YEDA IN THE COMMUNITY
YEDA, a non-profit, youth organization in the south suburbs of Chicago, is committed to filling the gaps in our community with supplementary enrichment programs and activities for young people. We place a high emphasis on mentorship, constantly seeking avenues to meaningfully and compassionately involve local children.
We also consistently demonstrate to our youth examples of community leadership and excellence, contributing through volunteer work and sponsorships, and participating in local events to understand how we can enhance our impact on youth in partnership with other southern Chicago organizations.
Although it's impossible to capture all the ways we interact with and bolster the youth in our community, a few examples can be found below.
We frequently update this list, so keep checking to stay in the loop with YEDA's recent activities!
In June 2023, YEDA took 22 students on a college tour of Southern Illinois University and Southeast Missouri State. We had the privilege of meeting many notable leaders in the community who shared with our youth what it takes to become a top-notch student and athlete. The children also got to experience dorm life over the 4 days we stayed on campus, an experience they'll never forget.
In February 2023, YEDA purchased 75 books for second graders at Mohawk Primary Center in Park Forest.
Author of those books, Michelle Redd-Newell, joined us to bring grief support and guidance to those students who recently experienced the loss of one of their classmates.
Her book, Where's Taylor, helped us communicate how to process the grief from this profound loss.
In the month of February 2023, YEDA teamed up with Marcella Woodson to conduct a Grant Writing Program. This seminar gathered more than 52 local businesses and organizations, providing them with the opportunity to learn, expand, network, and gather in-depth knowledge about grant writing.
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It was notably helpful for businesses in our community, often unable to afford such essential training, on learning how to secure capital for their businesses and organizations.
In January 2023, YEDA held a skate party fundraiser for the youth in the community.
Funds raised helped us reduce our youth, summer program fees, providing much needed access to supplemental enrichment, mentorship, and fitness programs offered by YEDA.
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Not only did we sell more than our expected goal of tickets, we also had a blast connecting with the youth who attended!
