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Dear ,
I can't believe 2012 is over, but we have indeed completed another busy year here at Just Say YES.
Our STARS Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program continues to expand. Thanks to our donors, we have given assemblies promoting the program, and at one, 132 students came forward to be mentors!
Daily, we hear success stories of positive life change in students. A student told speaker Keith Davis last month, "you brought tears down my face." This student went on to confess repeated suicide attempts. The assembly turned her life around. Keith helped this student realize her potential to have 'a better second half.' "I now believe I can accomplish my dream... Thank you."
More schools are requesting Breaking the Cycle, our grant-funded program for teen parents. By the end of the year, this program will have been in three schools in Dallas ISD.
The Breaking the Cycle presentation was a big success. Not only do the pre- and post-test scores show significantly increased knowledge, the students that I visited with after the program were overwhelmingly enthusiastic. They enjoyed the program, felt like they learned, and stated that they wished they had the information earlier in life. Teen Pregnancy and Parenting Facilitator
I am asking that you continue your support of Just Say YES as we finish 2012. Charitable giving deductions will most likely change in 2013, so please consider stretching your gift amounts this month. If you haven't given in the past, please consider making a gift that will help change the life of an at-risk teen. We value and appreciate your friendship and support.
Dan Bailey Founder and President |
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2012 at a glance
2012 Fundraiser Luncheon
 Coach Avery Johnson was the speaker at this year's annual luncheon fundraiser on April 11 at the home of Kenny and Lisa Troutt. 330 guests attended the event. They were able to experience the powerful message that Coach Johnson gives to students during his JSY programs.
The 2012 STARS mentors also participated, escorting donors to their seats and receiving signed basketballs from Coach Johnson in appreciation of their hard work and positive attitudes.
An incredible $178,054 was raised from this event thanks to our donors and an extremely generous $50,000 matching donation!
To see more pictures from the event, click here.
STARS Graduation
The first group of STARS mentors and mentees graduated from the newly initiated program. This peer-to-peer mentorship program focuses on leadership and character development for at-risk teens to battle the rising number of dropouts and truancy rates as well as decreasing test scores. We now have five high schools and two middle schools involved, including W.T. White High School in Dallas ISD. In June, 11 mentors and 35 mentees received their JSY STARS graduation certificates. A month later, in July, Mentor Coordinator Carlos Phillips received the National Coordinator of the Year award at the STARS National Conference.
To see more pictures from the event, click here.
Mary Flo Ridley at MOPS International Convention
This year's MOPS International Convention was held on August 14 in Grapevine, TX. It was Mary Flo's first time to host a breakout session at the convention. Her session entitle "Birds & Bees... Oh Help me Please!" was so popular that there was standing room only!
To see more pictures from the event, click here. |
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New Speakers and Programs
 Jennifer Strickland's You Are More program has has had a major impact on teen girls in both public and private schools this year. As a former runway model, Jennifer is uniquely qualified to talk to girls about body image issues and the fashion industry. Her powerful personal story teaches girls to realize that they are more than what they look like, what people think of them, the number of friends they have, or their list of achievements.
 Breaking the Cycle speakers Brenda Teele and Carlos Phillips challenge teen parents to change their lifestyles. The program also equips these parent to talk to their children about sex at an early age (utilizing Simple Truths with Mary Flo Ridley), enabling the next generation to make better choices. Both speakers share personal experiences and statistical facts that make lasting impressions.
 We've seen a big need across the country for strong and effective anti-bullying programs. Paul Coughlin has been an incredible answer to those needs with his powerful message for all students to stand up against bullies and his school curriculum, The Protectors. In September, Paul spent a week in Irving ISD, implementing a district-wide anti-bullying strategy that included students, student leadership, parents and staff.
Make Your 2012 Giving Count!
Make sure you get your 2012 donations sent in on time. As long as your check is postmarked by Dec. 31, it will still count as a 2012 donation. Or give online any time before midnight on the 31st. |
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