Saying YES to Self-Care!

An important part of our philosophy at YES is to help youth build confidence and healthy connections through activities that expose them to new passions and diverse experiences. When a homeless youth enters our program, we meet them right where they are and assist them in creating goals to ensure they are able to build successful and self-sufficient futures.

A part of that program philosophy is Life Skill building: creating positive coping mechanisms that help youth make time for restoration. At our Transitional Living Program (TLP), our youth participate in Self-Care Fridays. This time is invaluable to helping them reset and refocus, as well as gain confidence in themselves and in their abilities.

“A lot of our youth battle with their self-image. They struggle to love themselves because they aren't comfortable in their own skin. On our hikes, I see this lack of confidence diminish. Not only are they now taking the steps to be physically healthy, they realize just what they are capable of when they reach the top and look at the world around them,” said Promise, TLP Peer Counselor.

In addition to hiking, youth participate in cooking classes, nutrition workshops, financial literacy courses, arts & culture outings, and additional educational & job development-related activities.

As the rains pass and the summer sun arrives, hiking has become the new favorite for Self-Care Fridays. “The reason I always take pictures after our hikes is to capture the emotions and aura of each youth. There's always a new sense of confidence, happiness, and contentment that wasn’t visible at the start of the hike.” - Promise
 
Stitched from the Heart

For the past two years, Diana Howes has created beautiful, hand-crafted blankets for the homeless and foster youth at YES. She recently stopped by with another stunning batch. We connected with her to talk a bit about her passion for caring for others through these incredible gifts.

“My grandmother taught me how to knit and crochet when I was in elementary school. Now I am 67 years old. All my life I have had a project in the making,” said Diana.

Diana’s passion for knitting and blanket-making goes well beyond a desire to pass the time.

“I chose to create and give handmade blankets because I think they are more meaningful to the recipient. The blankets are unique and special, just like each of the youth that receives one.”

She hopes that the youth will know that they are valued and that someone has taken their time and creativity to make something special just for them.

This past year, Diana wanted to spread the word about this unique way of supporting YES youth and get others involved in the project.

“A year ago, I created some flyers and started passing them out to people. I met a woman in the yarn aisles at a local craft store and talked to her about the project. We later met at a coffee shop and now she comes to my apartment for blanket-making parties. She has become a dear friend. I also took a partially finished blanket to my yoga studio and invited yoga classmates to participate. The manager of the yoga studio shared the flyer with her mother, and now she also is a close friend.”

This initial two-hand project has transformed into Diana hosting blanket-making parties every two weeks. She keeps the pattern very simple so beginners can make as little or as much as they want toward the finished product.

“I find much joy in the making and the giving. I include loving thoughts into each stitch. And I trust that the recipient will feel that love when they wrap up in the blanket.”

We are so grateful to Diana and to all of the incredible volunteers that spend countless hours on these amazing gifts of comfort for YES youth.

For more information on how to join one of Diana’s groups, donate yarn/materials, or support the homeless and foster youth YES serves, contact development@youthemergingstronger.org or 323-467-8466. 
"This agency is a FAMILY."
Hear more about our amazing aftercare youth, Nia, and her journey from first arriving at YES to becoming a college graduate!
One of the best ways to learn about our organization is to come see our programs in person! If you are interested in scheduling a tour and seeing our IMPACT first-hand, contact Development@YouthEmergingStronger.org .
For more ways to support the homeless and foster youth we serve, visit our website.