MAY 2026

May 18

Written By Kadima Palles

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Beyond Hunger back in action with YEMBA students!

This month, our MEP students welcomed back our friends from Beyond Hunger for another hands-on cooking experience. Students worked together to make a flavorful elote pasta salad, combining fresh ingredients and nutritious choices with a culturally inspired dish. Activities like these continue to show students that healthy eating can be creative, accessible, and connected to community and culture in meaningful ways.

As the school year begins to wind down, we are proud of everything our MEP students have accomplished alongside our incredible partners. From mental wellness workshops with NAMI, to nutrition education with Beyond Hunger, financial literacy lessons with Byline Bank, and engaging STEM projects led by our teacher volunteers, students have had a well-rounded and enriching year. They’ve also stayed active through recreation activities like basketball and volleyball, building teamwork and confidence along the way.

We are excited to keep the momentum going this summer with our Summer Empowerment Programs! SEP Rising 9th begins June 22 at YEMBA! Registration information can be found here!

EVENT RECAP

Paint, Sip, & Celebrate: YEMBA hosts a Mother’s Day event to remember!

This month, our families and community members came together for a fun and creative Mother’s Day Paint & Sip event! Guests enjoyed light brunch bites & drinks while following along with a guided painting session led by YEMBA alum Hasani Cannon, who also created the original artwork featured during the class. The event was filled with laughter, creativity, and quality time, and everyone left with their own unique masterpiece to take home and cherish!