Greetings!,
We hit the ground running at the beginning of 2011 and have not stopped!
It has been a marathon of a year and looking back, we see the fruit of our labors.
Doors have been opened in schools where we had never been, new dynamic speakers have joined our team, a new mentoring program was just launched along with many, many other things to pause and celebrate. The stage is set for a great 2012 as we look to further broaden our impact. Even in the midst of a toxic media and culture, teens and parents are resonating with our message. Truth has a way of trumping the lies that are everywhere and we see that everyday in the faces of the youth we are reaching. Students resonate with our positive Just Say YES message.
Thank you for your part in making 2011 a year of impact and your partnership is critical as we begin 2012, a year of expansion for Just Say YES! I hope if you believe in our mission of helping students avoid risk behaviors by focusing on truth and their dreams, that you will consider making a yearend gift.
Happy New Year!
 Dan Bailey
Founder and President
|
| 2011, The Year in Review - Impacting the Community
By Just Say YES News
Avery Johnson and Louisiana Governor Jindal
On November 9th and 10th, Coach Avery Johnson went to Baton Rouge the home of his college alma mater, Southern University to speak with students in the local schools. Kelly Singleton, JSY Program Coordinator, did an amazing job with last minute logistics and details. Not only was she able to fill Coach's schedule with only two days notice but she secured a meeting with Governor Bobby Jindal! Our 15 minute meeting in the Governor's Mansion turned into 30 minutes as we connected with the Governor and his #1 priority - K - 12 education reform.
Mentoring Program Launched
 We continue to be surprised by the way we have been able to connect with the right programs, the right people at the right time. We have been looking for a partner to help launch a mentoring program in the Dallas area through a partial grant we received last year. Over the last 2 weeks, we found not only an amazing partner - Friends First out of Denver CO - but a school district to launch the program and a coordinator to run it for us. That coordinator is Carlos Phillips! He has come back to JSY and his role is to implement and run the Friends First mentoring model. His salary will be funded through two separate grants. Welcome back Carlos!
Tapestry Adoption Conference embraces Mary Flo's message!
 On Saturday November 12th, Mary Flo gave her program for adoptive parents at the Irving Bible Church's Tapestry Conference. Since then Linda Rossi, JSY Program Coordinator, has been following up with other adoptive parent groups who were impassioned by Mary Flo's message. They want to bring her to their conferences in Houston and other cities. What a great message to go viral!
Changing Faces
  Katelyn Snell is our new office manager and we all agree, she can do everything. Her creativity and organization has revolutionized the office.
Toby Bostic is our newest addition to our amazing Program Coordinators. He's tech-savy which has greatly helped some of our stone-age staff.
Our amazing bookkeeper, Amanda Rogers, has been given an offer she can't refuse and ended her time here to go work at her children's school. We all miss her and her witty comments.
Our long-time employee, Anna Lewis, who has been involved with Just Say YES off and on since its beginning has also left us to be a full-time mommy. Her cheerful laughter and awesome insights will be greatly missed. We have three new speakers, Jennifer Strickland, Shelly Donahue and Paul Coughlin.
 | | Jennifer |
 | |
Shelly
|
 | |
Paul
|
Just Say YES's Luncheon was a huge success! And we can't wait to have it again in 2012
On May 11, 2011 Just Say YES hosted our annual luncheon, Pointing Youth in the Right Direction at the home of Lisa and Kenny Troutt in Dallas.
Our delicious lunch was catered by celebrity chef Richard Chamberlain and the luncheon speakers were former NFL players and JSY speakers, Keith Davis and Devin Wyman. We wanted our guests to have a glimpse of a typical JSY public school program and the guests responded as enthusiastically as the students.
The message of hope, truth and reaching your dreams was emphasized as well as the ways to avoid risk behaviors like drugs, alcohol, sexual activity and bullying so teens can achieve their dreams.
The video below was played at the Luncheon and features statements from students and educators.
 | | Just Say YES Luncheon Video |
A New Website is in the Works
Just Say YES is getting a facelift, not only with our staff but with our website. We are very excited about the new site being more user-friendly and easy to use. We are putting the last finishing touches on the new site and will hopefully have it up and running by the end of the year.
Here's a preview:
You will still be able to find us at justsayyes.org.
Stop by and check it out!
Elevate Youth
 This is our logo for the new division targeting youth pastors.
Class Packs
 Dallas ISD purchased JSY Class Packs for all middle and high school health classes.
"No Child Left Behind Conference"  Our President, Dan Bailey, had the wonderful opportunity to speak at this year's "No Child Left Behind - Parent Involvement Conference". His talk, "Helping teens navigate the minefield of risk behaviors", was given at a full breakout session.
We also had a JSY booth set up at the conference and our Program Coordinators are busy following up on great leads.
|
the JSY Staff!
|
Just Say YES - Youth Equipped to Succeed
PO Box 670863
Dallas, Texas 75367
972-437-0002
|
|
|
_____________________________
 Invest in a teen's future:
Your tax deductible gift can
help a young person achieve their dreams and goals--and avoid destructive, life
changing choices through: - Motivational and educational speaker
assemblies - Value-centered parent training & resources
- Proven educational curriculum
- Dynamic media presentations
|
|
Top Quotes of the Year
Our school truly enjoyed the visit from Avery Johnson. He impacted the students as much as he motivated the teachers. His comment "When people see that you are helping yourself, they will put a TEAM together to help you" was the most powerful comment that we discussed as a school. In addition it was great that he was honest and discussed his struggles in college (Southern University) and that it only takes one person to believe in you, and your destiny WILL change!
- Stonie Arbuckle, Asst. Principal Carter High School, Dallas, Texas
Students and Faculty were so impressed with Gabe's program. I am still hearing positive comments today, the day after the program. They were able to relate to him and his experiences. They were inspired by his challenge to treat others with respect and take care of relationships. He is inspirational and an amazing presenter. - Linda Fielding - Wedgwood Middle School
Bullying tells children this profound misconception that others don't care. But most do- they just need enough courage to put their compassion into action, and this information shows them how, creating a safer, more creative and happier school in which to learn, work and play.
- Paul Coughlin, our new anti-bullying speaker
The film production of LBYL was superb, and our teens got so much good information that was truly enlightening for them. They were amazed at some of the things they learned and commented on how superior it was to what they had been taught.
- Lanell Armstrong from CROSSFIRE
When passion is contained and used properly, it will take you beyond your dreams. But when you use passion for selfish endeavors, it is explosive. Passion abused causes pain and heartache.
- Justin Lookadoo
|
|
Share with friends and family! |
|
