We would like to give a special thank you to the following businesses and individuals for their support during February!!

We would also like to thank our caring funders, who make contributions throughout the year, to ensure productive homeless teens receive the support they need to become self sufficient community contributors. 

GoodCharacter.com Monthly Newsletter

 

Election campaigns provide a great opportunity to explore issues of character with your students. There is something about running for high public office that seems to bring out the worst in people, especially if they think they've got a good chance of winning. Honesty, in particular, seems to get trampled as things heat up. As a wise man once observed, "To succeed in politics, it is often necessary to rise above your principles."  

I get asked a lot, why I like working with youth.  I have to admit it is very challenging, but it's also something I'm good at, and enjoy a great deal.  I don't talk much about myself, the staff or what makes us so effective in developing difficult and at risk youth, so I'd like to do a little of that now.

 

Something special about NYEP, is that we believe we have a great ability to motivate difficult youth to care about what they once didn't and do what they once refused.  We also get to know each young woman at NYEP and focus in on her strengths rather than weaknesses, truly getting to know who each one is.  We verbally recognize what is good about each of them, to them, on a daily basis. 

 

Of course there are many undesirable behaviors we encounter while being around someone every day.  Initially, when we begin to present weaknesses or behaviors a resident will need to work on to be successful, we will do it gently, maybe just making mention of it or by having a private conversation about what bad experiences they have already had due to their negative behaviors.  But, if the youth continues with the undesirable behavior, we will point it out while it is happening and discuss why it's negative, tying it to an immediate and natural consequence.  Our goal is not to be right but rather to enforce a deeper thinking - "why do you do what you do?".  Every opportunity we have to do this, we take it. 

 

It has been my experience, the more sincere, positive interaction and guidance youth are given, the more often they will share with you and want to be with you.  I have also watched young people enjoy structure and guidance.  I implore you - don't just tell, do!  Young people love doing things with adults they like being around.  Don't refuse opportunities.  Be there when they really need you.  Drop everything if you have to.  We believe the change starts with the adult!  I hope you do to :)

 

 

The 5 Stupidest Habits You Develop Growing Up Poor

• New HYTS (Housing for Youth in Transition to Self Sufficiency) continues to meet monthly.  This past month, we completed our draft Resource Inventory.
• NYEP provided or hosted specialized education to its residents on problem solving, MMA, Group Meals, Typing, Shopping, Baking, Crafting and Calendars skills.  
• 2/1 - Kathe Wilson from Edward Jones taught financial skills to the girls.
• 2/7 - Monica spoke about youth workforce and economic development needs and resources in Washoe County during a panel discussion titled, Community Economic Development Needs and Resources for Nevada.
• 2/8 - NYEP residents made homemade Valentine's Day gifts and cards.
• 2/9 - United Way did their site visit for our grant submittal.
• 2/12 - NYEP Volunteer, Dana, taught NYEP residents how to make bon bons and creme puffs.
• 2/15 - NYEP Game Night with the girls and guests from Alpha Delta Kappa.
• 2/22 - NYEP Game Night with the girls and guests from Alpha Delta Kappa.
• 2/29 - Alpha Delta Kappa Potluck and Game Night with the girls.
• Jazz graduated from NYEP.  She lives in her own apartment and has a part time job.
• Miesha started her part time job and is gearing up to attend college next semester.
• 2/28 - Please welcome Nonie Wainwright and Lindsey Sessions as they become familiar working with our board.
• Our VISTA, Cindy, is participating in NGPA grant writing webinars throughout the month.