YIPA's KidsChange Initiative

Over 50,000 kids in Minnesota need your support!

Youth Intervention programs help kids who are on the verge of choosing the wrong path and redirecting them through quality early intervention programs such as mentoring, counseling, conflict management, or supportive out-of-school programs. Youth Intervention programs represent a variety of techniques, but have a common goal:

To Keep Kids in School
With a Supportive Family
Out of the Juvenvile Justice System

85% of youth who participant in a quality youth intervention program never re-offend, build stronger relationships with adults, and increase their school attendance.

The Result? Youth who are successful, confident and full of hope both now and in the future!

From A Youth Who Participated in Ely Community Resources:
"I've been involved in lots of ECR activities like mentoring, tutoring, support groups, and peer leadership. It didn't matter that my family is poor and that my dad bailed, leaving my mom to raise me and my sister and brothers. ECR accepted me and gave me opportunities no one else ever did. They make you learn in ways that keep kids interested about making healthy choices and how important an education is. That no matter where you come from or how hard the family stuff is, YOU matter, YOU have value, and YOU can make a difference. If you ask me what ECR means to me, I can tell you in one word - HOPE!"

YIPA represents over 90 youth intervention programs across the state of Minnesota impacting over 50,000 kids. YIPA provides the resources, training and education, and support these programs need to help youth make positive changes in their lives.

From YIPA member, La Oportunidad, Inc.:
"Because of YIPA, I was able to be there for individual youth when they needed someone to talk to and guidance (re: depression, relationships, suicidal thoughts, teen problems), which helped prevent negative outcomes for these youth. Our youth are able to receive the support that they need as they change to a new stage of life, as a young adult."

Youth Intervention programs face dire financial circumstances due to state budget cuts, meaning thousands of youth will lose the support they need to stay in school, in a supportive family and out of jail. The goal of YIPA's KidsChange Initiative is to increase the public's awareness of youth intervention, its impact on youth and families, and the number of programs available.

• Your investment will lead to a kid graduating from high school and on his way to college instead of a lifetime in jail…
• Your investment will lead to a kid living a healthier lifestyle and becoming a leader among her peers instead of damaged by drugs and alcohol…
• Your investment will lead to a kid giving back to his community with pride instead of joining a gang.