That time is here again; the PALS program is gearing up for another visit to Jackpot Ranch!

PALS children, some of whom have never left the Phoenix area before will go on a memorable overnight trip to Jackpot Ranch near Prescott with their mentors June 25 & 26. There will be swimming, arts 'n' crafts, movies and campfires!

If you're a PALS mentor and want to join us, please contact Rebecca or Emily at 602-258-1012.

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Youth in our New Pathways program returned from their Intensive Camp experience to a crowd of jubilant supporters.

Families gathered at Phoenix Youth at Risk to welcome them home with handmade signs, balloons, and lots of love for everyone.

New Pathways participants publicly declare their love for their families, and their commitment to change for the better.

They share their camp experiences, and express a newfound hope for the future.

There wasn't a dry eye that afternoon!

The next 9 months will be life-changing for all of us. Good luck to the youth, families and mentors in the April 2011 New Pathways program! We are with you every step of the way. (Photos by Aaron Hoskins)

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Believe it or not, these books are made from paper bags! How do you do that? Kristy Baker of Recreative Arts showed us! Kids and their mentors in the PALS program honed creativity and problem solving skills and produced unique and functional works of art.

Art making increases confidence and improves learning. It's a hands-on experience with a tangible, one-of-a-kind result the kids can keep or give as gifts.

Seth, KJ and Jonathan were proud of their books, and still had plenty of energy to play hoops with their mentors on our basketball court. 

Thanks to all who attended and thanks to Kristy for the great day! We look forward to more activities with Recreative Arts!

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Our New Pathways community-based program is getting ready for the April 2011 Intensive camp retreat. This begins a 9-month program for teens who want to forge a new direction in their lives and the mentors who will support them along the way. Phoenix Youth at Risk staff and numerous volunteers are hard at work preparing another transformative program.  On Thursday at 7am the youth, their new mentors and New Pathways staff (Tavo, Vero, Catie, Rachel, and Rupa) will pile onto a bus headed for camp in Prescott and the start of a new life! Everyone is giving 110% and we wish them all the best!

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Painting party!

On March 5 mentors, youth and volunteers from Honeywell came together at our center to paint a mural on our new modular office!

Jasmin shows us getting messy is part of the fun!

Our own Maria designed the mural.

Emily and Anahi had a great time painting and playing games!

The Honeywell volunteers presented Phoenix Youth at Risk with a donation of $5000-thanks so much! Councilman Michael Johnson visited, and Channel 12 covered the event.

See Channel 12's video of the day at our YouTube channel.

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Who will help me make my first "slam dunk"?

That basket's pretty high, but I know I can do it. I just need a hand...

This may not be a regulation ball, but I won't let that stop me.

He shoots....

He scores! The crowd goes wild!

Thanks! Now I'm ready for March Madness! (or is it Wimbledon?)

Phoenix Youth at Risk mentors lift kids up to success!

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January is National Mentoring Month. How do you plan to celebrate? If you aren’t sure how to honor National Mentoring Month, here are some ideas to get started.

1. The first thing that comes to mind for us is of course… Become a mentor!

2. Spend time with your mentor or mentee or someone who looks up to you.

3. Volunteer with your mentee or mentor to demonstrate to others what mentoring is about. Find volunteer opportunities !

 

4. January 25^th is Thank Your Mentor Day. Give a shout out to your role models and thank them for everything they have done for you!

Check out http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/chc/wmy/Thank_Them/intro.html#tribute where you can write a tribute to your mentor.

5. Spread the word about mentoring. Tell everyone you know how awesome being a mentor or having a mentor is!

 

 

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On Saturday Youth at Risk had its annual Holiday Party. Waste Management donated their time, resources and talent to ensure that this year’s party was a success. Thank you Waste Management!

Waste Management volunteers demonstrated their artistic skills.

Youth wrote letters to Santa and designed Holiday cards for their mentors and families.

Youth indulged in sweets and treats.

Youth waited patiently outside while Santa prepared for their visit.

Santa made a special appearance and passed out gifts to every youth.  

Youth kicked back, relaxed and celebrated the Holidays with their friends in the Phoenix Youth at Risk Community.

Thank you Waste Management for all your hard work and support.  This year’s Holiday party was amazing! We couldn’t have done it without you!

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Throughout the year teenagers and mentors in our New Pathways program participate in community service events. This year our youth decided to change things up and raise money for a cause of their choice. The youth unanimously decided to adopt a family for the Holidays. They couldn’t wait to go shopping and wrap presents for a less fortunate family.

The May and March 2010 New Pathways programs decided to compete to see which group could raise the most money at a car wash.  They set up shop on Camelback Road in two locations and raced to raise money for a family in our PALS program.  The groups announced the car washes on the radio, sold baked goods and waved down cars from the streets.

Youth in our programs are reaching out and giving back to members in their community. Why do those most in need want to give back? Helping someone else is contagious! Be a mentor-log onto www.phoenixyouthatrisk.org or call 602-258-1012 and ask for Nancy!       

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Thanksgiving is here! It’s time to say thank you and show generosity. Phoenix Youth at Risk is fortunate to have our community showing support and kindness not only during the Holiday season but throughout the entire year.

Here’s a snapshot of the support Phoenix Youth at Risk receives. 

Youth in our programs worked together to create a work of art that was auctioned off at the annual Support Sky Harbor Coalition Dinner. Thanks to our youth and Support Sky Harbor, we raised over $61,000.                                                     

The Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix spends one night a month with boys waiting to be matched to male mentors in the PALS program. Volunteers and youth play board games, Wii, soccer, basketball, Ping-Pong and eat lots of pizza.

Boys Hanging Out Waiting to Get Mentors

 

Look at the Transformation! Thank You Brophy, Pet Smart and Cox Communications!

 

Volunteer groups from Brophy College Prepartory, Cox Communications, and Pet Smart helped prepare, clean and paint the inside and outside of our new and old offices.

  A Mentee/Mentor Match Helped  the  Brophy Volunteers

 

Pet Smart Volunteers Sprucing up the Center

 

 

Volunteers From Cox Communication’s Avondale Leadership Team Prepped the New Office for Paint

 

 

 

Above all, we would not be able to exist without the constant support of our mentors, staff and board of directors who make this organization thrive. Thank you for all your support!

A Mentor in the New Pathways Program Made this Cake for a Mentor-Only Meeting

 

A Mentor/Mentee Match in the School-Based New Pathways Program

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