You can help us make amazing things happen for youth…

LAYSB Mentoring Programs:

*Hidden Heroes  (E-Mentoring)

*Organic Mentoring (the connections youth make with adults in small group enrichment activities)

*One-on-One Mentoring

“Her self-confidence has increased, her grades have improved, she’s making new friends, she talks about her passions – she even shared her poetry with me.”

“It’s fun, especially when we keep in touch after the reveal.  You get an inkling of what’s going on in their lives and how much your support can mean to them.”

“At first I didn’t really think I’d like mentoring.  Turns out I do and I’m most excited about the mentor I have and the great match we are!”

LAYSB Youth Advisory Board:

Youth volunteer members most recently did a food drive to collect donations for the Family Pathways Food Pantry.  Their efforts totaled almost 550 pounds of food & personal care products!

“It’s hard for me to explain, but it makes me feel like I’m making use of my life and I am needed.” Youth Advisory Board Member

“It’s raised my spirits and makes me feel like I belong.” Youth Advisory Board Member

“It made me feel awesome because I know I helped someone in need.” Youth Advisory Board Member

A Circle Story

One winter evening a group of young men decided to have some “fun” and smash mailboxes around their community.

“We were bored and wanted something to do,” said one youth.

The property damages totaled in the thousands and the local police were faced with a tough decision.  If they sent the youth to court, they would likely face felony level charges.  If they sent them through a direct diversion to the Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau they may be able to avoid the life changing affects that a felony charge would have on their future.

The police department chose to give the youth a second chance and send them to the LAYSB for processing.

Along with restitution and community service hours, it was agreed that the youth would take part in a victim/offender community circle.  They would get the chance to meet some of their victims face to face.

One of the youth said,

“When I first heard I had to sit in a room with the people whose mailboxes we smashed, I thought it was going to be scary.”

The circle was far from scary.  In a safe and respectful environment the victims sat across from the youth and their parents.  One by one everyone had a chance to share.

“When I saw the police at my door, the first thing I thought was that my daughter was hurt,” said one victim.

“I was concerned my mail was lost and that I wouldn’t be able to pay my bills.  I wondered what else could have been damaged in and around my home,” said another.

A parent said,

“I felt embarrassed and mad that my son would treat others this way.  I questioned my parenting.  I’m glad we all are sitting here feeling uncomfortable.  I hope we can learn a good lesson.”

The mood of the circle was heavy.  Parent’s eyes were on the floor and the seriousness of the situation was setting in.  However, as the circle went on the tone began to change.  The victims began to turn things toward the positive:

“I commend you all for being here.”

“I know you’re all good kids.  I hope you learn from this and move forward.”

“Take pride in who you are and what abilities you have.  Live a happy life and don’t let this decision follow you around.”

After hearing all of this, and seeing the genuine care and concern that their victims had for them, the youth then had a chance to apologize.

“I am truly sorry we did this.  I am 100% positive we will never do this again.  Thank you all for coming here and allowing us to have a second chance and turn a new page,” said one youth.

“I didn’t think about how this would affect you.  Now I see how my decision has hurt you and I’m sorry, “ said another.

The circle was nearing the hour and a half mark.  Things were winding down and nearly everything that needed to be said had been said.

Then, in a truly culminating moment, one of the victims said simply,

“I accept your apology.”

A collective sigh of relief spread across the room. Eyes lifted from the floor and knowing nods of approval from the parents marked an acknowledgment that closure had been found.

Victims had been heard, harm had been repaired and everyone could move forward in positive ways.

One of the youth summed the experience up well,

“It worked out way better than I thought.  I was expecting to come here and get yelled at but the victims actually just wanted us to think about how our choices affect ourselves and others. This could have affected our futures in a really bad way.  Thanks for giving me another chance.”