Come to the Community Dinner!

You're INVITED TO YELS WINTER SHOWCASE!

Fashion Class with a Model!

It’s our weekly sowing class and the 4 high school aged girls are walking into our community center, out of the dreary Seattle rain, talking about the latest gossip from that day at school, begging for snacks and asking for time to just “chill” before we start our class.  Our normal facilitator is out for the day but she sent in a special guest, a local model, to talk to the girls about the fashion industry and more concretely, and more immediately important to the girls… how to walk the “catwalk.” 

 

 

The model has an air of tense and passionate professionalism that is seen as she sits at the edge of her chair, shoulders set back but not rigid and chin square.  Her eyes are narrowed as she looks on at the girl, patiently waiting for them to calm down and meet her in the corner of the room on the overstuffed couches.  The girls are from the community, all Somali, two, Aasia and Iba are wearing the traditional clothes and head wrapping, the hijob;  while the other two, Sabiha and Leila are wearing more main stream jeans and shirts cut just above their midriff.  They’re all feeling a bit on edge watching this guest, this model, wait silently for them to calm down. 

 

I sit next to the girls, also impressed with the stoic nature of this woman and try to talk to Sabiha, Leila, Aasia and Iba to quiet down.  After a brief chat about the life of a model and all that the job entails, the model moves into teaching the girls how to walk the “catwalk.”  Her standards for them are incredibly high and I notice they seem to wince under the presser, giggling uncontrollably as they practice their turns and are critiqued in front of their peers.  Their first couple walks are pretty bad. Leila can barely hold it together, she is trying but she is also fighting the need to act “cool” and like she has it together by not taking the direction seriously.  But then up steps Iba, and suddenly, I find myself looking at someone I do not immediately recognize, not a high school girl, but a strong young woman walking in confidence – boldly holding her head up with self-assurance and walking with purpose.  The other girls are stunned into silence as they witness one of their peers, one of their friends, take on a sense of pride and comfort in their own skin.  Aasia and Sabiha follow suit and even Leah eventually takes on her own walk and owns it.  By the end of the session I see girls, who have had difficulty finding poise and dignity turn into strong young women who are stomping around the “catwalk” like they own the place, like they will conquer the world. 

 

From an outsider looking in, the transformation might seem minimal but I know something has changed within them, something that will carry them forward into exciting opportunities and successes.

 

 

Community Dinner

We ate food! That's right, with the help of YELS' YUM program participants this November we had another Community Dinner! Over 90 community members from the High Point Community came to eat dinner with us and learn about resources to help them figure out the new health care changes.  We ate delicious Shepard's pies, pumpkin curry over rice, salads, berry and apple crumbles and of course, Apply Cider!  We were thrilled to see so many people come out from the community and line up to grab a dish! And thanks to our handy YUM servers we were able to feed everyone that walked through our door.  We hope to continue this event in the future with such a great turn out! Here's to bringing in autumn with the community!

 

 

Fun for all at the Community Harvest Festival. 10-30-2013

The 1st Annual High Point Harvest Festival

The smell of Caramel Apples, Popcorn and Candy Corn added to the festive aura on October 30th, 2013. To celebrate the inaugural installment of the High Point Harvest Festival, Y.E.L.S and The Family Center pulled out all the stops. With an estimated 60 people in attendance, the High Point Center provided a multitude of activities for youth and adults alike. Basketball shoot-outs for candy and pride, bean bag tosses for the same. There even was a Oreo-eating competition, along with face paining, and of course, a Caramel Apple station with all of the toppings. While the youth were definitely preoccupied with all of the day's action, parents and other adult figures had the opportunity to learn more about the essential services at the High Point Community Center. The Harvest Festival was definitely a win for all, and a fantastic addition to the wide range of events presented by High Point.

A Y.E.L.S Intern assists with the Strength Test

AmeriCorps Member Charles Cheek directs the Basketball Shoot-Out

A Y.E.L.S Intern displays her artistic prowess with Face Painting

AmeriCorps Members Leslie Otto and Marian Jama take a moment for relaxation.

The Y.U.M. Program is back again for the Fall Semester

Asking teenagers to cook can often be taxing, but it doesn't have to be when you have the power of fun and functionality on your side. Back by popular demand, YELS has opened up the kitchen at the Neighborhood House in High Point and let the youth share their culinary interest.

Leslie Otto- YUM Facilitator (AmeriCorps)

Led by Neighborhood Houses’ newly hired AmeriCorps Member, Leslie Otto, sustainable and healthy meals have become the talk of every Wednesday afternoon. Each meal has it's own cultural significance and in the process of cooking, the youth have the opportunity to learn about emerging trends in food justice, growth patterns and even methods of distribution. To say the class is comprehensive is a bit of an understatement. All of the produce is donated by New Roots Organics weekly. By the time the youth arrive, the kitchen is prepared and  the ingredients are ready to go. As cooking commences, there are typically more than 15 youth in the room with the expectation of more. The initial chaos is greatly offset by the engaged nature of the youth and  the overall sense of enthrallment throughout the experience. The class was a success and everyone enjoyed their final product.

Charles Cheek- AmeriCorps w/ Youth

Camp Long Challeng Course-- Day 1

 

After weeks of doing everything in our power to convince the middle school group that spending a few hours outside each week “team-building” was going to be great fun, our first trip out to Camp Long was upon us.

As 3:30 approached, the tension in the office thickened as the minutes ticked by. We had given out at least 30 field trip permission forms, a 3 page document explaining the risks of a Challenge Course and asking for detailed medical history. Our usual permission slips are a one-page deal with necessary logistics and a place for a parental signature.

At 3:20, our first two youth walk in. “Do you have your permission slips?” is the first question out of our mouths. “No,” came the reply. “Well, you need to run h…” Our panicked response was interrupted by laughter “You guys are so easy. Yea, we have them right here.”

Touché, ladies. Touché.

More and more youth trickled in, and suddenly we had two vans full and we were on our way.

We would like to take a moment to thank whoever was responsible for guaranteeing our first day out on the course was sunny, dry and in the 60’s.

Once out on the course, we began with some quick games and a snack while Clarke and I gathered the materials necessary and prepped the first challenge: Orca Breech.

A giant seesaw contraption, Orca Breech is all about how the challenge is presented and the consequences for letting the sides touch the ground. The amount of communication necessary in this challenge makes it a fantastic first element of the day, requiring groups to be directive, responsive and really listen to each other. It can be completed in a matter of minutes or has the potential to frustrate groups. And you never know until you get them up on it.

            The middle schoolers completed this challenge within about 30 minutes, after letting the element edges touch the ground quite a few times (their consequence being everyone then needed to get off the platform and start again). Their level of frustration grew while their focus diminished, but with a little redirection and help from a youth intern, when they did complete the challenge they felt proud and ready to try another team challenge.

            Because the Challenge Course is often called a Low-Ropes Course, a misnomer because only one challenge actually has a rope, we decided the next challenge would be Nitro Crossing. The youth are asked to retrieve a rope and swing from one platform to another, Indiana Jones style. There are consequences for touching the ground and ultimately everyone needs to cross, and then cross back. The youth were thrilled with the idea of crossing the “Columbia Gorge” while hanging from a rope, and took to heart our suggestions of collaboration and discussion before beginning the challenge. We were so impressed with how fast they solved the problem of retrieving the rope and they were successful in getting everyone across and back in a relatively short time.

            After debriefing our two elements on the day, we took them on a quick walk over to the high ropes course. The reactions of the youth were completely different across the board. Some were really excited, some said absolutely not, and some seemed intrigued but when asked said “I don’t think I can.” Every youth in the program will have the chance to go up on the high ropes course if they choose to do so. In a world in which youth are constantly told what they must do, need to do, have to do, we are encouraging the youth in our program to choose their challenge and fulfill it to the best of their ability. But in terms of the challenge course, our first day was a HUGE success and we are all looking forward to getting out there again!

Youth Poetry Slam

As a non-profit whose mission statement is to supports diverse communities of limited means, the youth we serve come from varied backgrounds. But our primary clientele would be characterized as East African Muslim immigrants and/or refugees. An outsider would take one look at our High School Leadership program and assume all the hijabs and long black dresses equate conservatism and intolerance. Within minutes of talking to these beautiful young women, an outsider would realize their gross misconception.

                A few weeks ago, YELS was offered the chance to take the high school group to the ArtsCorps Youth Speaks Annual All-City Poetry Slam. Spoken word is a genre of poetry that first emerged during the Harlem Renaissance, designed as an evocative medium in which opinions, feelings and life-experiences are emoted through a mic to a rapt audience. Often dealing with culturally-conformed “taboo” subjects such as religion, sexuality, gender and politics, spoken word is a vehicle of discussion and debate.

                The evening began with a trip to MOD Pizza and a waterfall of sticky-sweet soda pop, watching  ComicCon attendees walking past and discussing their costumes (or lack-there-of). With caffeine-induced energy running high, we walked to Town Hall and took our seats in the cathedral-style theater.

                One of the first poets on stage was a young woman whose appearance incited a flurry of clapping and whispers from our group. Turns out, she was a former student at their school, and, to their delight, her first poem was about her hijab. The cheers and screams from our section spread throughout the room, bringing people to their feet as she explained “No it’s not a towel”.

                Her final poem was a tongue-in-cheek “Letter to Rush Limbaugh”.

“Dear Mr.Limbaugh. You ask if Muslims are inherently violent? There are 1.6 billion of us in the world. Trust me, you’d know.” “All you really need is a hug”

The standing ovation started with us.

                Next up was a gender-queer youth talking about their relationships. Very quietly, one of our youth leaned over and asked “Is he a she?” using the correct pronouns without thought. Upon confirmation, she leaned back and continued to clap and cheer. 

                Rape, sex, drugs, gender-queer, religion, love and hate came pouring out of these young people’s mouths, told to the beat of their hearts and punctuated by silence, snapping and applause.

                By the end of the evening, YELS youth were enraptured. They couldn’t stop talking about it. All of it, even the subjects that would be characterized as taboo and off-limits for the über-religious. A few weeks later, they still talk about it as one of their favorite nights. Like, ever.

A YUM Success

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When running an after-school program for teenagers, finding the balance between fun and meaningful is not an easy task. One of the ways YELS keeps things interesting is having guest speakers and chefs come into program. In the past few weeks, we have had two master chefs and a speaker from Planned Parenthood. All were incredibly successful, inspiring meaningful discussions and interest in foods from the world over.

Irina Vodonos, a recently hired asset to Neighborhood Houses’ Development Team, also happens to be a master chef. When asked to be a guest chef for YELS she jumped at the chance to demonstrate some of her own culture through cooking. Irina has her own immigration story to tell and looked forward to using food to introduce traditional Russian culture. Through a series of discussions and a quick peak in the produce box donated by New Roots Organics weekly, Irina and Laura decided on traditional recipes of: onion and radish salad, borscht, and  Russian Apple Cake “Sharlotka”. Using recipes from her own catering business, Moscow Kitchen, the youth each received a packet with ingredients and preparation instructions that were easy to read and execute. Before the youth arrived, the room was prepped and ready to go, with the expectation of about 12 attending. By the time cooking began, there were already 20 youth in the room with more expected. Although it was chaotic and loud, the youth were engaged and enthusiastic throughout the prep, and asked Irina multiple questions about Russia and the food they were cooking. Even with double the amount of youth, the class went well and the food was entirely eaten!

Marijuana Legalization Debate

Thursday October 18th | 5:30-7:30pm

** Dinner Provided **

High Point Neighborhood House Center
6400 Sylvan Way SW, Seattle WA 98126

Initiative 502 will be on the November ballot.

It would make it legal in WA State (however still illegal by federal law) to grow and sell marijuana.

People over age 21 would be allowed to use marijuana for recreational use. Marijuana would be sold and taxed in licensed stores regulated by the WA State Liquor Control Board. Money raised would go to substance-abuse prevention, research, education and healthcare.

**Come hear arguments on both sides of this important issue**

HS Leadership Program

HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

We are still enrolling ofr our High School Leadership Program on Thursdays 5-7 pm.

Come this Thursday to check it out and please bring friends!

We will be focusing on Leadership skills, mentoring and tutoring, earning service hours and planning FUN field trips!

YELS Programs Start TONIGHT!

It's that time of year again!

Tonight is the kick-off of our Fall Programming!

Teens Leading Change will take place this evening at 3:30, facilitated by the lovely Zoo Crew from Woodland Park Zoo!

We also will have YUM tomorrow evening at 3:30 and the ingredients list is looking oh-so-good!

We still have space in Teens Leading Change, YUM and the HIGH SCHOOL Leadership Program!

If you are looking for a great way to earn Service Learning Hours (REQUIRED to graduate), come check out YELS at the High Point Neighborhood House.

Seeking Amazing Mentors!

YELS, community based leadership program that empowers youth to make positive social change through service, program planning and creative-confidence building activities, is seeking mentors for the upcoming school year.

YELS mentors participate in school-year long group mentoring sessions with students in three core program:
1. Teens Leading Change (STEM focus)
2. Youth Leadership (Media Literacy and Technology focus)
3. YUM (Cooking, Gardening and Food Systems)

To download an application - http://www.scribd.com/doc/102765865
More information - www.facebook.com/hp.yels

YELS Mentor F.A.Q  

What is YELS?

YELS is community based leadership program that empowers youth to make positive social change through service, program planning and creative-confidence building activities. There are 3 core programs – Middle School Leadership (STEM-based), High School Leadership and YUM (food systems and cooking).

 Why are mentors needed for YELS?

Mentors are an important component of YELS. Each month, mentors join our students in various activities during the afterschool hours. These activities range from educational to simply hanging out. By being present at the programs, mentors become positive adult role models to our students which they may not otherwise have, if it were not for the YELS program.

Is this a one-on-one mentoring program?

No. YELS events are group activities and you will be with other mentors as well as Neighborhood House staff.

What characteristics are you looking for in a mentor?

We welcome mentors from different backgrounds. Please who are outgoing, proactive, energetic, reliable, work well with teens, and have a great desire to volunteer their time would make effective YELS mentors.

What is the required time commitment?

Mentors spend 2 – 2 hour sessions per month with students, plus some planning time with mentors and staff. We ask that mentors commit at least six months to the program.

When do YELS mentoring events happen?

Mentoring events happen on the following days:
Tuesday (3:30-5:30pm) – Middle School program
Wednesday (3:30-6:30pm) – YUM 
Thursday (5-7pm) – High School program

Does it cost anything to be a mentor?

We only ask for your time, commitment, and energy. 

Can I mentor, even if I have little or no experience with youth?

YES! Absolutely! We set up orientating and training dates at the start of fall and spring program terms so that all mentors are well prepared. Each sessions lasts 2-4 hours.

 I would like to be a YELS mentor. What do I need to do to get started?

Please email Aparna Rae, at aparnar@nhwa.org or call 206-588-4900 x.626 

C-SPAN Bus at High Point

The C-SPAN bus is coming to High Point on April 6th - from 2:30-4:30pm.

The Bus is equipped with the latest interactive technology including computer kiosks that access C-SPAN's many websites, the Video Library, C-SPAN Classroom, Congressional Chronicle, and Book TV.

Youth will have a change tp test your knowledge of public affairs with quizzes, learn about StudentCam and follow the Road to the White House.

If you're interested in attending this event - talk about Aparna (aparnar@nhwa.org) at the YELS office or call 206-588-4900 x.626.

For more information about the bus - http://www.c-span.org/bus/

CHILL Snowboarding 2012

YELS participated in Burton's CHILL Snowboarding program this year- with 6 youth and two chaperones. In addition to learning how-to-ride, we learnt some of the most important lessons in life about patience, persistence, responsibility, courage, respect, and pride – our weekly themes within the program.


By the end of the program, each youth had graduated on to riding the chair lift and make incredible memories that will last a lifetime. 


One youth from our group was Seattle (from the Seattle youth pool) to attend the national US Open Snowboarding championship. 

Summer Leadership Institute

YELS is excited to offer our Leadership Institute this summer. Before you begin, make sure you have reviewed the details of the summer program, mandatory program dates and the application deadline. 

Download the application here. 

PROGRAM DETAILS 

The summer program will help you gain skills and strengths, address culture, leadership, identity and empowerment through creative, confidence building activities. You will meet teaching artists, activists and city leaders throughout the summer.

1 Applications must be mailed by Wednesday, May 30^th 

or Dropped off in-person by Friday, June 1^st 

YELS|Neighborhood House - High Point Center

6400 Sylvan Way SW, Seattle WA 98126

2 Please make sure that your application is complete. Incomplete     applications will not be considered. 

3 Call 206-588-4900 ext.626 if you have questions. 

We will let you know if you’ve been accepted by June 5^th. 

ELIGIBILITY

Middle and High School 

Interest in developing leadership skills 

Commit 100% attendance at all sessions

COST
FREE to all High Point Residents 

Scholarships provided non-High Point Residents 

PROGRAM DATES 

All programs will take place from 12pm - 4pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. 

Summer Institute I July 9^th - 20^th 

Summer Institute II July 23^rd - August 3^rd 

NOTE: Youth observing Ramadan, please choose dates carefully, as Ramadan begins on July 20^th.  

NOTE: Youth interested in internships should be available for training on July 5^th and 6^th for training, and be able to commit to both sessions (July 9^th - August 3^rd). 

All summer applications are due June 1st at 5pm. 

Internship applications will become available on April 1st, in-person at the YELS office at Neighborhood House (High Point Center) or on the YELS blog. 

Youth Access Corps, Day 1

YELS launched a new program this fall - Youth Access Corps, with an aim to increase access to technology in our community. What does that mean? Cultivate a group of strong media literate youth who are invested in their community - and have skills to get people across cultures connected.

Check out what we did on our first day as a group...

Even Beyonce joined us...

And there was 'digital scavenger hunt'.

 

TLC Cooking, Day 1

The first day of cooking with our new TLC group proved to be delicious! The general theme was getting to know one another and sharing a good meal. 


Produce Focus: Squash
We had 4 different varieties: Delicata, Butternut, Acorn and Zucchini 

Beautiful runner beans harvested from the P-Patch.

The buzz in the kitchen has returned.