September Updates
A Note From our Executive Director
Summer is officially over and students all over the Metro Area have returned to school. This fall is going to be busy for us at YES, and we look forward to your support!
Mark your calendars because this year's Halloween Ball-themed Dance for a Chance will be held on Thursday, October 12, at the Omaha Design Center. If you've ever watched "Dancing with the Stars," you get the gist – we pair up some incredible YES supporters with talented instructors. They team up, pick the perfect tunes, whip together some amazing dance routines, and then spend the summer practicing their moves for the big showdown on October 12th. Our Dance for a Chance is an event that helps support our mission of serving youth and young adults in crisis. As part of this mission, we provide access to much-needed mental health services and strive to provide all our youth and young adults with free access to mental health support.
This September we recognize National Suicide Awareness Month. Suicide prevention is a critical topic that deeply impacts homeless youth and young adults. These vulnerable individuals often face unique challenges that make them more susceptible to suicidal thoughts and actions. The lack of stable housing, limited access to mental health services, and the stigma associated with homelessness can further exacerbate their feelings of hopelessness and despair. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Providing safe shelters and support systems for homeless youth is essential, ensuring they have access to mental health professionals who can offer guidance and treatment. Moreover, raising awareness about the specific struggles faced by this demographic is crucial in reducing stigma and fostering empathy. By addressing the complex interplay of homelessness and mental health, we can work towards a society where every youth and young adult has a chance to build a brighter future.
Have a safe and happy fall.
-Kalisha Reed, Executive Director
National Suicide Prevention Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month time to raise awareness and discuss this highly stigmatized topic. Suicide is a major public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34 (CDC). At Youth Emergency Services we are proud to work with the Kim Foundation, educating our youth and young adults to get the help they need. Focused on increasing awareness and promoting continued education related to mental illness and suicide, the Kim Foundation strives to break down the stigma often associated with seeking mental health care. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call/text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also find information at the Family & Youth Service Bureau, click here.
Dance for a Chance
Even though we call it Dance for a Chance it's not just about dancing; it's about making a difference. Our dancers and instructors don't just twirl and groove; they also tap into their personal and professional networks, spreading the word and raising money for Youth Emergency Services through social media and other avenues.
Now, here's the kicker – since it's the Halloween Ball, get ready for some spooktacular surprises! Our dancers and instructors are going all out with their costumes and choreography, drawing inspiration from Halloween. And guess what? You're invited to join in on the fun too! We encourage all our attendees to embrace the Halloween spirit and dress up in their favorite costumes.
So, clear your schedule, dust off your witch's hat or superhero cape, and get ready to dance the night away at the Halloween Ball. It's going to be a night of jaw-dropping performances, creative costumes, and, most importantly, a chance to support Youth Emergency Services. We hope to see you all there. Remember you're not just going to another fundraiser, you are helping YES. 100% of the proceeds support all of our YES programs.
2023 DANCERS:
Roger Garcia
David Ortman
Emily Mwaja
Yesenia Valenzuela
Eli Rigatuso
Maria Broski Corpuz
Christine Kellogg Henningsen
Shereece Dendy-Sanders