Summer is almost here, and we’re reflecting on the past fiscal year at PYD. We are incredibly grateful to have supporters like you contribute to our mission to make our 40th year possible. Ever wonder what impact your support has on our youth? Read the stories below from three different PYD programs, featuring a mentor, a YLF peer leader, and an intern.
“It feels like a family.” – Annalise, Youth Leadership Forum Participant
Annalise (left) sits next to a YLF participant (right)
Annalise, a Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) participant, spoke about her YLF experience over the years, noting the effect the keynote speakers had:
“The speakers that come in are so motivational and inspiring. They completely revolutionize the way that I feel about myself because I’m like, oh, like I could do that. Like, I could be more than just functioning in a society that doesn’t always treat people with disabilities well. I can actually thrive and like make an impact on other people’s lives and share with them my story and bring, you know, them happiness and, and hope and stuff. So I think that those inspirational speakers are probably like the best memories I have.”
Annalise, Youth Leadership Forum Participant
“I didn’t realize how much I would learn from this experience.” – Alec, PYD Mentor
Alec, PYD mentor, stands next to a neon blue PYD sign.
PYD’s Mentoring Program helps young people with disabilities meet their full potential for personal development and independence by matching them with a caring adult mentor. The mentor matches work on goals related to building healthy relationships, community involvement, self-esteem, independent living skills, and education/career skills.
Alec, a mentor, sat down with us to tell us about his experience with his mentee, Reis:
“I didn’t realize how much I would learn from this experience. I thought it would be me in a supervisory or mentoring role to my mentee. As much as I feel like I’ve taught him, and I’m sure there have been many instances where he’s looked up to me for advice or for mentorship on different conflicts he’s had, I actually think I’ve learned a lot from him, and things he’s passionate about. One example of that is music. He’s very musically gifted. It’s an area I never invested that much time into, and so I’ve learned a lot about music production and the different types of music, and he’s very knowledgeable in that area, and explains the different aspects of it to me, and is patient with me. I think that’s a cool thing about this program. You go in expecting you’re going to be the one teaching the youth everything, but these kids, Reis specifically, had a ton he was able to teach me, which is really cool.“
Alec, PYD Mentor
“I will continue to use these skills in the future.” – Kyle, BATV Intern
Kyle looks through a camera at his BATV internship.
PYD’s Career Readiness Program is an inclusive job-readiness program that addresses barriers to employment for youth and young adults with disabilities. One of the services we offer includes facilitating youth with internship opportunities. Kyle recently finished an internship at BATV. He, along with his supervisor, explain the impact of Kyle’s internship.
“During my internship with them, I learned to film and edit content, as well as write my own scripts for television. The people there were very friendly, helpful, and welcoming and I worked with some incredible mentors. Thanks to PYD for this supportive and spectacular experience! I will continue to use these skills in the future.”
Kyle, BATV Intern
Kyle sits at a work station, editing.
“I can’t believe we’re already at Kyle’s last shift with us–that’s so sad! I’m so happy he’s had a good time interning with us, it’s been a blast working with him! I’ve noticed he’s become much more confident and comfortable with production, so I’m delighted that he’s feeling more confident in general. He’s a really smart guy, and it was a pleasure hosting him. Looking forward to seeing a lot of him over the summer and beyond!”
Isaac, BATV Staff Member
Help us continue our impact
Your past generosity has made all the above testimonies possible, and that’s just a small portion of our impact throughout the year. Will you renew your support by making a gift by June 30?
By giving today, you will continue to play a key role in sustaining PYD’s impact in our community, not only this summer, but well into the future!