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OMNI YOUTH PROGRAMS
May 21, 2010

I have worked with Omni Youth Programs for almost 20 years and can honestly say this program is very valuable to the communities we serve. What's so unique about our program is that we offer four to eight week small group facilitation so that the youth have a better opportunity to bond with an adult who can help provide positive guidance and support. We also give the youth an opportunity to bond and develop strong, positive relationships with their peers. These relationships continue to grow over the three years that our services are offered at each individual school. Omni Youth Programs also has a very professional and educated staff that are working with at risk youth because they have a passion and commitment to help make youth and communities stronger, but also because many of us have a strong passion to keep our youth free of drugs and gangs. I personally have seen how damaging drugs can be to a youth, their family and the community at large, and made it a personal mission of my own to work in this field to try to make a difference. This program has helped me reach my goal of giving back. I grew up in a low income at risk environment and became the person I am today because I had strong role models that took time out to spend with me and keep me pointed in the right direction. This is what I see Omni providing to the youth they work with.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

I have dedicated almost 20 years of my life to help keep our youth safe. I personally worked at the schools with the youth and families for over 10 years and was able to experience first hand how giving back to youth made a positive difference in their lives. I had the opportunity to counsel youth who were on the verge of running away, and helped other youth stop using drugs. I realized how important one hour per week with a child who just needed someone to listen really was.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Definitely help it to reach a larger population. I would continue to seek grants and do all that I could to help raise funds to keep the doors open.

More feedback

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

Working with the youth and seeing their smiles everytime we entered the classroom. I also enjoyed reading through the Thank You cards that they personally made for us. I also enjoyed working with the staff and many volunteers over the years.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

Phenominal. They are all very friendly and very knowledgeable in the field of drug and gang prevention. All volunteers and interns are treated with respect and most become friends that we are able to continue corresponding with after they have moved on.

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

Increase the number of youth and families receiving our services for free,open more facilities, and train other individuals to provide the same quality program to other communities.

Ways to make it better...

We were able to stay even longer at the schools. The bond that you develop with the youth, the teachers and the schools is a very strong one and it is sometimes difficult to say goodbye at the end of program.

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

Definitely funding. Due to the stringent economy, many non-profits including ours continue to face huge budget cutbacks that threaten the exixtence of programming and staff. Everyone, including the Board is trying to bring in additional funding.

One thing I'd also say is that...

I'd appreciate more funding to continue to help our youth live happier, longer lives, and our communities grow stronger and safer.

How frequently have you been involved with the organization?

About every week

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2010

MY ROLE:
Professional with expertise in this field & I have dedicated almost 20 years of my life to help keep our youth safe. I personally worked at the schools with the youth and families for over 10 years and was able to experience first hand how giving back to youth made a positive difference in their li.