The Youth Attention Center is a local non-proit organization in Big Rapids, MI that offers a variety of intensive and outreach guidance, temporary volunteer placement, and after-care services for runaway and homeless youth, and those deemed to be at- risk Our goals are to reunite youth with families, to provide information and referral services, and to divert youth away from the formal court system.

 

YAC works closely with Social Service agencies, schools, and our court and law enforcement officials to provide the best possible outcomes for the youth in managing the difficulties confronting them. Qualified and compassionate case workers meet with youth to identify challenges in their lives, and assist in building basic life management skills to deal with those issues.

 

Youth may receive guidance in the attaining communication skills and building peer and family relationships. There is also assistance with academic/truancy problems and mentoring to foster skills in anger management and coping with difficult life situations.

 

In my Hospitality Management 401 course we were required to work in groups and select a local non-profit organization to provide goods, services, or monies to help build awareness in our community. We selected the YAC because we could all relate to the struggle that we as youths face in our daily lives and we wanted to help and support those who wanted to better their lives. 

 

We hosted a Rags to Riches Zumbathon at our Raquet and Fitness Center at Ferris. We raised a total of $130 for our organization.