities in public; and do not curse in public.
What is a true friend?
A person or pet that accepts you as you are and gives you unconditional support and or love and some advice along the way whether you follow it or not. As an adult, the definition almost qualifies as an oxymoron.
What does it mean to be in love?
Young love is a feeling that you want to be around a person all the time. Adult love includes youthful love along with respect and admiration of someone regardless of their personal faults as youthful love fades.
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This month our residents asked....
- What exactly is a family?
- Is there such a thing as family? What is it like?
- What does it mean to love, not a significant other, a family?
Please send your answers to Cindy at cindy.nyep@gmail.com to appear in our January Newsletter.
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NYEP is in need of donations to fulfill the Christmas wish lists of the homeless teens served by our Community Living Program (CLP). These teens have been abused and neglected, but refuse to give up. They work hard each day to achieve goals and seek purpose. Many of them are unsure of what Christmas is about, and have never experienced a family style Christmas, or received gifts that were "just theirs". If you would like to give a gift to a homeless teen, you can see the Christmas Wish Lists by clicking the photos below:
CURRENT NYEP RESIDENTS
NYEP GRADUATES
We are also looking for people to sponsor our baking day and Christmas dinner. We organize these events each year for our residents, graduates, and their guests - to teach and practice cooking, hosting, and participating in positive family interaction. Our NYEP family just keeps growing and growing. With each passing year, we find ourselves in need of more
support from the community. We've put together several giving options that are listed at the bottom of the page. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to contact us any time by email, or by phone at (775) 747-2073.
How to Give to Project Santa 2011:
- If you would like to donate a gift to a resident please click their photo above to learn more about them and review their personal Wish List.
- Buying Online? Gifts can be purchased online with the "Buy Now" button within the website (or at a website of your choice).
- Sending a Gift? Gifts can be mailed to Project Santa c/o NYEP 2030 W. 6th Street, Reno, NV 89503. If you mail a gift, please contact us here to let us know and specify your wishes for the gift.
- Wrapping A Gift? While we appreciate that you are both thoughtful and generous, please leave gifts unwrapped so that they are quickly and easily identified.
- Sponsor NYEP's Holiday Celebration by donating gift cards to purchase groceries or donating wrapping paper, stocking or other holiday goodies.
- Dropping off your gift? Please call Monica at (775) 240-2195 to arrange a pick up or drop off time.
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7 Steps of Making Amends
- Tom Lavin MFT, LADC, ACATA
The holiday can be a stressful time. Many people evaluate their relationships with others around this time. There is no better time than now to start making amends. Here are some tips to help you out:
Making amends to someone we have harmed is the right thing to do. It shows empathy and caring and helps restore the part or the person that our harm damaged.
"The most common cause of a failed or avoided apology is the offender's pride. To apologize, you have to acknowledge that you...failed to live up to values like sensitivity, thoughtfulness, fairness and honesty....an apology is a show of strength....an act of generosity. --- Dr. Aaron Lazare
14 Actions that Harm Others
1. betrayal of trust 2. breaking a promise 3. lying 4. abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) 5. gossiping or slandering 6. breaking a confidence 7. creating a pessimistic environment 8. mean, cruel 9. unfair 10. exploitative, manipulative 11. humiliating, disrespectful 12. false accusation 13. denigrate beliefs or affiliations 14. violating privacy
7 Steps to Making Amends
1. Honestly acknowledge to ourselves that we made a mistake and harmed someone.
2. Feel sorrow for how we have harmed the person.
3. Forgive ourselves for the mistake we made.
4. Forgive the other person for any mistake he/she made and for any harm that he/she has done to us.
5. Tell the person we are sorry for the specific way we hurt him/her (unless bringing up the issue will cause the person more harm). We share our regret. We make sure the timing is right in approaching the person.
6. Ask the person what we can do to make up for the harm that we have done.
7. Confirm with them we will do our best not to repeat the behavior with them or with others.
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How the Future Looks From High School
This is a stressful stretch for high school seniors, who, to judge by the stories at the top of most-e-mailed lists, are taking the SATs, racing to file early-decision and financial-aid applications, and sweating to earn the last AP grades that matter. But others feel different pressures, having tough conversations with their parents about working after graduation to afford community college, or joining the military.
How does the future look to a high school senior?
(Continue Reading)
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| Action Plans: Get Started!!
With New Years right around the corner it might be a good time to start setting some goals. Dr. Bob Quilitch, Ph.D. put some tips together to help you out:
1. Write your goal. Be specific as possible.
2. Write the obstacles. List all that is standing between you and your goal, identify resources, assistance, information or anything else that might help you reach your goal.
3. Write tasks to overcome each obstacle. Taking each obstacle at a time, write one or more ways the obstacle can be overcome. Expect to have several tasks per obstacle.
4. Assign task deadlines. Decide on a start and completion date for each task. Don't overdo it.
5. Follow your plan.
If your plan is very long or complicated, try breaking it into several smaller plans. Don't rely on luck. Be flexible- expect your plan to change before reaching your goal. Seek others who have expertise. Reward yourself as partial successes and significant milestones are reached.
Bonus help: share your plan with someone else and commit to them that you will accomplish it.
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Show You Care with a Teddy Bear
NYEP was inspired by eight year old NYEP supporter Jayden's desire to help others by collecting teddy bears for those affected by the Caughlin Fire. We're helping out!!
Come see us, and donate a bear. We will be out collecting your bears at the following locations: Friday, December 9th from 4-7pm at Martial Arts on the Move - 1093 S. Virginia St., Reno Saturday, December 10th from 12-4pm at Plato's Closet - 1509 S. Virginia St., Reno Hope to see you there!! Learn more about Show You Care With A Teddy Bear here. |
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We would like to know: Does your family have a creative way of sharing or instilling philanthropic values?
It's a Family Affair
- from Vanguard Charitable Endowment Foundation Thursday, November 17, 2011
I often have the opportunity to visit with families across the country to talk about their philanthropic ambitions. I have learned that no family's philanthropic objectives or how they plan their charitable giving is the same. It is fascinating to engage with people of different faiths, political persuasions, nationalities and ethnicities as these unique traits oftentimes so vibrantly color their giving. Despite all of these unique philanthropic voices there is one common thread I see woven through all of these families, this is the desire to pass on the value of giving to others. During the holiday months I always learn new methods from our donors as to how they perpetuate their values of stewardship and generosity to the next generation. Following, I have outlined three creative techniques I've seen families use to communicate the value of giving.
The Family Grant
In the weeks immediately preceding the holiday season I am often contacted by donors who are checking their account balances. Often these calls turn into longer discussions as the account holders tell me that they will soon be sitting down with their families (perhaps after a good amount of turkey and stuffing) to discuss what many have told me is their most important investment of the year. They share with one another what causes they have been involved with over the past year and what they have learned as individuals as a result of giving their time and resources. Many families will then set a goal to arrive at a consensus around one gift that will be put forward as an expression of the entire family's goodwill. The participative nature of this activity allows the act of giving to not just be a transaction, but a learning experience so that all involved experience the interpersonal change that comes about from addressing the needs of others.
Make Your Case
Another unique model I learned of was a family that asked their young children to 'make their charitable case.' The parents told their children that they would have the opportunity to make a donation to a charity of their choosing if they could make a good 'persuasive case' for why the charity should receive the donation. What a great way to involve young children in philanthropy! The parents sat on the couch, while the children had to stand to make their cases after doing some reading and research about their favorite charities. This bit of learning beforehand resulted in a greater emotional investment in their first giving experience. As I recall, the money ended up going to the zoo because 'penguins were cool' and to the Fireman's Fund because the 'red trucks were neat' but you get the idea. The seeds for philanthropic awareness had been planted.
The Grant Coupon
In this case two grandparents had a host of grandchildren visiting for the holidays, as we spoke on the phone I could hear the chatter in the background. The gentleman calling was asking for a number of Vanguard Charitable grant recommendation forms. He then drafted up his own 'grant coupons' and printed out several on his computer. One coupon was given to each child who could then turn in the coupon to the grandparents at any point during the coming year. As the months passed the parents reminded the children of the ability to make the grant and prompted them to consider opportunities to give to a new charity that they had to identify. When they arrived at their final choice of organizations, the grandparents made the actual grant to the charity and attributed it to the specific grandchild. To make the experience more tangible, the grandchildren were sent a copy of the letter bearing their name that accompanied the check.
There are many ways to include your family in philanthropy. I write this not to advocate for one method, provider or tool but to simply introduce a couple creative ways of introducing giving to your family, and to encourage you and your family to be inventive as well. Our charitable ambitions are all unique and driven by our life experiences. Regardless of the methods chosen to communicate values of stewardship and generosity, my experience has been that there is a very common desire within everyone to pass forward the joy and appreciation of giving.
Does your family have a creative way of sharing or instilling philanthropic values?
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