January-February 2013 Edition - YMCA of San Francisco

THE URBAN BEATURBAN SERVICES YMCANEWSLETTERNews and events from the Urban Services YMCA | February 2013SUCCESS STORY: Mike and JonahToday in San Francisco, hundreds of young boys have something missing in their lives: A positive malerole model to help guide them through the unknown. Mike is an example of someone whose life has beenchanged by having a mentor. At the age of 12, he was referred to the Y's Building Futures MentoringProgram for social challenges following several deaths in his immediate family, being bullied at school,and being raised in a single parent household. He wasn't sure exactly what he wanted in a mentor,just that he could use a friend.Mike's mentor Jonah, a mechanical engineering major from Stanford, had no problem helping him withmath but it would take some time to come to understand the unique challenges Mike faced on a dailybasis at school and at home. Later realizing they both loved to build things, the two embarked on athree month construction project of a half-pipe skate ramp. This process required lots of patience, lotsof math and teamwork which came easily as their friendship deepened.Mike now has a friend in Jonah who understands him and sees him for who he really is. In return, Jonahhas a friend in Mike and feels uplifted whenever they hang out, knowing he is having a direct impact onhis community.If you've ever wanted to give back by being a positive role model for someone in need, now is the timeto join! Sign up today by contacting Nick Wightman at nwightman@ymcasf.org or 415-561-0631 x102.Photo RequiredSTAFF SPOTLIGHT : Ms. ViolaHOW WELL DOYOU KNOWURBANTHIS IS WHAT WE DOOMI FRI | PH FRC | WA FRCFamily support, mental health, linkageto community resources, food pantriesAFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMSEnriching prograns to keep youthsafe and promote healthy socialdevelopment |10 locationsTARCTruancy Intervention to kepp youth inschool, improve academic performanceand increase social engagementEPSDTSchool based mental health,Intensive case management throughyouth probation | 12 locationsBUILDING FUTURES MENTORINGCommunity based mentoring for at-riskyouth ages 6-18 | 18 locationsYOUTH SERVICE BUREAUSLow fee, comunity based mentalhealth services in Sanmateo, Pacificaand South San FranciscoOMIE BEACON CENTERAfter school enrichment, educational &recreational programs, literacy support,mental health and substance abusecounselling, case management services,and evening community and adultprogramsThis past January, Ms. Viola celebrated her 61stbirthday! The staff at the OMI Family Resource Centersurprised her with a cake that almost brought her totears. Per Ms. Viola, “No one has ever done this for me!I love all of you!” Now in her third year working withUrban Services YMCA, Ms. Viola is responsible formaking sure our community program sites andadministrative offices stay clean and comply withSan Francisco recycling/compost laws.We appreciate all of her hard work andwish her many happy birthdaysin the years to come.Ms. ViolaStaff at the OMI Family Resource CenterFor more info about volunteering or event details email Manuel atmrodriguez@ymcasf.org

UPCOMING EVENTS!Tuesday, 2/5 – OMI/E Beacon – Registration for Evening Programs – 6:30pmSaturday, 2/16 – Western Addition Family Resource Center –Black History Month Programming at theHamilton Recreation Center – 11:00 am - 2:00 pmDID YOU KNOW?SPECIALUrban now has overMOMENTS170 sta workingin it’s variety of awesome programs?Go teamwork!Sunday, 2/17 – Chinese New Year Run! “Year of the Snake” at theCHINATOWN YMCA – 8:00 am start time,register at www.ymcasf.org/chinatownMonday, 2/18 – All Urban Staff Training (De-escalation and Crisis Intervention)at the Buchanan YMCA – 9:30am-4:00pmSaturday, 2/23 – OMI Family Resource Center – Lunar New Year Celebration atthe Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center – 11:00am-3:00pmThursday, 2/28 – OMI/E Beacon - Lunar New Year and Black History MonthCultural CelebrationWant to know more? Like us on Facebook and follow us on LinkedInhttps://www.facebook.com/urbanservicesymcaF For more info about volunteering or event details, email Manny athttp://www.linkedin.com/company/urbanservicesymrodrigu@ymcasf.orgAaron Garcia receiving‘Mentor Extraordinaire’ Certificate'DA George Gascon awards UrbanBuilding Futures mentor Aaron Garcia witha "Mentor Extraordinaire" Certificate at anevent celebrating National Mentoring Month.The DA congratulated top mentorsfrom San Francisco who make a differencein the lives of at-risk youth.'We cannot seek acheivement for ourselvesand forget about progress and prosperity forour community. Our ambitions must be boardenough to include the aspirations and needs ofothers, for sakes and for our own. “You arenever strong enough that you don’t need help.”-Cesar ChavezHOLIDAY TREE DRIVE - Top Staff Sellers!Congratulations to all of our staff who helped make Urban’s 2012 Holiday Tree Drive a smashing success.A few staff and program sites really helped out by being Top Sellers! On behalf of Urban Services YMCA, we’dlike to congratulate the following individuals and programs :Top Sellers1st Top Seller – Suzanne Media with 23 trees sold2nd Top Seller (tie!) - Mary Cunnie from the Starr King Elementary Afterschool Program AND Jason Singh fromOMI/Excelsior Beacon Center with 15 trees sold3rd Top Seller (tie!) – Alex May from the Western Addition Family Resource Center and Gretchen Cabrera fromOMI Family Resource Center with 8 trees soldTop ProgramsOMI/Excelsior Beacon Center - 51 trees soldStarr King Elementary Afterschool Program – 40 trees soldUrban Administrative Office Team – 35 trees soldURBAN TRIVIA !OMI Family Resource Center – 33 trees soldWho was last year’s Urban Emplyoee of the Year as reEPSDT Mental Health Program – 31 trees soldEmail answer to nwightman@ymcasf.org for a chancecard!Thanks to all our staff who attended the Urban Services YMCA Holiday Party at620 Jones!The food and atmosphere were great and we hope to do it again next year.If you took photos, please share them with us!