Youth on the Edge… of Greatness

About Y.O.E….

Youth on the Edge… of Greatness, Inc. (YOE, Inc.) was established in 1985 and was named a “National Exemplary Program” in 1995. YOE, Inc. provides after-school programming 5 days a week for youth ages 11 to 14 during the school year, and also offers a six week full day Summer Enrichment Program for youth ages 11 to 14 and older YOE Alumnae…Our programs are based on two fundamental principles: 1) that our youth should be supported so they can create a brighter future for themselves, and 2) our youth can be leaders and contributors in our community. YOE, Inc. is a State of Michigan licensed substance abuse prevention program, in addition to a supplemental education service provider.

YOE, Inc. after school programs currently serves youth in two Eastside locations- Butzel Family Recreation Center and the Villages at Parkside.  YOE, Inc. is actively working to expand its reach through partnerships with key city wide youth serving organizations, and is negotiating a restructuring arrangement with one such organization.
YOE, Inc.’s main activities include academic support and enrichment, substance abuse prevention and life skills training, social and cultural activities, field trips, community outreach and leadership training, in addition to a parent involvement component designed to encourage parents to take a more active role in their child’s school life. As highlighted in its five year strategic plan, YOE’s key goals are to increase the academic achievement of participants, prevent the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by participants, and encourage parental involvement to positively impact participants’ academic achievement.

YOE, Inc. Guiding Principles

   YOE is a safe haven in which youth can feel a sense of belonging and   acceptance from peers and supportive adults.
  Youth are supported based on their individual strengths and needs.
  Youth have a voice in designing program content and defining program direction.
  YOE activities build skills in a variety of areas and offer meaningful, “real world” opportunities to practice and use these skills.
 YOE exposes youth to opportunities/alternatives and supports youth in good decision making about their futures.
 YOE programs operate on a consistent basis, 4 or 5 days a week during the school year, and youth attend YOE on a regular basis.
 YOE, Inc. works collaboratively with youth, parents, and schools to create programming that reflects their needs will ensure their       measurable success in resisting drugs, academics, life skills, financial literacy, and conflict resolution skills.
 YOE exposes youth to opportunities, alternatives, and supports youth in good decision making about their futures.