Tag: KEYS

Seeking 2013 Asset Champion Nominations

Apr. 23 no comments

keyslogo250Think about the role models in your life, think about the upstanders in your community. You can thank them in a special way by nominating them for a KEYS Asset Champions award.  The DeKalb County KEYS Initiative annual asset champions’ awards breakfast, to be held on May 10, will honor the individuals and organizations whose ongoing commitment to building positive relationships with young people makes DeKalb county a better place for young people to live and grow.

The nominations for the 4th annual Asset Champions Awards is open, and KEYS is seeking help from the public to celebrate DeKalb County’s amazing asset champions!

Asset champions are the people and organizations making extraordinary efforts to build developmental assets, create positive connections with young people and inspire others to do the same. All nominees and award recipients will be honored at the 2013 Asset Champions Awards Breakfast on May 10th.Awards will be given in the following categories:

  • Education: teacher, principal, support staff, cafeteria worker, custodian, crossing guard, school board member, etc.
  • Business: store clerk, business owner, workplace mentor, volunteer group, business that collaborates with schools, etc.
  • Civic: police officer, probation officer, judge, librarian, park district employee, mayor, city council person, etc.
  • Faith: church leader, youth program leader, Sunday school teacher, other program coordinator, etc.
  • Community: neighbor, community program volunteer, etc.
  • Organization: an organization that excels at delivering the asset message and building assets with the youth it serves
  • Youth: a young person that intentionally builds assets with other youth
Click here for nomination form  Past Asset Champions after the jump.
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2nd Annual Youth and Family Volunteer Fair

Apr. 15 no comments

keys“Youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote and be philanthropic,” cites the UCLA/Higher Education Institute. In addition, “young people who volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or engage in destructive behavior”, according to the Search Institute.

DeKalb County KEYS (Keep Engaging Youth to Succeed) and Kishwaukee United Way are hosting their second annual Care or Be Square Youth & Family Volunteer Fair for DeKalb County middle and high school youth on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at DeKalb Park District’s Hopkins Park Community Center (1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

unitedwayMary Hess, Asset Specialist at DeKalb County KEYS Initiative and Ben Gordon Prevention and Education Program says “Not long ago, our research found only 22% of DeKalb and Sycamore youth report they are given useful roles in the community. The youth & family volunteer fair is one way we can let our kids know that they can make a valuable contribution in the communities where they live. ”

The Care to Be Square Youth & Family Volunteer Fair is free and open to students from all DeKalb County middle and high schools. It is designed to facilitate volunteer connections and help ignite the volunteer spirit that has shaped our thriving community. The volunteer fair hopes to provide young people and their families with a myriad of opportunities that will compliment both their interests and schedules.

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2nd Annual Youth and Family Volunteer Fair

Apr. 04 no comments

keys“Youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote and be philanthropic,” cites the UCLA/Higher Education Institute. In addition, “young people who volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or engage in destructive behavior”, according to the Search Institute.

DeKalb County KEYS (Keep Engaging Youth to Succeed) and Kishwaukee United Way are hosting their second annual Care or Be Square Youth & Family Volunteer Fair for DeKalb County middle and high school youth on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at DeKalb Park District’s Hopkins Park Community Center (1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

unitedwayMary Hess, Asset Specialist at DeKalb County KEYS Initiative and Ben Gordon Prevention and Education Program says “Not long ago, our research found only 22% of DeKalb and Sycamore youth report they are given useful roles in the community. The youth & family volunteer fair is one way we can let our kids know that they can make a valuable contribution in the communities where they live. ”

The Care to Be Square Youth & Family Volunteer Fair is free and open to students from all DeKalb County middle and high schools. It is designed to facilitate volunteer connections and help ignite the volunteer spirit that has shaped our thriving community. The volunteer fair hopes to provide young people and their families with a myriad of opportunities that will compliment both their interests and schedules.

Read more →

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KEYS Initiative Honors 21 Local Youth with Leaders of Tomorrow Award

Dec. 28 no comments

keyslogo250The DeKalb County KEYS Initiative (Keep Encouraging Youth to Succeed) recently awarded 21 young people throughout DeKalb County with the Leaders of Tomorrow award. This award was created to recognize and honor the valuable contributions that young people are making in our community. The KEYS Initiative recognizes that youth volunteerism is a win-win for our communities. Charities and not for profit organizations get help carrying out their mission, and the youth that are volunteering get valuable hands on experience, a sense of purpose, and a wide variety of benefits that help prepare them for their future.

Mary Hess, Asset Specialist for the KEYS Initiative said, “We are very pleased to have received a large number of nominations from all over DeKalb County and are grateful to the organizations that welcome youth volunteers. Through this process we learned that there are some amazing young people living in DeKalb County and they are very graciously giving back to their communities at a young age. Their stories are inspiring!”

The 21 Leaders of Tomorrow awardees were recognized and presented with a plaque during city council meetings in their respective hometowns. During this time, city council members expressed appreciation to their young citizens for their positive work and leadership.

2012 Leaders of Tomorrow Awardees (by hometown):

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K.E.Y.S. announces “Leaders of Tomorrow Award”

Nov. 07 no comments

Do you know a young person living in DeKalb County that is making a positive difference in our community by volunteering their time? Do you want to let them know that their service and commitment is appreciated? If your answer is yes, then nominate them today for a Leaders of Tomorrow Award.

The Leaders of Tomorrow Award will be given to multiple youth in DeKalb County as a way to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions they are making in our community and to encourage all young people to get involved in volunteer activities. Nominations are due November 14th. To download application click here: Leaders of Tomorrow Nomination Application

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Community Youth to be Spotlighted in Upcoming Talent Show

Jun. 21 no comments

The DeKalb County Keep Encouraging Youth to Succeed (KEYS) Initiative is pleased to present the second annual “Who’s Got Talent” community youth talent show. This year, the talent show will be part of the week long music festival, Kishwaukee Fest. This event is an opportunity for DeKalb County youth to show off their talent in front of a live audience.

“We believe there is a lot of incredible talent out there in our young people, but few opportunities to showcase these extraordinary young individuals in one place,” said Mary Hess, KEYS asset specialist. “Through this initiative, we hope to enable children from all corners of the county to participate and show us what they’ve got.”

The talent show will have three classes of competition, ages 7 to 10, 11 to 14, and 15 to 18. Individuals can perform individually or in a group. Talent can be any type of amateur entertainment (dancing, singing, musical, comedy, etc.) deemed appropriate for a family friendly environment. Acts must be kept to a four minute maximum.

Auditions for the youth talent show will take place on Tuesday, July 10th at Huntley Middle School in DeKalb (old DeKalb High School) from 5 – 8 p.m. Contestants will need to bring a copy of any musical accompaniment to the audition. There is a $20 audition fee per act.

The talent show will be held 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25th in the auditorium at DeKalb High School. Tickets will be $7 each. Cash prizes will be awarded to first and second places in each age category. In addition, the winners in each age category will perform at the Kishwaukee Fest parade on Friday, July 27th and Bacon Fest on Saturday, July 28th.

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“Asset Champions” Honored for Work Supporting Youth

Jun. 12 no comments

The DeKalb County KEYS Initiative recently held its 3rd annual Countywide Asset Champions Awards Breakfast. This event was created for the purpose of honoring local individuals and organizations that are making extraordinary efforts to build developmental assets, create positive connections with young people, and help make DeKalb County a better place for young people to live and grow.

Building a foundation of assets for all children and teenagers may be the most critical challenge – and opportunity – facing our society. Building this crucial foundation for young people begins as individuals choose to treat young people differently and put their well-being above all else. Getting personally involved in asset building and encouraging others to do the same is one of the most important commitments any person can make for the future of young people and our society.

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Care or Be Square Youth and Family Volunteer Fair

May. 23 no comments

“Youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote and be philanthropic,” cites the UCLA/Higher Education Institute.

DeKalb County KEYS (Keep Engaging Youth to Succeed) and Kishwaukee United Way are hosting the first annual Care or Be Square Youth and Family Volunteer Fair for DeKalb County middle and high school youth this Thursday, May 24,  at DeKalb County Community Outreach Building’s Blank Slate Room (2500 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. They have 22 vendors participating in this first time event.  Vendors will be sharing information about the youth and/or family volunteer opportunities available in their organizations.

Mary Hess, Asset Specialist at DeKalb County KEYS Initiative says “Not long ago, our research found only 22% of DeKalb and Sycamore youth report they are given useful roles in the community. The youth & family volunteer fair is one way we can let our kids know that they can make a valuable contribution in the communities where they live. ”

Read more →

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KEYS and United Way Team Up to Offer Youth Volunteer Fair

May. 09 no comments

“Youth who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote and be philanthropic,” cites the UCLA/Higher Education Institute.

DeKalb County KEYS (Keep Engaging Youth to Succeed) and Kishwaukee United Way are hosting the first annual Care or Be Square Youth & Family Volunteer Fair for DeKalb County middle and high school youth on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at DeKalb County Community Outreach Building’s Blank Slate Room (2500 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb) from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Mary Hess, Asset Specialist at DeKalb County KEYS Initiative says “Not long ago, our research found only 22% of DeKalb and Sycamore youth report they are given useful roles in the community. The youth & family volunteer fair is one way we can let our kids know that they can make a valuable contribution in the communities where they live. ”

The Care or Be Square Youth & Family Volunteer Fair is free and open to students from all DeKalb County middle and high schools. It is designed to facilitate volunteer connections and help ignite the volunteer spirit that has shaped our thriving community.  The volunteer fair hopes to provide young people and their families with a myriad of opportunities that will compliment both their interests and schedules. To assist attendees in learning about what volunteer opportunities are available, an information booklet detailing each participating organization will be distributed.

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The DeKalb County KEYS Initiative Has New Home

Feb. 24 no comments

The DeKalb County KEYS Initiative is pleased to announce that they have joined forces with the Prevention and Education program of the Ben Gordon Center. KEYS asset specialist, Mary Hess joined the prevention and education team on February 21, 2012.

According to Kathy Hicks, BGC prevention and education program manager, “it really made sense to both parties to merge these two programs together. Asset development is a natural fit in prevention programming. Evidence indicates that the 40 developmental assets have a powerful, positive impact on young people. Children and teenagers who have a lot of assets get involved in very few risky behaviors–the kinds of problems we worry about. And when young people have a lot of assets, they are much more likely to do the positive things we value. By merging, the two organizations will combine their resources and broaden their reach to promote community based prevention, wellness and healthy lifestyles for youth, adults and the community as a whole.”

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KEYS Team Trivia Challenge

Feb. 15 no comments

The DeKalb County Keep Encouraging Youth to Succeed (KEYS) Initiative invites you to flex your intellectual might at its first Team Trivia Challenge this Friday, February 17th. A maximum of 20 teams will compete to win bragging rights and the $500 jackpot which will benefit their designated local non-profit organization or club.

Teams should be made up of 6 to 8 players and must consist of an equal number of youth (ages 11-17) and adults (18 and older). The registration fee is $125 per team and due at the time of registration. The format for the evening will be 10 rounds of trivia with 10 questions each. Be prepared to answer questions on local history, pop culture and other random categories. Pizza, pop, and desserts will be available for purchase.

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KEYS Announces Team Trivia Challenge

Jan. 12 no comments

The DeKalb County Keep Encouraging Youth to Succeed (KEYS) Initiative invites you to flex your intellectual might at its first Team Trivia Challenge to be held on Friday, February 17th at the Hopkins Park Community Center in DeKalb from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. A maximum of 20 teams will compete to win bragging rights and the $500 jackpot which will benefit their designated local non-profit organization or club.

Teams should be made up of 6 to 8 players and must consist of an equal number of youth (ages 11-17) and adults (18 and older). The registration fee is $125 per team and due at the time of registration.

The format for the evening will be 10 rounds of trivia with 10 questions each. Be prepared to answer questions on local history, pop culture and other random categories. Pizza, pop, and desserts will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event will benefit the DeKalb County KEYS Initiative.

According to KEYS Asset Specialist, Mary Hess, “our trivia challenge is unique from others, in that it requires teams comprised of adults and young people. We thought this would be a great way to get young people and adults interacting and working together for a common cause. We’re creating trivia questions that will require a combination of both young and mature wisdom so that everyone playing has something to contribute.”

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