Outreach Works

In late 2019 I started my junior year enrolled at Tower View ALC. The students were introduced to a girls group run by a Youth Outreach leader. When I first heard about it, I admit, I thought it sounded a little dumb, but they were handing out candy one day and asked if I would be interested in joining Youth Outreach. Without skipping a beat, I decided that candy was a good reason to join and I said “yes”. I still think that going to that first meeting despite me being picky was one of the best decisions I had made in my high school career.

Youth Outreach staff led our group activities that relate back to real-life skills and problems. The group discussions involved serious topics and this group gave us all an opportunity to listen and give advice on many things. Aside from that, it was always a good time there, even on a bad day and even when the pandemic struck, affecting us all.

After having to leave school for the pandemic break, Youth Outreach kept in contact with the participating students. About every other week, we would have about a 45-minute meet or phone call. We would lose track of time and talk about everything! Having these leaders available to talk with me has meant more to me than just meetings and talking. I grew a genuine connection with them. Having them be able to talk and listen to me about my home life drama, and after being able to share completely unrelated stories, which may not seem important, meant everything to me! This group provided an opportunity for me to bloom.

Because of working with Youth Outreach, I feel more confident to speak up for myself and my needs. This spring, with help from them, I had the chance to talk with school leaders about distance learning. I was able to see how and why distancing learning worked for me, while it may not work for everyone, this is what's best for me and I was able to voice that. This fall, I decided to continue on distancing learning and reach out when I need it!