Harris County, Texas – Lakendra now has an updated and reliable laptop. It’s a life game changer made possible by donors to Youth Advocate Programs’ (YAP®), Inc. Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund for Continuing Education.
“Receiving a new laptop will be a tremendous help as my current device is outdated and operates very slowly,” Lakendra wrote in her scholarship application essay. “Having reliable technology would allow me to complete assignments more efficiently as I work toward obtaining my [certified medical assistant] certification.”
A national nonprofit in 32 states and Washington, D.C., YAP® partners with public systems to provide individual and family wraparound and mental health services as an alternative to placing young people in trouble or crisis in residential care/treatment and corrections facilities.
Thanks to donors, most of whom are YAP® employees, current and former program participants and their parents /guardians are eligible to apply for and receive the nonprofit’s special scholarship annually. The award is $1,500 for college or trade school tuition, fees or supplies or can come in the form of a laptop computer.
Lakendra’s son is a program participant with YAP® Harris County, Texas’ Behavioral Health program where a mental health professional meets him where he is to deliver individualized tools to help him live a healthy, safe, and productive life.
YAP Behavioral Health Professional Benjamin Burum says he has seen growth in Lakendra and her son.
“Throughout this process, [Lakendra] has remained cooperative, supportive, and actively involved in implementing structure and expectations within the home,” Burum said. “I have observed meaningful progress in [the program participant’s] behavior, compliance, and overall attitude; much of which can be attributed to his mother’s consistency and willingness to partner with our program.”
Before her son was connected with YAP®, Lakendra said he was struggling with peer influences, made poor decisions, and was not doing well in school.
“Despite these challenges, [my son] is a good young man who lost his way for a period of time,” she said. “Since working with his [behavioral health specialist], he has shown significant improvement. He has been a positive influence and mentor to him. [My son] is compliant, following the rules in our home, and making better choices. I truly believe this program has so much to offer my son, and I am grateful to be a part of it.”
With her new laptop in tow, Lakendra attends Northwest Educational Center. Burum said Lakendra has a strong desire to build a stable and sustainable future for her family.
“Access to a reliable laptop would significantly support her ability to complete coursework, submit assignments, and successfully progress through her program,” Burum said. “[Lakendra] is demonstrating the very type of initiative and forward momentum that the Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund is designed to support. Investing in her educational advancement will not only benefit her directly but will also positively impact her household and reinforce the stability we are working to establish.”
In addition to support from employees, the unique scholarship fund also receives generous donations from YAP® Board of Directors and other contributors.
“Thank you for supporting me as I take these important steps toward achieving my educational and career goals,” Lakendra added. “I sincerely appreciate all that YAP has done for my family, and I look forward to continuing to grow with your support.”
Donors can support the scholarship fund here.