Jason Nicol, Executive Director of the Youth Service Bureau, accepts a check for $100 from Sycamore High School graduate, Karsten Larson. Karsten was awarded the $100 by the Sycamore Rotary for being Student of the Month in April and decided to donate it to YSB’s VolunTEEN Program. Karsten learned about the VolunTEEN Program through her involvement with Youth Engaged in Philanthropy at the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau (YSB) held its annual Spring Bike Auction and Garage Sale Fundraiser. Two hundred people braved the rain to support a good cause.

“It’s really a fun, fast-paced event that raises a lot of money to help youth and families in need of services,” – executive director Jason Nicol. “In just 90 minutes, we were able to raise over $4,000!”

Participants had plenty of opportunities to bid as there were over 100 bikes donated from the City of DeKalb, City of Sycamore, and from the community. Blue Van Moving & Storage helps transport the bikes each year.

The proceeds will go towards YSB programming, which includes counseling, 24 hour/day runaway & lockout assistance, drug and alcohol prevention, school suspension, and many more. YSB’s mission is to assist youth as they build healthy lives and relationships with their family, friends, and community.

Almburg Auctioneering donated their expertise and volunteers from Target Distribution Center and the Genoa Knights of Columbus were on hand to help with the event. Kishwaukee Community Hospital and the Daily Chronicle are the top annual sponsors of YSB.

 “It’s vital that we get youth the help that they need as early as possible. The better we do this, the greater impact on the child’s education, family life, and our community as a whole. We provide reduced-cost services to DeKalb County residents which means more people have access to the help they need. We are very thankful to all who made this event such a success!” – Jason Nicol.

It’s that time of year again!  Dust off those bikes, air up those tires, and adjust those helmets.  Don’t have a bike???  Have the kids outgrown theirs?  Come to the annual YSB Bike Auction on Saturday, May 21st.  You’re sure to find a new bike at a great deal, while supporting YSB and DeKalb County Youth! 

Bids on bikes start at $5.00!!  WOW!!  

Garage Sale Items– everything must go!!!

When:
Saturday, May 21st.

Viewing starts at 9 a.m., bidding at 9:30am

Where:
The YSB Parking Lot

Payment:
Cash, Credit Card, Check

YSB is still looking for additional bike donations for the Bike Auction. 

If you have a bike, please
contact us to coordinate a drop-off.

By:  Robin Waffle, MS, CADC

Prom season is nearing!  This is a time of celebration for all of our high school students.  There are many activities planned including the big dance, after party, and a weekend full of plans.  Our teens love to get together and “party”.   During this time of commemoration we as caring adults need to watch over our youth.  Sometimes prom events can get out of control.  Some teens like to add alcohol to their celebration thinking that it is the “expected” thing to do.  They feel like it is a rite of passage. 

Celebrating students don’t use good judgment when it comes to alcohol use.  During these times they tend to binge drink which could cause emergency health issues, even death.  That is why we need to talk to our teens about drinking.  Let your teens know that it is not okay for them to drink.  Let them know of the health risks including potential seizures, coma, and death.  Keep talking.  Teens need to hear things several times.  The more you talk to your teen about this topic the more likely they are to remember what was said and be able to resist peer pressure. 
 

You can look for signs of alcohol use by your teens.

• Hug them when they return home from a graduation party.  It is possible to smell alcohol on a person’s breath.  
• Listen for slurred speech. 
• Look for staggering and lack of coordination. 
• Check for signs of nausea and vomiting.  If you find that your teen has been drinking seek medical attention if needed.  

Are you concerned that your teen is experimenting with alcohol?  YSB has a program that can help.  The Alcohol/Drug Early Intervention Program offers alcohol/drug assessments and early intervention groups that will assist teens in making wiser decisions about these issues.  For more information please call us at 815-748-2010.

The Illinois State Bar Association-Young Lawyers Division (YLD) member, Heather Fritsch, presents the Youth Service Bureau with a $4,000 check to Jason Nicol, Executive Director and Andrea Broska, Clinical Director of YSB. The YLD Children’s Assistance Grant will be used to provide VolunTEEN services to youth referred from Court Services for community service requirements. VolunTEEN, YSB’s newest program, offers creative and meaningful community service and volunteer opportunities to youth while enhancing civic awareness.

The ISBA Young Lawyers Division serves as a resource for young lawyers practicing in Illinois to develop, enhance, and foster a balanced professional life. It consists of all ISBA members under age 36 and members admitted to practice under 5 years. To learn more visit their site by clicking here.

YSB wants to extend a giant THANK YOU to all the attendees to our 1st Annual Royal Children’s Ball!

Thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers for making this event such a huge success.

Our “guests of honor” enjoyed a red-carpet entrance into Altgeld Castle where they began their evening of non-stop fun including:

• music and dancing
• royal salon treatment
• family photos
• butler-served hors d’oeuvres
• Sweet Dreams cupcakes & ice cream buffet
• royal bowling
• prince & princess themed crafts
• balloon creations
• The Royal Raffle full of exciting prizes for kids of all ages
• choreographed dancing

Become a fan of the Royal Children’s Ball on Facebook where you can enjoy more pictures and receive updates for this event as we start planning for next year.