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Open House Opens Minds At Youth Environmental Services In Wimauma

Photo by KEVIN HOWE

Steven Turner of Giving Tree Music treats Youth Environmental Services students and guests to a drumming exhibition. More than 150 people visited the program’s facility Aug. 16 to see how it works.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 27, 2008

WIMAUMA - With its emphasis on academic achievement and cultivating positive attitudes, the Youth Environmental Services program has been trying to lead young men down the right path and away from a life of crime since its inception in 1994.

"People hear about the bad things in the criminal justice system, but this program is one of the positives," said Sirrnest Webster, executive director.

On Aug. 16, the program hosted an open house to give everyone the opportunity to see firsthand how it operates.

"I wanted people in the area to feel assured about what goes on here," Webster said. "I feel that, instead of constantly telling people about the program, it would be a lot better to show them."

More than 150 people visited the program's facility, 4377 Saffold Road. Among those in attendance were state Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Brandon, and MaryEllen Elia, superintendent of schools for Hillsborough County, who toured the facility and lent their support.

The day was also notable because the young men could receive visits from their entire families.

"I visit every chance I get and, usually, they only allow parents, grandparents and siblings," said Sonja Allen, whose son has been enrolled in the program since November. "Today, he gets to see his aunts, uncles and cousins for the first time in a while."

Allen has seen behavioral changes in her son during his time at YES.

"He is a lot less rebellious and more respectful," Allen said. "I think it's because of the staff here - they're very supportive and very caring."

John Valentine was visiting his grandson at the facility for the first time and was impressed.

"It's a wonderful program, and the facilities are very nice," Valentine said. "It seems to be what he his grandson needs right now."

YES is a nonprofit residential program supported by a board of directors and partially funded by the state Department of Juvenile Justice and the Hillsborough County School Board.

Those enrolled in the program have the opportunity to increase their grade level as well as prepare for and take the General Educational Development test. They can also earn an American Red Cross certification in first aid, CPR, basic water safety and life guarding. A requirement for successful completion is a confirmed placement in either full-time school or employment or a combination of both.

Pat Klakamp volunteers at the facility as an exceptional student education teacher.

"A lot of them come in and their self-esteem is down here," said Klakamp, lowering her hand around her ankles. "By the time they finish, they're standing up a little taller and have a much better attitude."

Webster said the program also boasts a recidivism rate of about 14 percent for its graduates.

"I love it here," said Chris, 16, who has been enrolled for seven months. "I've been to two programs like this before, and this is the best one."

Since they are minors, the program wants only first names used.

"I kept getting into fights, but here I sleep good at night," Chris said. "I feel safe."

The open house featured food, fun and games and more than a few encouraging words for the 33 enrolled in the program.

One of the day's few guest speakers was Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Maj. Robert Lucas, commander of the Orient Road Jail.

"That's what the program is about - people who care," Lucas said. "Right now, we've got close to 3,900 inmates, and I'm sure almost none of them are YES graduates."

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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