Financial Partners

A financial partner is an entity or person that provides financial resources to fund the work of empowering positive change in at-risk youth, parents and neighborhoods. These financial partners are from the following sectors: 1) federal government, 2) national foundations, 3) state government, 4) local foundations, 5) county government, 6) city government, 7) businesses, 8) philanthropic organizations, 9) churches, and 10) residents of the community.

Youth Protector $5,000+

• Arizona Federal Credit Union
• Pima County Attorney's Office

Youth Defender $3,000 - $4,999

• Community Partnership for Southern Arizona

Youth Advocate $1,500 - $2,999

• Chick-fil-A

Youth Supporter $25 - $1,499

• Crisis Pregnancy Center
• Jim Click Automotive Team
• M & I Bank
• Tucson Realty & Trust

Direct Service Partners

Direct Service Partners are community-based agencies that deliver direct programmatic services to at-risk youth ages 6-17. Our partners’ programs build a youth’s understanding of self-worth and esteem, community service, and life-skills.

Direct Service Partners are equipped to:

• meet the needs of various youths
• provide positive mentorship
• engage the youth in positive and fun activities
• ensure quality programming through accreditation guidelines
• employ effective curriculum design and assessments
• provide integrated services
• ensure parental involvement

The areas our direct service partners work in are:

1. Creative Expression Training

Creative Expression Training provides at-risk youth with opportunities to explore their creative selves through multiple artistic methods (e.g.: theatre, singing, painting, crafts, etc.).

2. Drug Education and Violence Prevention Training

Drug Education programs are self-esteem builder programs that provide kids with the tools they need to resist drugs, gangs, and alcohol. Through the process of learning how to defend themselves against peer pressure, students make lasting friendships and learn a lot about themselves.

Drug education and violence prevention programs focus on building youngsters' self-image and goal setting skills. It stresses interpersonal relations, and emphasizes leadership and teamwork. Programs raise the awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs on the youth, as well as the dangerous effects of join gangs.

3. Educational Assistance and Training

Educational Assistance and Training encompasses two aspects of education – Primary Education and Incentives/Scholarships.

Primary Education programs focus on partnering with educational professional, schools and/or school districts to start a new program (tutoring or a new school for Kindergarten – 6th grade) within a targeted neighborhood with high rates of poverty for youth ages 6 – 17.

Incentive/Scholarship programs focus on identifying and raising funds for at-risk youth who qualify for incentives/scholarships for continuation of education and/or to attend a designated primary, secondary and college educational program.

4. Health Awareness and Activity Training

Health Awareness and Activity Training is based upon the Arizona State Standards for Health Education and Physical Activity so students will be able to throw, catch, strike, travel, and balance.

Health Awareness programs engage students in group conversations about wellness and disease prevention and students learn how to abstain from excessive sweets and unhealthy fats, consequently promoting healthy eating habits. Students are provided tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle. The focus is on active living instead of a sedentary life.

Activity Training programs engage youth in a variety of activities from jump rope, volleyball, basketball, and baseball to Frisbee throwing and catching and tag for younger youth.

5. Job Readiness Training

Job Readiness Training includes Career Exploration programs that focus on partnering with community-based non-profit agencies to provide at-risk youth ages 10 – 17 with training in the following areas:

• Resume and cover letter writing (two trainings)
• Job site visits
• Sending resumes to employers and using the Internet to post resumes on job boards
• Dressing for success
• Using winning presentation skills
• Interviewing skills (two trainings)
• Researching appropriate jobs (two trainings)
• Receiving advisory from mentors

6. Mentoring

The mentoring programs match students with a positive adult role model from the community in order to help the youth experience positive empowerment through mentorship. Mentors (Sr. Partners) spend time with and give individual attention to a youth (Jr. Partners). The Sr. Partner listens, encourages, supports, models, and imparts understanding to a Jr. Partner in order to teach them how to make positive choices for themselves, their families, and the community. 1-on-1 partnerships also participate in a multitude of recreational activities and events available in the Pima County area. Each partnership is invited to attend monthly group activities, such as a fishing trip, athletic events, and various other activities.

Community Partners

A community partner is an entity or person that commits to participating with YES Network in empowering positive change in at-risk youth, parents and neighborhoods through volunteerism. Volunteerism may include several different activities which can include:

1. fundraising
2. mentoring
3. office support
4. board membership
5. advisory board membership
6. oversight committee member
7. community advocate

Community Partners may include:

• Businesses
• Philanthropic Organizations
• Churches
• Community Residents
• Neighborhood Associations
• Schools

If you wish to learn more about becoming a financial partner, direct service partners, or community partner, please call Sue Kiley-White at (520) 297-0702 or email her at skwhite@yes-network.org