Cook County, Ill. – Navigating her teen years, GeeGee struggled as she searched for purpose, guidance and support. Today, she’s a business administration major at Chicago’s Roosevelt University with plans to be a leader in her community.
Through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, GeeGee received intensive wraparound services from Youth Advocate Programs (YAP®), Inc. Today, she is thriving in college with financial help from the nonprofit’s Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund for Continuing Education scholarship, funded primarily by donations from the nonprofit’s employees.
“As a young person navigating complex challenges…I often felt overwhelmed and misunderstood,” GeeGee wrote in her scholarship application. “YAP came into my life through a community referral, and from the start, it became more than just a program, it became a safe space where I was seen, heard, and supported.”
YAP® trains Advocates to help program participants and their families see and nurture their strengths and connect them with economic, educational and emotional tools that help set them up for success. GeeGee said her Advocate who provided her with guidance, and gave her a sense of community.
“…I began building real-life skills from goal setting to leadership,” GeeGee wrote. “The program helped me recognize that my story has power and that I could use my experiences to fuel positive change. YAP didn’t just help me survive; it helped me imagine a future where I could thrive and lead.”
A national nonprofit in 32 states and Washington, D.C., YAP® partners with public systems to provide evidence-based YAPWrap® individual and family wraparound and behavioral health services as an alternative to placing young people in trouble or crisis in residential care and corrections facilities.
The unique Endowment Scholarship Fund helps with college tuition, job training, continuing education and fees. Recipients may also opt to receive a laptop computer or curriculum required supplies. Eligible current and former program participants and their parents/guardians may apply for and receive the scholarship annually.
“My long-term goal is to become a leader in my community, possibly even mayor, so I can advocate for justice, youth empowerment, and access to mental health support,” GeeGee wrote. “One of my biggest dreams is to open a business or a community center that supports underserved youth, giving them a place to feel safe, grow, and succeed.”
In GeeGee’s scholarship recommendation letter, her YAP® Advocate said that despite her personal challenges, she persevered, graduated high school on time, and stayed committed to her academic goals.
“Throughout the time I’ve worked with her, she has consistently demonstrated determination, maturity, and a deepening sense of purpose that make her a strong candidate for this opportunity,” GeeGee’s YAP® Advocate wrote. “This growth mindset has allowed her to build a solid foundation for success in higher education and beyond.”
GeeGee is thankful to supporters, YAP® and her Advocate.
“I’m grateful for the impact YAP has had on my life, and I’m committed to paying it forward every step of the way,” GeeGee added.
To donate to the Endowment Fund, click here or more information about YAP® can be found at yapinc.org.
