Community Partner : Youth Empowered Society Peer Mentor : Sean Yamakawa Site Supervisor : Mara Gibbons
What is Youth Empowered Society ? Drop‐In Center is a safe space for youth , who are homeless or at‐risk of homelessness and between ages 14‐25 , to get basic needs met and establish supportive relationships with peer counselors and allies that help them make and sustain connections to long‐term resources and opportunities .
YES drop‐in center has given me new insight on homelessness and many other social issues in Baltimore . I worked with staff ‐half of whom were once homeless themselves‐ to assist currently and formerly homeless youth . Case management ( i . e . assistance on benefits , I . D ., counseling , health care , etc .) was provided by staff , and was something I was able to help with . I was also trusted to hold down my own zones during drop‐in hours , which typically only staff members are allowed to do . This gave me the terrific opportunity to make meaningful , personal connections with the youth . They told me their life stories , and I shared mine , and often we would discuss social issues in Baltimore over food and drinks .
Tasks :
● Assume responsibility o cooking food for the yo
● Updated youth data in c new database
● Conducted follow‐up ca come in and provide up
I have learned exactly how difficult it is to be homeless in Baltimore . Even with the plethora of non‐profit organizations offering assistance , homeless people ' s lives are riddled with so many problems that not all of them can be solved . However , they are born into a society that expects them to be content and persevere with their obstacles without adequate help . Imagine being 15 years old , and having to pay for housing , insurance , healthcare , food , and water without your parents ' assistance . Could you have done it ? Next time , when you hear about social issues of Baltimore , try not to turn your head the other way , and think these are distant problems . These problems exist within our very neighborhoods , right here in the heart of our city . I don ' t expect everyone to become an activist overnight , but please keep in mind the unfair reality of this situation . Progress starts with us . ‐ Sean