ended board run by the youth clients of Center For Family Services. The board consists of an executive board as well as general members. The mission of Y.A.B. is to help youth understand that their voice and opinion can be heard. They are an advocacy group of peer advisors run by the youth for the youth. It was started on July 8th, 2010 and was established on December 2^nd, 2010. "It was a rough start. We were lacking stable membership", says Kaysie, Y.A.B. President, "but things are finally starting to come into perspective".

               

The Y.A.B. has accomplished many things in the past six months. In December, Y.A.B. made Christmas cards for sick kids at Cooper University Hospital. They have also volunteered at many organizations like Cathedral Kitchen to help feed the homeless and Together Youth Shelter, assisting with groups. They are currently in efforts to volunteer at Ronald Mc Donald House.

 

"I believe that the Youth Advisory Board will have tremendous positive impact on the youth of Center For Family Service. As we grow we hope our advocacy grow will not only impact but inspire youth to use their voice to be positive and productive in influencing their peers, their community, and even the nation to support youth.", says Allessandra, Y.A.B. Event Coordinator.

 

The Y.A.B. has already organized a hoagie sale and Mother's Day flower sale and is coordinating a water ice sale and car wash in order to help fund a fashion show, another event being organized to fund Challenge Day. Y.A.B. got the idea to do a Challenge Day from the MTV show "If You Really Knew Me", which provides youth and their communities with experimental workshops and programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth and full expression.

 

"We would like to bring this to CFS so youth can understand that even though you may be in a group home, independent living, or have group counseling, you never know what could be going on in the lives of the people around you", says Kaysie. "However the cost to have this program is very expensive, which is why we have been doing these fundraisers".

 

 Y.A.B. is also putting things together for the youth within CFS. For instance, they put together an Easter dinner for all the clients who had nowhere to go for the holiday. They're also trying to put together welcoming parties for the new clients coming to Camden Dreams.

 

"I hope that the Youth Advisory Board becomes very successful and accomplishes all visions of the youth and the vision of Eileen Henderson (Vice President of Child and Family Services at Center For Family Services) who made this opportunity possible. I feel as though I have a strong team of board members who are strong believers in the board", says Kaysie, "We hope to get continuous support because youth are the future of tomorrow".

 

Written By:

Kaysie - President

Nija- Secretary

Allessandra- Event Coordinator

 

 

Y.A.B. members at their first annual Mother's Day Flower sale