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Northwest Youth & Family Services Preparing youth and families for healthy lives 11 3490 Lexington Avenue North, Shoreview, MN 55126 • Phone 651-486-3808 • Fax 651-486-3858 • www.nyfr.org Welcome to the new NYFS Quarterly Report. Please take a minute to review the changes we have made in an effort to give you a better understanding of the services provided to your residents. This new report not only reflects the types of services your residents receive, but also indicates the actual cost to provide these programs. Please note that your contributions help offset the cost of these services and, when combined with contributions f om individuals and community groups, help us leverage funds from state agencies and private foundations. Collectively, we are doing much more to prepare youth and families for healthy lives than we could ever do separately. As always, NYFS strives to offer the most comprehensive and cost-effective services available. We have a clear understanding that our focus is on prevention, intervention and family involvement. These are proven methods that address current problems and can prevent future hardships. A recent study conducted by the Wilder Foundation and the University of Minnesota highlights this reality. According to the report, Minnesotans can expect an average return of $4.89 for every dollar invested in youth intervention programs such as NYFS' Diversion Program. Successful youth intervention and mentoring programs yield long term results such as reduced juvenile delinquency and crime, improved school attendance, higher grades, higher graduation rates and a decrease in involvement in drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Studies like this one prove what we have known since we started in 1976 - intervention works. And it has been working in our community for over 30 years. Thank you for your continued partnership. If you have any questions about the following report, please call Kay Andrews, NYFS Executive Director, at 651-379-3401. NYFS Program Profile- Penny Pinchers Customers know NYFS' Penny Pinchers Thrift store as a great place to find high-quality, low-cost clothing and household items. But for hundreds of our community's youth, Penny Pinchers has also been the site of their first-ever job experience. Currently located at the Mounds View Square Mall, the store serves as a work skills training site that targets youth ages 15-17. Some of the kids are looking for a first job in a friendly and supportive setting while others are at risk of failing in the work force due to multiple difficulties including learning disabilities and emotional and social deficits. The program serves about 100 youth each year. Those who successfully complete the 12 - week session receive a stipend for their efforts. A shortened 8 -week session is also offered to youth looking for summer employment.