YES - Youth Environmental Services, Inc.

YES is performance based, stresses academic achievement, appropriate behavior, a positive attitude and excellence in performance. Every youth at YES has the opportunity to increase his school grade level and/or prepare for and take his GED. He can earn American Red Cross certifications in first aid, CPR, basic water safety and lifeguarding. A requirement for successful completion is a confirmed placement in either full time school or employment or a combination of both. Program provides on-site mental health and substance abuse services. YES serves male youth between the ages of 15-18. Youth must provide own clothing. Average length of stay is 6-9 months.

NEWS & EVENTS

The Annual Fall Festival was held on November 1, 2008. The event was well attended by the parents of the students and members of the surrounding communities. As usual, there were various games along with arts and crafts for the enjoyment of the attendees. The big event of the day was the drawing of the raffle prizes. This year there was a special surprise for all contestants. A set of round trip tickets on Southwest Airlines was added to the three advertized prizes. Valarie Hyder won those tickets. Other winners were Linda Valentine who won a round of golf for a foursome at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, Jeanette Wallace won the 42" LG HDTV, and Norman Atkins won the 4 day cruise in the owners suite aboard the Carnival Inspiration.

Another Man's Opinion
We at Youth Environmental Services like to think we do a good job in changing the lives of our students. If you would like another person’s opinion then you should read the article written by Earnest Hooper, columnist for the St. Petersburg Times. In is article which can be found at www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article941278.ece, Mr. Hooper states, "Youth Environmental Services not only redefines lives, but in a small way, it's redefining our society."

State Recognition
Youth Environmental Services has received an exemplary rating from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. YES was rated the top residential program within the state of Florida.

2005 Performance Results Reported
Youth Environmental Services results for the year 2005 have been compiled. A total of 35 students successfully completed the program. During their tenure in the program, the students on average gained over 2 years in their educational levels in math, reading, and writing. Ten students achieved their GEDs. The success of our students was not in their schooling alone. When they returned to their communities, most of the students were able to lead successful lives as only 14% of those graduating recidivated.

Program Characteristics

Program Support

Summary

Contact

Operated in connection with Associated Marine Institutes (AMI), the Youth Environmental Services Program (YES) is designed to treat and rehabilitate delinquent youth and to prevent at-risk youth from entering the juvenile justice system.

YES provides a family atmosphere in connection with academic instruction, mentoring and goal setting, to increase the youth’s self-esteem and self respect which allows him the opportunity to successfully reintegrate into the community. Staff is fully trained and gives one-on-one care and instruction to YES kids all while being a consistent positive role model.

YES is a non-profit residential program and is supported by a Board of Directors who provide a link between YES and the community. YES is partially funded by the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Hillsborough County School Board. YES is affiliated with Associated Marine Institutes, Inc. which operates youth development programs across the United States and the Cayman Islands. AMI provides YES with leadership, central program management and administrative support.

The YES Program has proven to be successful in establishing a solid foundation upon which kids and families develop, mature and enhance their quality of life. YES welcomes you to visit its facility and receive a guided tour or call for more information.

Youth Environmental Services, Inc.
Executive Director: Sirrnest Webster
4337 Saffold Rd.
Wimauma, Florida 33598-4426
Tel: 813.671.5213
Fax: 813.671.5216

E-Mail Address: YES-ED@yes.ami-fl.org

Associated Marine Institutes, Inc.
5915 Benjamin Center Dr.
Tampa, Florida 33634
Tel: (813) 887-3300
Fax: (813) 889-8092
E-Mail Address: info@amikids.org
Website: http://www.amikids.org