MARCH 2023
Program Highlights
Students in our middle school Mentoring Empowerment Program are making big strides with their multiplication fact knowledge thanks to the XtraMath program implemented by YEMBA volunteer Kim Godfrey, a retired middle school math teacher. Students start each day at the program with an XtraMath practice session. They can further their practice by challenging each other in a multiplication war card game. We have seen significant improvements in the scores of many students over the last few months through regular practice and making math fun with a little friendly competition.
Dominican University Intern Victor Martinez Macias
”Hello, my name is Victor Martinez Macias, I am originally from Green Bay Wisconsin, but I am currently a freshman at Dominican University here in River Forest. I plan to get my bachelor’s degree in computer science. Through my high school education, I was part of a first-generation, college readiness, afterschool program, called NEW Scholars, by the College Ready organization. I was offered an opportunity to mentor the middle school students in the program. During the two years I was a mentor, I learned the importance of my role. Being a mentor is being there for the students, even if sometimes it’s just to talk to them and ask them how their day is going.
Sometimes you might be the closes person they know that can answer some of their questions. As a first-generation student myself, I know how confusing and challenging getting through high school and transitioning to college is. I know the impact my mentors have made in my journey. Thanks to the Ministry en lo Cotidiano program at Dominican, I am able to volunteer and mentor again here at YEMBA. I look forward to growing with the YEMBA mentees and team members, learning how we can help each other achieve our full potential and goals.”
YEMBA’s Executive Director Completes Anti-Racist Cohort
As part of a cohort of seven minority non-profit leaders throughout Chicagoland, Mr. Redd completed an eight-month program through AMPT Chicago designed to support Black- and Latine-led organizations with strategies to carry their missions forward through an anti-racist lens.
”I am so grateful for this experience that provided me with various resources to expand our organizational capacity to serve and support our youth as stewards of racial equity,” Mr. Redd described.
YEMBA Receives $20,000 Illinois Charitable Trust Grant
YEMBA has received a $20,000 grant from Illinois Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund. In addition to supporting our Mentoring Empowerment Training Program (MET), these funds will be used for our six-week Summer Empowerment Program (SEP), which is designed to support graduating middle school youth transitioning to ninth grade at Oak Park River Forest High School. This summer will be the program’s second year. We expect to serve 28 youth by preparing them with the self executive skills needed to be successful in high school.