YESS program gets big thumbs up

JOLIET -- The Joliet Township Youth Experiencing Success in School (YESS) program was recognized as a Dimon Award recipient at a school administrator breakfast this month.

"The Dimon Award recognizes the entire community school effort in this state while focusing attention on stellar community schools that have exhibited excellence in the development, implementation and proven outcomes of a community school," said Greg Hall, director of professional development for the Federation for Community Schools in Chicago.

A community school is a public school that serves as the hub of its community by engaging community resources to help meet children's needs in order to be successful academically and grow up to be productive young adults.

JTHS partners with 18 community agencies to provide in-school support services for its students in six areas: after-school opportunities, drug and alcohol abuse, emotional support, juvenile justice, teen pregnancy, and violence.

"The YESS program is being recognized because it serves as an example of the life-changing effects that community schools can have on our children," said Kelli Bettenhausen, YESS project director. "At JTHS, we have seen the YESS program impact the lives of students and their families. Having direct access to our community partners gives students social and emotional support without having to go through a lengthy referral process."

Bettenhausen has worked to keep YESS service providers on campus at JTHS despite the expiration of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant that the district received in 2004.

"Now that YESS has been recognized as a distinguished community school, this status will help with future funding and recognition as the concept of community schools moves forward in our state and federally," said Bettenhausen.

"With this recognition it is our hope to increase partnerships and provide more support for students."