Introduction:
At the YESS Institute, our mission is to empower youth in middle and high schools by providing comprehensive support, resources, and social-emotional learning opportunities. Recognizing the critical importance of healthy relationships in fostering well-being, we are proud to partner with Project PAVE, a remarkable nonprofit based in Denver, Colorado. Project PAVE is dedicated to empowering youth through their expertise in teaching about healthy relationships, and their collaboration with YESS Institute has brought invaluable training and education to our students.
Project PAVE: Empowering Youth to End Violence
Project PAVE has been at the forefront of providing innovative and evidence-based mental health services and educational programs to youth survivors of violence and their families for over thirty years. Their mission is to break the cycle of violence by empowering young people to build healthy relationships and lead fulfilling lives. Project PAVE’s compassionate approach ensures that they understand and support each individual’s unique experiences and traumas.
Collaboration with YESS Institute: A Shared Vision
YESS Institute and Project PAVE share a common vision of empowering youth and fostering their social-emotional growth. By partnering with Project PAVE, we have been able to offer our students unparalleled training and education, enabling them to enhance their social-emotional learning skills and build upon the foundation established in their YESS classrooms.
Transformative Workshops:
Project PAVE conducted engaging workshops with YESS students, focusing on their specialty of healthy relationships. These sessions provided a safe space for students to explore and discuss important topics such as consent, emotional regulation, and the distinction between healthy and unhealthy relationships. The impact of these workshops was profound, as evidenced by the heartfelt feedback we received from our students.
One CSLA student expressed, “It feels easier to practice consent.” Through the workshops, students gained the confidence and tools to make informed choices and communicate their boundaries effectively. Another CSLA student shared, “I learned how to not feel bad when I don’t give consent for something.” These powerful insights demonstrate the transformative nature of Project PAVE’s curriculum.
Testimonials Reflecting Empowerment:
During the workshops, students were encouraged to reflect on their experiences. A student from North High School conveyed, “I learned how to control my anger and emotions in a positive way. I learned so much in a positive and eye-opening manner.” This highlights the profound impact that Project PAVE had on empowering students to manage their emotions and foster healthier relationships.
Another student from Shaw Heights High School emphasized, “[The most important thing I learned was] knowing the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.” Equipped with this vital understanding, students are empowered to make informed choices and navigate relationships confidently.
Real-Life Transformations:
Project PAVE facilitators shared inspiring stories from the classrooms. At CSLA, a student recognized the parallels between their dating relationship and the warning signs of abuse discussed in the program. With the support of their classmates, this student made the courageous decision to end the relationship, prioritizing their own well-being. Additionally, at CSLA, another student successfully utilized emotional regulation tools to prevent an emotional outburst, demonstrating the practical application of the skills learned in the program.
Expressing Gratitude:
YESS Institute extends its deepest appreciation to Project PAVE for their commitment to empowering our students and enriching their lives. The collaboration between YESS Institute and Project PAVE has resulted in profound changes, enabling our students to cultivate healthier relationships, develop emotional intelligence, and lay a solid foundation for their future success.
