While most of the world measures success and importance in dollars and cents, Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance measures them by the number of youth it’s helped and families it’s healed.
Last year, the total number of kids and families aided by OAYA in one way or another was 774.
Youth Assistance does ‘a lot of things that nobody else in the community really has the ability to do,? said new OAYA Chairman Jerry Dywasuk, Jr. at the organization’s annual meeting March 2.
From the 31 students who were sent to Camp Copneconic in Fenton last summer and the 21 who benefited from educational skillbuilding activities to the 111 at-risk kids who were aided by Caseworker Hank Szlenkier, Youth Assistance continued its mission to prevent juvenile delinquency and child neglect.
‘I know that OAYA has intervened in many children’s lives over the years and as a direct result we have diverted many young people away from out criminal justice system,? wrote outgoing Chairman Chris Lamphear in the 2005 annual report.
Whether it’s educating 304 middle schoolers about the negative consequences of shoplifting or recognizing 193 local kids for their acts of kindness, bravery and charity, OAYA is showing youth how to make a better today and forge a brighter tomorrow.
‘We have set an example for our next generation to think beyond their own needs, so when they are in a position to offer guidance and assistance to others in need, they won’t think twice,? Lamphear wrote.
As tax dollars become scarce and local governments vote to eliminate funding to OAYA or investigate reducing it, Szlenkier wished to remind officials of the ‘exponential return? on their investment that prevention provides in terms of tax money saved as opposed to increased spending on probation and incarceration.
He urged local officials not to be ‘penny wise, but dollar foolish.?
‘In economically troubled times, social programs are usually the first to take a hit,? Szlenkier wrote in the annual report. ‘This is puzzling because it is during difficult economic times that prevention programs are needed the most and work the best.?
Even Dywasuk, a former Oxford Township trustee noted for his frugality when it comes to public spending, called Youth Assistance a ‘lean program? and noted the money received from the local governments is ‘just a small percentage of what our costs are.?
‘The cash payments we ask from the governments are less than 15 percent (of the budget),? said Dywasuk, who’s been involved with OAYA for five years.
The rest is made up by private donations, fund-raisers and volunteer work. ‘Their generosity speaks volumes as to the Oxford community’s commitment to OAYA as well as to the community’s belief in the importance of our services,? according to Szlenkier.