Statements

Mission

Our mission is to provide educational programs which teach underserved youth how to obtain the skills necessary for becoming financially self-sufficient, by using a holistic and comprehensive approach in helping the youth and their family.

Background

AYES, established in 2014, operated for 4 years under the name "LaDonna's Childcare". "LaDonna's Childcare" was a registered home daycare which provided care of seven children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. The daycare served as a resource center which assisted parents in creating resumes, going back to school, and getting better paying jobs. In March of 2014 Aspiring Youth Enrichment Services became a non-profit charitable organization which provides services for youth in grades K - 12. There was an urgent need to help the children after they turned 13 years old.

All the children from LaDonna's Childcare have graduated from high school and gone to college. Some of them received academic scholarships. They currently contribute to AYES by volunteering and giving back to the community. Most parents of the children pursued higher education, have better jobs, and are no longer receiving government assistance.

Impact

There is a tremendous need, especially for high-risk youth in low-income neighborhoods, for programs that provide activities and support for children during the after-school hours and throughout the summer. In 2003, the Children's Defense Fund reported that violent crime by young people ages 10-17 peaks between 3 and 7 PM; children and teens in poor neighborhoods are struggling for direction and positive opportunities are needed to keep them safe and on-track; a great majority of all American fourth graders cannot read or do math at grade level. In addition, a study published in Pediatrics magazine found that eighth graders who were left alone after school reported greater use of cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol than those in adult-supervised settings. Current research indicates that supervised after-school and summer programs not only keep children safe and out of trouble, they also significantly improve their academic achievement. Nashville, Tennessee, with significantly higher than average incidences of crime, truancy, teen pregnancy, obesity, and drug use, suffers from a lack of constructive activities for its youth. Visionaries saw the potential benefits of a quality after-school and summer program. The goal is to provide a haven for the inner-city youth of Nashville, TN. AYES has gained a positive reputation for providing constructive academic activities that contribute to reducing crime and illegal activity, increasing academic performance, and providing life skills to ensure success in school, in the community, and in life.

Needs

AYES needs monetary and in-kind support.
1) There is a need for a minimum of $160,000 to purchase 2 buses to transport students to the AYES programs and home from the programs. We need a total of 4 buses the cost for all 4 buses is $320,000.
2) There is a need to purchase a building with a gym to facilitate all services provided by AYES. AYES needs a gym for our basketball teams to practice and host games and space for the students to learn Physical Education. The cost of the building is $5,000,000.
3) AYES needs more monetary funds to pay the bus drivers and monitors. The cost is $128,000.
4) There is a need to add security cameras for each of the buses. The cost is $5,000.

CEO Statement

Aspiring Youth Enrichment Services is committed to bridge the gap between school and the real world. We strive to: Provide a safe and secure environment; encourage and promote self-esteem; enhance learning abilities of children so they may advance with high achievements; help children to reach and exceed Metropolitan Nashville School's academic standards; promote inquiring minds; nurture child development; promote and enhance family involvement in their children's lives; promote and enrich economic knowledge for families.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Education  - Remedial Reading & Encouragement
Secondary Category:	Youth Development  - Youth Development Programs
Tertiary Category:	Human Services  - Family Services

Areas Served

Nashville

TN - Davidson