YES

Vee Hottle - Program Coordinator

Melissa Bailey - Associate Program Coordinator

Erin Dupler - Assistant Coordinator

Amanda Chalfant - Mentor

 

740-522-0YES (0937)

yesclubrules@yahoo.com

prevention@mhalc.org

The YES program began in 1992 as a service-learning project funded by a grant from the Ohio Department of Education in partnership with Mental Health America of Licking County. Due to the overwhelming number of participants and need for a safe haven for afterschool hours, YES was established in 1999 as a program of the MHA, and moved to its current location in downtown Newark. The clubhouse currently serves 35-40 youth, ages 11-18 years of age, on a daily basis.

Staff and adult volunteers provide mentoring, tutoring, life-skills and anger management classes, along with a daily meal. Membership is free thus allowing youth from economically disadvantaged families to take advantage of all the services and opportunities that YES affords. Children who attend daily are required to participate in service projects in order to maintain membership. Students at Newark High School may earn credit towards graduation for service.

Click here if you are interested in volunteering for YES

Click here to view/print our application

Click here to view/print our current calendar

YES News
The William E. and Annie S. Miller Fund of the Licking County Foundation have made a donation to support the construction and operation of a new YES Clubhouse.  Click here to read the press release from the Licking County Foundation.  Click here to see a picture taken at the May 15th groundbreaking ceremony. 

Typical Day at YES
During the School Year
Monday through Thursday  
2:00
 Staff transports children to the clubhouse.
2:30-3:30
 Prime time for the children to receive quality one-on-one time with a staff member or college mentors. The entire house is open for participation in: Nintendo, board games, computer games, music, basketball, arts & crafts, first phase of meal preparation. Small group service projects Students submit answers to a “Question of the Day”
3:30
 Staff transports high school students to the clubhouse
4:00
 Large group discussion—overview of a life skill or anger management technique
4:20

An hour session devoted to homework, reading, development of computer skills, or further discussion of a life skill or anger management technique. A few children will help with the last phases of meal preparation. Occasionally, guest speakers will be invited during this hour, anyone from musicians to government officials have been kind enough to speak with our kids.

On Fridays, the program is focused on healthy-living activities. Students help prepare a healthy snack and staff takes a group to the YMCA for swimming, basketball, or track.
End of Day
 Family-style dinner. All members eat together. The Food Pantry, Spring Hills, and Block Watch provide the food. YES purchases the remainder of items to make a balanced meal. Students can earn raffle tickets for prizes by helping clean up after dinner.
   
Typical Day at YES
During the Summer
Theme: Health, Exercise, and Mental Wellness
Hours: 12:00-4:00 pm (hours may vary)
Monday
 Exercise: walking/jogging, scavenger hunts
Tuesday
 Guest Speakers
Wednesday
 Team Sports—volleyball, baseball/softball, kickball, bowling, relay races, water balloon fights, etc.
Thursday
Service / Field Trips—Humane Society, Dawes Arboretum, Flintridge, bike trail, Reese Daycare Center, etc.
Friday
 Exercise: Swim at Hollander Pool (weather permitting) from 1:00-4:00
   
12:00
 Opening Activity
12:30
 Lunch
1:00
 Daily Journal
1:30
 Special for Day
3:30
 Clean-up Closing remarks
*Daily hours and activities may vary according to interest, number of youth, weather, funding, etc.