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Program Says YES To Early Holiday Gifts

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: December 24, 2008

WIMAUMA - The Youth Environmental Services program has been trying to keep young men away from a life of crime since 1994.

"One of our values is providing a family environment for our youth," said Sirrnest Webster, executive director.

To that end, the YES recently teamed up with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Hispanic Advisory Council to help give each of the 33 youths enrolled in the residential program a happier holiday.

On Dec. 12, council members delivered to YES gift bags full of clothing they purchased for the teens.

"They knew they had visitors, but they didn't know they'd be getting gifts," said Jennifer Whelihan, director of communications for Associated Marine Institutes, the non-profit organization that created YES. "Each of them got a personalized gift bag that contained a polo shirt and a sweatshirt.

"We made all the gift bags the same so no one would feel slighted."

YES, located at 4337 Saffold Road, is a nonprofit program for boys age 14 to 17, where they typically stay for six to nine months, taking school classes, using a computer lab and participating in leisure activities. The teens come to YES through the judicial system after finding themselves in trouble with the law.

It is 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 to prepare for and take the General Educational Development test.

For several members of the Hispanic Advisory Council, it was their first visit to the YES facility.

"I think it's a good idea, and I'm very impressed because they seem very organized," said Lorena Colin, council member. "I like that, for the kids here, it doesn't feel like punishment, so they don't resent their time here."

The council's mission is to identify and organize community outreach efforts for issues affecting the county's Hispanic population.

Before handing out the presents, the council members were given a tour of the facility by one of the youths enrolled in the program.

"I really like it here," said Matt, 17, who led the tour. "It's definitely calmed me and changed the way I think."

Since the boys are minors, the program staff did not release their last names.

Council members said they were impressed by the YES program's work, and the youths were grateful for a glimpse of the holiday spirit.

"These kids are often forgotten, especially during the holidays," said Tony Morejon, council president. "We wanted to ensure they are not.

"What greater gift for these kids than the gift of opportunity?"

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

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