John Doe Street Address City, State Zip Code
Dear Friend of the YMCA, Hope is a powerful thing. Youth with hope thrive. Shawna-Leigh is one of those young people. When her parents separated due to an abusive situation, she was left to fend for herself and sent to live with grandparents. Strained finances forced them to share a tiny apartment with seven relatives. Shawna-Leigh was a good student, but the overcrowding and stress from her personal life was too much. One day she got caught hanging out with a friend who had alcohol at school. For the first time, Shawna-Leigh found herself in serious trouble. She was placed in a drug and alcohol prevention program run by the Y. But in the end, her punishment was a blessing in disguise… “The drug prevention program is not something I’m proud of, but I am thankful for what I learned. The counselors talked us through our problems and showed us we had the choice to be better. After that I got involved with the Y Strive program. It was a safe and comfortable place to hang out and stay out of trouble. My Y counselor got me involved in activities, took care of me, and really believed in me. Thanks to the YMCA, I got back on track, stayed involved, and joined the Youth in Government Program. Through the program, I learned that sometimes a good leader just listens. I also learned to respect and get along with people who have strong personal opinions. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what it means to do the right thing. I believe in myself because the Y believed in me and showed me the way. Today, I serve as a Class Officer for my junior class and was the Speaker of the House for this year’s Youth in Government session. My goal for next year: Governor!”
Thank you for caring,
Shawna-Leigh and the YMCA of Honolulu I’m one of many teens the Y has provided hope and a brighter future for.
Y Teen programs truly work! I hope by sharing my story, you will be inspired to continue to support the Y’s teen fund.
YMCA teen programs deliver hope in abundance. Y Teens grow self-esteem, resilience, responsibility, leadership, character and much more! where your dollars go: • Club mid – Through service learning, leadership workshops and excursions, middle school students engage on a journey to discover new things about themselves, their peers and their world.
• Ho‘okupa‘a – Ho‘okupa‘a means “to remain steadfast” and teaches teens leadership skills through the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
• “Let’s Get Together” Hiroshima Exchange Program – An international exchange program, founded in 1960, between youth of the Honolulu and Hiroshima YMCAs to promote peace, goodwill and friendship.
• No Limits – A leadership program with an emphasis on college planning, nutrition and fitness curriculum.
• Raggers – A national program started in 1914 and steeped in traditions and ceremonies which focuses on personal development and hopes to develop a “Lifelong Learner.”
• STRIVE – A summer program for teens that provides opportunities to gain knowledge of and develop a positive attitude toward healthy living and to serve as positive role models by engaging in volunteer/community service activities to pass on knowledge and share learned skills with others.
• Teen Afterschool – After school program focused on leadership and peer mediation, college prep and community service.
• Youth in Government – High school and middle school students simulate all phases and positions of our State Government, serving as legislators and elected officials and researching and writing their own bills. Students learn about the legislative process, our State Government and increase their self-confidence and understanding of the group decision-making process.
Join us in supporting the YMCA’s teen development efforts by making a year-end gift. Mahalo for your generosity. You may give online at www.ymcahonolulu.org, or return the enclosed slip/envelope.