On this rainy day 7, I headed to 3rd Street to Arbor Youth Services, an organization I was introduced to last year when I attended their tasty annual Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer fundraiser (highly, highly, highly recommended that you attend the next one this Fall!) and met director Stephanie Spires. She told me about the programs offered for youth and their families, and I was shocked that I had not heard of it before. I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of it and interact with the youth in the after school program or shelter.
It has taken nearly two full seasons, but I finally was able to catch up with After School Outreach Coordinator, Carrie Chase, and coordinate a time to cook dinner with the kids in the after school program.
During the school year, AYS picks kids up from the varying schools they attend and bring them back to the house on 3rd Street for the after school program, which includes an after school snack. Today, we had 8 teens attend the program who were hungry and excited to prep a snack and then a meal to take home to their families. I also met Maya, an intern from Kentucky State that has been working at AYS for some time, Youth Workers Logan and Kiara, and Youth Advocate Jenna Huesing.
On the menu tonight was a delicious enchilada dish. Each of the kids got a few chicken breasts to shred, then were able to choose which ingredients they wanted to add to the enchiladas based off their own preferences or what their families would like. Some wanted two times the cheese, some didn't like olives, and we had a very entertaining cilantro taste test--most had never had cilantro (I don't think I had heard of it till college, myself)! It was not a hit-- but have you ever eaten it alone? They agreed it tasted a little "soap-y". Still, they were almost all willing to try this weird new ingredient.
Still full of energy from their school day, there was much excitement over the messy meal-prepping as well as some creative improvising to find tools to assemble 8 enchiladas per person around a single table. Everyone enjoyed the preparation, but soon everyone was hungry!
One tray was made hot so everyone had a chance to have a quick snack to sample the finished enchiladas before taking the rest home to cook up for their families. I chopped up some cold, fresh tomatoes and avocado for them to pile on top as Carrie served each teen an enchilada. Ooey gooey with cheese and sauce, I regretted not trying one myself!
With just a few minutes to spare before the program ended and the kids were taken home, an impromptu dance-off broke out in the living room. I was surprised to see a couple of the quieter kids break entirely out of their shells and show off their dance skills with a room full of their peers. It was so interesting to see what makes people shine!
The AYS Mission:
Arbor Youth Services provides safe alternatives for at-risk children, youth and their families through services and referrals that promote positive growth and development. They envision a community partnership where all at-risk children and youth are strengthened and supported to regain ties with their family, their community and other encouraging adults.
What does AYS Do?
Several other services are offered to youth and their families at the AYS centers.
The MASH Drop Inn Emergency Shelters serves children 0-17 years old who are runaway, homeless, or otherwise in crisis. Youth may request shelter themselves or be referred by the police, their parents or guardians, or a teacher, counselor, or social worker, or other professional. There are no fees to youth or families for any services provided by AYS. AYS can currently accommodate 10 children and youth in the shelter facility, but if the shelter is full.
Arbor Youth Services provides safe alternatives for at-risk children, youth and their families through services and referrals that promote positive growth and development. They envision a community partnership where all at-risk children and youth are strengthened and supported to regain ties with their family, their community and other encouraging adults.
What does AYS Do?
Several other services are offered to youth and their families at the AYS centers.
The MASH Drop Inn Emergency Shelters serves children 0-17 years old who are runaway, homeless, or otherwise in crisis. Youth may request shelter themselves or be referred by the police, their parents or guardians, or a teacher, counselor, or social worker, or other professional. There are no fees to youth or families for any services provided by AYS. AYS can currently accommodate 10 children and youth in the shelter facility, but if the shelter is full.
AYS is a community Safe Place--you may have seen a yellow diamond sign displayed on many buildings around the city. This program provides any young person in crisis a safe shelter, knowing a phone call or text is the only thing between them and safety. Youth in crisis or feel that they are in danger at home or anywhere else can text the word SAFE and their current location to the number 69866 and they will receive an address of the nearest Safe Place site and contact number for the local youth shelter! There are many more safe places around Lexington as well.
Other Programs offered by AYS:
- 24-Hour Crisis Intervention
- Support for parents
- Developing independent living skills
- Respite care
- Case management and counseling
- Street outreach program
- Referrals and information
Get Involved!
Volunteer
There are a LOT of ways to get involved with AYS across their great programs. Click the link to see some of these ways, including cooking with the kids.
Donate
AYS is always looking for donations, from toiletries to towels and blankets. Click the link to see the greatest needs.
Work an Event
Check out the events coming up this year and volunteer your time!
Arbor Youth Services
536 and 540 West Third Street
Lexington, KY 40508
Phone: (859) 254-2501 Toll Free Hotline: 1-877-305-8092
[email protected]
Volunteer
There are a LOT of ways to get involved with AYS across their great programs. Click the link to see some of these ways, including cooking with the kids.
Donate
AYS is always looking for donations, from toiletries to towels and blankets. Click the link to see the greatest needs.
Work an Event
Check out the events coming up this year and volunteer your time!
Arbor Youth Services
536 and 540 West Third Street
Lexington, KY 40508
Phone: (859) 254-2501 Toll Free Hotline: 1-877-305-8092
[email protected]