Still Smiling, Laughing, & Creating Memories |
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Fall is here and we can't believe there are only six more weeks until the end of the semester! Distance learning hasn't been easy on our students but, we are so proud of them for showing up each day to do their best. From creating a Morning POD to virtual and/or in person tutoring, we're doing all we can to best support our students. Sometimes that's in the form of taking a homework break, so last week, we took our students to Crystal Bay Farms where they got to unwind and enjoy some time away from their screens.
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Youth N.O.W. is currently serving 130 students from 16 different schools with the help from 50 volunteers. Our staff are constantly checking in with students on their missing assignments and, alongside our volunteers, are showing up each day to provide our youth with academic support and positive words of encouragement. Our coordinators connect with parents / guardians, school counselors and teachers to create a web of support for our students, so they can work towards success.
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Youth N.O.W. has always been more than an academic resource and our student’s overall wellness is our top priority. We are happy to be able to provide enrichment activities like: our basketball clinic, biking, life skills workshops (in collaboration with our #United4Youth partners), and guided art lessons. We have loved getting together *safely and socially distanced* during our Family Events and are thankful to have been able to host these small gatherings for our youth and families to reconnect. |
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A few words from our current students: |
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“Youth N.O.W. has helped me through school and through anything else outside of school, such as when I need someone to talk to. When I think of Youth N.O.W. I think of home. I feel like without Youth N.O.W., this year would have been very difficult. Students just need someone or some program like Youth N.O.W. to count on for help of any kind.”
- Brian, 12th grade, WHS
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“Youth N.O.W. helps me with my homework and improving my grades. I get help and I also get people to talk to who really care about me. Without Youth N.O.W. this year, I would have broken down, would not have done any work and would have failed my classes. Adylene (MS Learning Center Coordinator) is special to me because she helps me on my homework and gives me good advice. If I could be at Youth N.O.W. for more hours it would be great.”
- Bianka, 7th grade Linscott Charter
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“Youth N.O.W. helps me with homework and is somewhere I can do my work, do fun activities, make friends, and I go to school here in the mornings in the POD. Life would be bad if I didn’t because I would have been stuck home alone all day. Mayra (HS Activities Coordinator) is good at math and Noemi (HS Learning Center Coordinator) is fun and helps me with my missing assignments. David (Tutor) and I have things in common and that is good. We need a place to go.”
- Chris, 7th Grade, E.A. Hall
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Evann Vasquez
8th grade
Rolling Hills Middle School
Evann has been a part of the Youth N.O.W. family since 2017. His perseverance and continuous efforts have earned him the title of November 2020 Student of the Month! Like many students, Evann struggled with the transition to distance learning and virtual tutoring. However, he was quick to advocate for himself and switched to hybrid tutoring (in person and virtual tutoring sessions). Evann turned his grades around and now plans his assignments accordingly to make sure they are done on time. On days when he does not have any homework to do, he will ask one of his two tutors to practice the math skills he is having trouble with. One of the things Evann is passionate about is music. He plays the violin, trumpet, and guitar. On weekends he spends his time playing in a local mariachi band. Evann wants to continue his academic and music studies. He dreams of studying music at one of the top music schools in the country, while also going to school to become a surgeon. Shoot for the stars Evann, we know you will go far!
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Paula Rocha
8th grade
Aptos Jr. High School
Paula has been selected as our student of the month for November! Paula has been a part of our Youth N.O.W. family since close to the start of the school year and in that time she has been a joy to have around! Paula is one of 23 members of our Morning POD, which is a safe and reliable space where students attend their classes from our center and receive help from staff as they go throughout their non-traditional school day. Paula can be seen participating in class, grabbing a bite to eat, and helping others with their homework. “She helps us with our work when we don’t understand something,” says her peer Elia. Paula’s commitment to her studies inspires others around her to work hard. When she is not at Youth N.O.W., Paula likes to stay home, practice social distancing, and play with her little sister. “I love my sister very much because she shares, plays with me, and helps me with my homework,” says Paula’s younger sister, Jimena, who is also a Morning POD student. Paula is open to multiple career options once she grows up and we at Youth N.O.W. know that she will excel at whatever she puts her mind to!
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The semester may be wrapping up but, our services are still in high demand and we need your help! Make a donation to Youth N.O.W. today to sustain our no cost tutoring and Morning POD. Our Morning POD serves as a safe and supportive space for our youth who do not have an adult guardian at home to assist them with distance learning. Students have access to adult mentors, homework help, WiFi, home cooked meals, recreation, and art activities. Our services are free of charge and this is only made possible with the help from our funders and generous donors.
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AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support Youth N.O.W. every time you shop, at no cost to you! Click the link below to shop through AmazonSmile and 0.5% of your eligible purchases will be donated to Youth N.O.W.
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Other ways to support Youth N.O.W.:
- Follow our social media accounts (links down below)
- Like, share, and/or leave a comment on our posts
- Leave us a review on Google or Facebook
- Tell your family/friends about our services
- Become a volunteer tutor
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2020 Be The Difference Awards |
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Did you catch our Nonprofit Winner video for the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, Be The Difference Awards?! |
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A huge THANK YOU to all our volunteers from the community, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, Twin Lakes Church, MVC National Honor Society, and CSUMB Service Learners. This event was in recognition of YOU and the difference you’re making! |
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"One of the biggest things I took away from the Be The Difference Awards is that many people are actively working to help the community. Hearing all those stories was so inspiring! I’m thankful my school program helps nonprofit organizations by providing them with interns. It makes me look forward to the future and I’m incredibly proud to be a volunteer interning with an agency who is making such a significant impact on today's youth, especially since covid has turned life upside down. I know people are struggling with the social-emotional aspect of these trying times. Youth N.O.W. not only supports students who are struggling with academics by providing them tutors but, they also provide mentoring and access to someone to talk to which is an integral part of human connection. One of the biggest highlights I took away from this award ceremony is that people are resilient even in the most trying times..." |
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- Jessica Nereida Rodriguez,
Youth N.O.W. Intern from CSUMB
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If you would like to be a part of the difference, consider becoming a donor or volunteering with Youth N.O.W. Click below for more information. |
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Upcoming Events & Important Dates |
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Youth N.O.W. will be CLOSED on Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. We will reopen November 12th.
Youth N.O.W. will be CLOSED for Fall Break from Monday, November 23rd to Friday, November 27th. Youth N.O.W.'s will reopen on Monday, November 30th.
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Virtual Auction Fundraiser for Youth N.O.W. by Monte Vista Christian National Honor Society will be on Friday, December 4th at 3:00 p.m. (More details to come!)
LAST DAY OF PROGRAM is on Wednesday, December, 16th.
We have some exciting news to share... but we can't say just yet... be on the lookout for our big announcement on November, 18th! :)
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