AUGUST 2022
Summer Program Commencement
YEMBA’s inaugural summer program ended with a ceremony on Thursday, July 28 at the Nineteenth Century Club. During the program, the students shared with an audience of families and supporters the vision boards they created, depicting their goals and desires for the future. The students also were presented with stipends for participating in the program.
Special awards and bonus stipends for perfect attendance were presented to Jalen Martin and Saadia Gayton, a young entrepreneur who dreams of starting her own business selling hand-crocheted accessories.
The summer program focused on preparing recent eighth grade graduates for the transition to high school, giving them the opportunity to explore together as a group Oak Park River Forest High School’s website to learn more about the school’s sports programs and extracurricular activities, as well as key faculty and staff. The program, which also provided youth with sessions on financial literacy, offered by Byline Bank, executive functioning workshops such as time and stress management, was a great success and YEMBA plans to offer it again next year.
Field Trip to Dark Matter Coffee
Students in YEMBA’s summer program got a real treat when they visited Dark Matter Coffee’s Chicago headquarters on Western Avenue, “The Mothership,” in July. DMC’s staff gave the students a comprehensive orientation to the coffee business, from where the coffee beans are grown in Guatemala and El Salvador, to how they are processed at The Mothership. In addition, the students learned about DMC’s innovative marketing program and partnerships with local musicians and artists. Staff also shared their personal journeys prior to working at DMC.
DMC provided lunch for the students and presented them with swag bags containing coffee bags designed by YEMBA graduate Hasani Cannon, and DMC t-shirts.
The students were impressed with the conscious effort DMC makes to build community among its staff and the partnerships it develops with local businesses and nonprofits like YEMBA.
Donley Foundation Provides $10,000 Grant
The Donley Foundation, a private Pennsylvania-based foundation created in 1987 to support organizations that provide educational skills and resources that help young people and their families reach their potential, has given YEMBA a $10,000 grant. The grant will support YEMBA’s general operations. This is the first year that YEMBA has received a grant from the foundation.
Thank You, Ashley!
YEMBA intern Ashley Steward will be returning this fall to the University of Illinois’ Jane Addams School of Social Work, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in social work. She has been a great asset since January, in particular with her contributions to the STARS program and the inaugural summer program. We wish her well as she completes her master’s degree next year.
Multi-Purpose Room
YEMBA’s office building will soon have a multi-purpose room with state-of-the-art technology, including computers, smart boards and a projector system. The architectural drawings for the room were done by Ade Onayemi of Urban Resource and we’re now talking with potential contractors for the project. When completed this fall, the room will offer an inviting space for workshops and other activities.
Looking for a Few Good Staff!
YEMBA is seeking a program director and several Adult Mentors. The program director is responsible for overseeing our Adult Mentors and shaping our curriculum. The Adult Mentors work with our Junior Mentors (high school students) to help make a positive impact on our youth. If you are interested or know someone who might be interested, please refer to our careers page.