YAC Grant Supports Program Empowering At-Risk Youth

For at-risk youth without structured activities, summer can pose challenges, increasing vulnerability to risky behavior, abuse, and neglect.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) provided a grant to support a research-based summer program led by Staircase Youth Services, targeting at-risk adolescents ages 13-17. The program focused on discovering strengths, building social skills, and fostering self-esteem and self-confidence. Teens involved in the program experienced new activities like fishing and horseback riding, enjoyed access to regular meals, and benefited from positive interactions with caring adult

“The kids that participated absolutely loved the 2023 Summer Program! We started off each day learning coping skills, the value of communication, anger management, and other skills. They enjoyed the hands-on activities that we did such as, string art, a cooking class, and bowling, and a few of them went fishing. We also spent a day at the beach and explored the state park. I am looking forward to our Summer Program this year, and I’m sure the kids are too!” — Brad Rybicki