YES plans free breakfast to thank community

Spirit Lake’s Youth Equipped for Success will host a free Sweetheart’s Breakfast and Open House on Valentine’s Day at its new building at Third and Maine in downtown Spirit Lake, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The event is a thank-you from the members of the center, who have received help and support from the community with repairs and renovations, furnishings and other donations and put in countless volunteer hours to provide a safe place for the youth.

YES has been able to expand its tutoring program to five afternoons a week and add a simultaneous after-school program, and is open from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 3 to 8 p.m. Fridays, with tutors available to assist students with homework from 3 to 5 p.m. each of those days.

The center also provides dinner to youth participants as part of the Life Skills program on Fridays, teaching youths skills to help them succeed in life and make healthy choices through activities and speakers.

Outings and activities are also planned each month and every other month a cultural exchange allows youths to learn about other cultures and gain an appreciation for diversity. Participants involved in the program “earn” the privilege to participate in outings free of charge by volunteering their time to give back to the program and their community.

YES has also launched an Adopt-a-Month program, seeking local businesses, civic groups, churches and individuals willing to sponsor the program for one month at a time, allowing the center to maintain its current programs, and eventually expand.

Volunteers are also needed to provide tutoring, help with after school programs, and act as mentors.

To learn about the Adopt-a-Month program or to become a volunteer call Taryn Hecker at 661-3891 or e-mail spiritlakeyes@yahoo.com.