YES

ICS Youth Enrichment Support Program

The Youth Enrichment Support (YES) Program at Interfaith Community Services (ICS) provides support for the many families where the cost of early childhood education, basic school supplies, or after school sports or clubs are out of reach. The money raised in this fundraiser will allow YES to offer qualified clients the opportunity to receive funding for items such as: backpacks, tutoring, sports lessons/teams, and even summer camps.

For ICS, providing this enrichment support is a crucial part of their investment in wrap-around services that empowers families. “Participating in extra-curricular programs including sports, music, and the arts provides benefits to kids in the areas of physical health, social and emotional skills, and academics,” says ICS Director of Self Sufficiency Programs, Lauryn Valladarez. 

For information on the YES program, individuals are encouraged to contact Director of Self Sufficiency Programs, Lauryn Valladarez at 520-526-9288 or lvalladarez@icstucson.org or Youth Programming and Support Coordinator, Elise Smith at 520-526-9297 or esmith@icstucson.org. 

The Youth Enrichment Support (YES) program has evolved with the ever-changing needs of the times. As COVID restrictions begin to lift and social isolation ends, it is more important than ever that kids have access to extracurricular opportunities. Funds will still be used to provide school supplies, but they can also help support other academic needs such as technology, science supplies, musical enrichment, class fees, and after school programs. YES funds can also be used to pay for lessons, sports teams, and camps.

“Increasing access to these activities for families that otherwise may not enroll their kids in these types of programs closes the gap for those that are already struggling in other areas.” - ICS Director of Self Sufficiency Programs, Lauryn Valladarez