Nearly 350 adults and youth from across Minnesota rallied in the State Capitol Rotunda for Youth Intervention Day on the Hill, an annual opportunity to meet with legislators and advocate for youth intervention program funding.

YSB participants met with Chisago County area legislators Representative Pete Nelson and Senator Sean Nienow, and Forest Lake area legislators Representative Ray Vandeveer and Senator Michele Bachmann.

ìA number of our staff, board and youth took initiative to attend this event and speak up for youth intervention programming,î says Amy Strunk, Community Justice Case Manager at YSB. ìWe really had a great group with us at the capitol and were able to show everyone involved how many lives are being touched in Washington, Anoka and Chisago counties.î

Before and after the rally, youth volunteers met with local legislators to tell them about Youth Service Bureau programs and activities serving youth and families in Washington, Chisago and Anoka Counties. Legislators listened intently as the youth shared personal examples about programs that helped them make good decisions and leadership opportunities they have been given. They also explained how contact with YSB has enabled them to build self-esteem and self-confidence.

Minnesota Youth Intervention Programs serve more than 20,000 youth annually. State funding currently supports 52 community-based programs. Recipients are required to match state funding by raising $2 for every $1 received.

ìThe average annual cost per youth in an early intervention program is $190, while the average cost of putting a youth through the juvenile court system is $1,100,î says Scott Beaty, executive director at Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA).

ìThese programs work with youth on the front end. We believe they (early intervention programs) not only save lives but save dollars because we are keeping kids out of the prisons and juvenile justice systems.î

For more information about intervention and prevention work being done in the local community by the Youth Service Bureau, contact Amy Strunk at amy.strunk@ysblakesarea.org or 651-464-3685. For more information on Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA), visit www.mnyipa.org.

Youth Service Bureau (YSB) is a non-profit organization, serving residents of Washington, Chisago and Anoka counties.

The mission of YSB is to ensure the success of youth. Programs and services provided reflect the belief that youth will be successful when relationships are strong, families are involved, communities are caring, harmony is restored and youth have the skills and opportunities for citizenship.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ysblakesarea.org.

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Forest Lake Times
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880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
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