To Friends of YES!Atlanta

The big news of the day is the appointment of MATT WYNALDA as our new Executive Director, the 5th since YES!Atlanta was founded in 1988. To see more about Matt, click on the YES!News link above.

We are well into 2012, and are busy exploring a variety of creative options that will enhance both the scope and effectiveness of our Rising Star program and Coaching for Success. We also have started planning for Night of Lights II which will be held on October 20th. Lots of ideas are in the works that will make this event even better than the first, held back in November, which achieved both its fun and financial goals.

All of us with YES!Atlanta -- our Board, small staff, volunteers, and the youth with whom we work -- very much appreciated your financial and in-kind contributions during 2011. It is only through your ongoing support throughout 2012 that we will have the resources needed to carry on this important work -- giving teens at a critical turning point in their lives the opportunity to continue their growth into fulfilled and contributing adulthood.

You can support us in many ways. Mention YES!Atlanta and its Rising Star programs to your friends and associates. Suggest possible funding sources to us - with an introduction from you, we will make the appeal. You can make a donation yourself through our secure PayPal link (click on Support Us) or you can mail your check to the address below. Every dollar helps.

Please send comments and suggestions about our new web site to our webmaster at the link below.

From a Rising Star graduate --

...The program taught me self- discipline, how to communicate with others, how to have teamwork, express my feelings, open up to others, having confidence in my self to know, no matter where you live or grow up don't have an impact on where you are going and how successful you can be in life.

YES!Atlanta was the best thing that ever happen to me growing up as a teenager. I want to thank all you guys who helped nurture me for the woman I am today!

YES!Atlanta seeks to enhance the lives of "at-risk" teenagers through voluntary programs based on long- term regular contact with committed, caring adults. Our goals are to:

• Increase academic skills and performance
• Raise graduation rates
• Reduce self-defeating behaviors
• Increase self-esteem
• Build better relationships with family, peers, and authority figures

Click for Program info

In 1988 a small group of concerned citizens joined hands to create what became YES!Atlanta (for Youth Experiencing Success). Two years later we delivered our first Rising Star program.

In the years since, Rising Star and Coaching for Success have impacted the lives of nearly 1,000 teenagers.

We have been recognized nationally for the quality of the work we do with teens at a critical point in their lives.

Click for more Information

What You Can Do

Volunteer - as a mentor, tutor, or administrator

Join our Advisory Board to help in many ways

Make a financial or in-kind contribution

Be an advocate for us in your community

Participation in our Rising Star programs is free. We are supported by contributions from individuals, businesses and foundations

To read the story click here