JULY 2024
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Summer Empowerment is in Full Swing
We are so excited to have kicked off our Summer Empowerment Programs full of growth, fun, and camaraderie. This summer, two cohorts of youth are joining us to prepare for their next big steps as they transition to middle school and high school.
RISING 6TH GRADERS
July 1st - July 25th
Our team was excited to secure an agreement with the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry to provide weekly STEM Workshops for rising 6th grade participants. We also scheduled a field trip to the museum for mentees to explore the knowledge they learned to take place this month. Our Parent Information Night had a great turnout and excellent participation from both parents and a few registered students. We partnered with District 97 to secure our supplies (thank you D97!) and hired two mentors and two junior mentors that are current OPRF students to support the program. We are off to a great start!
RISING 9TH GRADERS
June 17th - July 25th
The rising 9th grade students enjoyed three one-hour pickleball sessions at the Tennis and Fitness Centre of Oak Park, led by professional pickleball player Johnathan River and assisted by fitness instructor Laurie Berggren. Our incredible instructors continue to highlight mentee growth in learning fundamentals. Our first field trip of the season was to the Oak Park and River Forest High School for a private tour and introduction to staff member Olivia Schreiner, OPRF Communications Coordinator.
Students showed deep interest in the stress management and study skills workshops led by YEMBA staff, developing individual plans and strategies for both areas. Our discussions on coping skills and healthy behaviors following each workshop created more opportunities for connection. New Junior Mentors Alana and Josh have fully-integrated into the YEMBA Program Team and established great relationships with mentees. Mentee attendance reached 100%!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
YEMBA’s Cornick Harris Completes Leadership Lab
Congrats to our own Ms. Harris for her completion of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation Leadership Lab, a ten-month program that offers personal/professional coaching, skills development and a curriculum based on the most urgent needs of our diverse West Cook community. Ms. Harris has demonstrated enormous growth throughout her 15+ years of dedication & service to YEMBA. Thank you for taking on the challenge to further enhance your leadership skills and network for a better tomorrow for our youth and community!
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
YEMBA Builds Momentum for Youth Empowerment Programs at June Soup & Bread Event
We were honored to be featured at June’s Soup & Bread community meal at Robert’s Westside in Forest Park, where we exceeded our fundraising goal for the event while spreading awareness and exciting the community around our mission & vision! YEMBA mentees served as ambassadors to tell the story of their empowerment journeys. YEMBA staff brought two guest chefs to serve original recipes including spicy Nigerian goat and pepper soup and chili dogs with a delicious homemade chili! Raffle prizes generously donated by our community partners brought the fun and excitement to this amazing opportunity. Check out our highlight reel below.
