Youth Empowerment and Leadership Program (YELP)

In the 1998 United Way Community Needs Report, the United Way and the Fairfax County Police reported an increase in gang activity, youth weapon offenses and juvenile cases going to court. The increases in this negative juvenile behavior can be attributed in large part to the increase in the numbers of unsupervised youth and the extended hours of unsupervised activity.

Lack of youth programs, particularly for the middle school aged child, lead to children becoming involved in unproductive behavior. While not criminal, this behavioral pattern can lead to youth making unsafe, irresponsible decisions, such as becoming involved in criminal activity and dropping out of school. For example, studies have found that large numbers of unsupervised youth can lead to deviant behavior and the development of formal gangs.

There is a lack of opportunities for underprivileged youth to participate in positive group activities after school. This is due to several factors, including transportation and economics. Transportation is a problem, since many of the children's parents are working during this time. In addition, many of these families cannot afford the added expenses of the equipment, uniforms, and registration fees.

All youth who are seeking a community activity are encouraged to participate. Just register or get involved at your school and you can be a part of YELP. This will open the door to other needs that you and your family may have.

The YELP program at Hybla Valley is operated in cooperation with Fairfax County's Department of Community and Recreation Services and Systems Management for Human Services, as well as the Fairfax County Public Schools.

Program Services (at Janna Lee and Hybla Valley Elementary):

*  Link youth with after school and out of school activities

*  Improve the quality of youth's' lives through parental education
*  Provide youth counseling sessions
*  Assist parents in crisis by linking them to resources
*  Link youth with safe sports activities
*  Identify and provide assistance with educational problems

Activities Include:

*   Indoor and outdoor soccer, through the Lee/Mt. Vernon Soccer Association and the Gunston              Recreational Micro-Soccer
*   Baseball through the Pioneer Baseball/Softball League
*   Ice Hockey through the Northern Virginia Ice Dogs Hockey League
*   Basketball through Lee District Basketball
*   Football
*   Sportsmanship training
*   Tennis
*   Computer classes
*   Karate
*   Tutoring
*   Volunteering

Field Trips:

*   GirlPower!
*   Summer activities are available through Camp Murrygate, Camp Wo-Me-To and Clyde Watson Soccer Academy