CBS Atlanta News Covers YES Inc.
CBS Atlanta recently covered the work of Youth Enhancement Services, Inc. (YES). In a late January news segment the local outlet got a closer look at the impact the non-profit has had over the past 20 years in the South Fulton community.
“It’s given me options I never had,” said Julio Rodriguez a current student in the program. “It’s given me a better future for me and my family.”
The organization was founded to address the needs of a steadily increasing population of unskilled high school dropouts. The mission is to promote sustainable self-sufficiency for students and their families. The non-profit focuses on four (4) main areas with students: Education, Health, Economics and Housing.
Ironically the founder of YES became a recent victim of the very demographic she has devoted her entire life to helping. Lula M. Gilliam, who established YES 20 years-ago, was the latest hit on a spree of crimes, believed to have been committed by adolescents, in the South Fulton community. The increasing crime rates have caused members of the South Fulton community to voice concerns about inadequate police surveillance and workable solutions.
“What’s most hurtful is that I have dedicated my entire life to saving youth,” said Gilliam of the recent break-in to her home.
Gilliam wants to use this incident to bring attention to the need for increased parental involvement, high school dropout rates and the need for comprehensive community based programs focused on youth development. Her mission is to combat the many system failures.
YES. will celebrate its anniversary milestone in July with a 20th Anniversary YES Golf Tournament. The non-profit will also host the YES 4th Annual Gala themed “The Measure of our Success” and a Youth Summit in the month of September.
CBS Atlanta coverage on YES can be viewed using the following link http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/22347390/
