Incredible! Almost everything about the first Father’s Fish Camp caused us to smile - a lot! It was a Christ-like collaboration between several ministries that really care about children.
          The kids came from the NAOMI House and Hope Cottage. The volunteer mentors came from NAOMI, Church for The Nations Flagstaff, Compassion Ministries, and Youth With A Purpose. We also had some trans portion of supplies from the Sunshine Rescue Mission.
          The youngsters caught some decent size fish and even caught crawfish while fishing with pieces of hotdogs! Marvin and Teresa from Compassion Ministries cooked up an unbelievable assortment of delicious food. We cooked s’mores over a homemade propane fireplace.
          Our Bible study was a fish story of course! We discussed John 21 where Jesus cooks fish for his homeboys who walked out on Him in His time of need. Jesus didn’t hold grudges and neither should we. He cooked them a fish breakfast and helped them catch 153 fish!
          All the guys want to do Fish Camp again - it was a resounding success! As a Youth Director and Youth Leader for over 30 years, I’ve never had such a well behaved group of kids. We really admire the staff and leaders at the NAOMI House. They love kids the way Jesus does!
​           Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

          Unless you saw the smiles on the kids faces or you heard them ask when we'd visit them again. Unless you heard men speak from their hearts about how much this positively impacts the rest of their lives. It's hard to understand what's happening here. I was there, and I've been there many times - I still struggle to describe what God does to people through simple things. How can children and water balloons change the hearts of men? 
          The kids requested water balloons. The folks who take care of the kids asked for fresh fruits and vegetables. There's always the unspoken desire to bring the Bouncy House. All of those desires are simple and easy to fulfill, but it wasn't any worldly item that brought fulfillment. The desire to serve was met by a powerful surge of smiling gratitude and laughing children. 
          Guys from the Sunshine Rescue Mission bring their generous hearts to the NAOMI House on the last Saturday of every month. They look forward to it. Last week there was only three of us, but there's no way way to count the number of satisfied smiles on the NAOMI property. Danny and Edwin are "Extra-Mile" guys. They always go beyond what's necessary. They enlarge the smiles on kids faces.

• With their own money they buy what's needed.
• They plan and set goals.
• They wash and clean the grill.
• Load, unload and set up the Bouncy House.
• Make fruit salads.
• Donated the grill (with the help of Danny's Mom!)
• Grilled brats - bratwurst :-)
• Bought and filled tons of water balloons.
• They got soaked by kids with big water guns!
• Sat down and shared a meal with a lot of kids.
• Sometimes they do service projects.
• The greatest thing they do is form relationships with kids and make them feel loved and valued.

          They do all these things because of the way God reaches through these kids to fill their hearts. One man said that, "One day with the kids at NAOMI can help me get through a whole month worth of aggravations." We think more guys would be a part of this outreach if they knew how much peace they'd feel afterwards.
          Here's a few comments from guys who've served at NAOMI over the last year and a half. We hope these words will serve as a light to other men and women looking for ways to feel fulfillment in their lives.

• "Really enjoyed Naomi and can't wait to go back and paint."
• "Thx! I had a blast! Today brought  PEACE back in my heart and soul! Those kids hold a special place in my heart and I pray for them often. Thank you, Pastor Bob." 
• "They probably won't ever remember me, but it's a good thought and I always remember them. They did a better work to me and what I did in them. I was blessed to be a part of that and extremely privileged."
• "This will make my month believe it or not, it just does something for me." 
• "Yes sir it is good, glad the guys came. A little bit of volunteer work makes for a good and happy soul. And are excited about coming again."

          Lives are being changed in extraordinary ways by simple actions. We'd like to thank all of the organizations who helped collaborate and make these life changes possible. Sunshine Rescue Mission, Church For The Nations Flagstaff, NAOMI HOUSE, Compassion Ministries and Youth With A Purpose.
          The hallmark of success in a mentoring program is the ability to build healthy and sustainable relationships. We do that at SRM through our Mentoring Class. We teach Biblical knowledge as a Mentoring Application Tool. Please pray that we can continue to reach new men who come into the program and give them life changing opportunities like NAOMI.
          Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.

Young folks like to listen to successful people who are close to their own age. Kristy Tyson is still quite young.
When you listen to her story that includes lots of accomplishments despite some hard times, you are amazed.
A large part of Kristy's story gave God credit, actually she gave Him all the credit for guiding her.
People who allow God to guide them through troubles and abusive relationships, will learn from their struggles and become great leaders because of it. That describes Kristy Tyson.
     Her opening statement focused on Romans 8:28 "And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose." (Amplified Bible) 
     Kristy touched on a number of topics, most notably abuse in relationships. It was a timely message as the YWAP Director told the young people about attending a seminar called Reach Out that dealt with recognizing relationship abuse.
THE SAD FACT IS ~ ONE OUT OF THREE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE ABUSED.
     Be proactive. Educate yourself on how to prevent and react when you become aware of abuse. If you need help or want to know how to help someone who is being abused, please go to their website at:
 https://www.reachoutwny.org/get-help/ or call for help.
     Know your resources to get help with an abusive relationship.
​If at any time you feel that you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 911.
Reach out to trained expert advocates 24/7 for education and support for you or someone you love. Free. Confidential.
Family Justice Center of Erie County
716-558-SAFE (7233)
www.fjcSAFE.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE (7233)
800-787-3224 TTY
www.ndvh.orgErie County Domestic Violence Hotline
800-862-4357 

     Young people under 12 years old are experimenting with drugs and alcohol.
     When a young and immature brain is damaged through addiction, the brain damage may be irreversible.
     Any time we get the chance to engage young people in healthy relationship building activities is a good time.
     Prevention is always better than intervention. On Thursday night 9-27-18, YWAP begins a new prevention program at The Bread of Life Center of Hope. Young people deserve a chance to have a wonderful life. They deserve a chance to know what Love is. They deserve an opportunity to share their feelings. Opioid addiction is a plague that steals, kills and destroys. It's time for a battle of prevention.
This short video that will give you a glimpse into what will happen this week. Teen Action Night At The Bread.
     We need folks to sponsor healthy meals. It would be great for folks to get up out of their Bible Studies and come and serve the young people. Can you sponsor or come and cook a meal? 716-830-8240

          Every once in a lifetime or maybe several times in your lifetime, something spectacular happens. It's usually not complicated and is borne through collaboration and unity. Change is generally precipitated by a season of brokenness; folks get so fed up with their plight and finally create action that will cause positive change. Spectacular is often simple, though maybe unique. After it happens many people are left wondering why they hadn't thought of the idea first. As parents, teachers, mentors and service providers, we are 100% in charge of creating once in a lifetime opportunities for our children.
          Buffalo is embarking on such a once in a lifetime as this. The City landscape will be brightened with new opportunities for children. Mentoring is as old as Adam and Eve. Mentors have long been known to be world changers in our lives. We know that mentoring works. Why will it become a force that can change our schools and our children? The answer is simple unity for a common cause - children.
      Mentor Force is a collaboration of Mentors who become teammates with teachers to help reinforce the study skills needed for a satisfactory education. We go right to the core of Character Education, helping students deal with social and emotional issues that are barriers to learning. Our team approach to mentoring helps to raise grades, reduce suspensions and minimize behavioral problems. 
       The brains of our young people are largely formed through experience. The goal of Mentor Force is to provide every student in the Buffalo Schools with a compassionate Mentor. Compassion gives birth to initiative. A child with initiative will learn how to create their own opportunities.  
      Mentor Force is all of us. In the next few weeks we will reveal a new paradigm of mentoring. It's a program based on unity in the belief that "All Children Are Gifted." Everyone can and should be involved. You may not be able to mentor "one-on-one" but you can support community organizations. You can help initiate, encourage and foster the collaboration of Mentor/Provider organizations.


In the next few weeks, we will outline a plan of action that is already taking place in a Buffalo School. Get involved - make change!

Thanks for your time. 
Go do something nice for somebody.

          Each new school year begins with a fresh start and sometimes fresh faces. This morning at Buffalo School #3 we witnessed the rare combination of fresh faces combined with folks who have unselfishly served the students at School #3 for many years. The new Principal is Mrs. (soon to be Dr.) Sharon Brown. YWAP had the pleasure of being with Mrs. Brown last year at Buffalo School #6 in their After School Program. In one of our most pleasant camping experiences ever, boys from Mrs. Brown's school attended Boy Scout Camp twice.
          Chanda Ramirez is a rock star who represents Catholic Charities and the Say Yes Program. She arranged a meeting of Service Providers along with School Administrators. Here is a copy of the email that I just sent to Chanda:

Thanks Chanda for a great meeting. 

Because of what you have done, I believe our goal of ensuring that "every child in Buffalo has a mentor" can be modeled at School #3.

What gives me that hope is the folks that you assembled this morning. Each of them brings a piece of life changing compassion that students need to become emotionally and academically successful. 

Thanks for all you do, we appreciate you.

Bob & Linda
 
"Find new ways, 
  in as many ways, 
    in more excellent ways, 
      on all of your days, 
        to show love." 
 
Bob Kuebler 
YWAP Director
Youth With A Purpose 
In School & After School
In The Mountains & In The Hood 
"All Children Are Gifted" 

157 Locust Street
Buffalo, New York 14204
716-830-8240
http://www.youthwithapurpose.org/

It's going to be a great School year!

          YWAP activities seem to slow down a bit as summer wanes. Folks are taking last minute vacations and getting ready to go back to school. The YWAP Directors took a vacation that including traveling in our gas savvy Civic and sleeping in our leaky,tarp covered canvass tent. We kept in shape for our Wilderness Program by reaching 6 US High points.We also had the privilege of sharing Acts 2:38 and a message of hope with over 300 inmates at Piedmont Correctional Facility in North Carolina.
          Last night I was at our Youth Center in the basement of Holy Cross Church on Buffalo's Lower West Side. Under the Directorship of Sharon Tell, many kids are spending a few hours smiling, snacking and getting exercise. Our After School Program Director Sharon Tell is making a big difference in the community with her unbridled and compassionate love for children. Thank you Sharon for bringing your unique talents to the children of Buffalo. Your name was bandied about today with honor at the Buffalo School #3 Providers Meeting. They miss you and speak highly of you.
          If you would like to help, we could use some cleaning supplies for our kitchen area along with paper plates, paper towels, garbage bags, a mop and bucket. The YWAP Phone is 716-830-8240.

Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.

          The recent teenage murders in Buffalo have served to sprinkle some salt on old wounds. Kids have been being killed on the streets of Buffalo for many years. I believe Buffalo is on the verge of turning the corner on violence among our young people. 
         Our mentoring program began 10 years ago on 7th St on the Lower West Side. The Buffalo News used to call 7th St "World War III" because of all the shootings in our area. We lost our share of young guys. A heavy Police presence along with mentoring programs have changed this part of the City. Improvements are still needed and they continue. 
          We believe in building a Mentor Force to collaborate with the Police Force. Removing illegal guns is a good answer. A greater Police presence is a better answer. Building a Mentor Force is the best answer. 
Whatever anybody can do to rally around the families of these young men - please go the extra mile and show them that they are valued.
          We need a Mentor Force in the streets and schools with folks who want to form relationships with young folks. Many well meaning people want to hit the streets and pray and that's good. Prayer comes in many ways. It's supposed to be unceasing and the only way to do that is to live it by showing love. Go play basketball, sing a rap song, take some kids camping, feed them a healthy meal, teach them how to start a business, go to their school events, let them see the ears on your heart. Going door to door means going heart to heart. 

Thanks for your time.
Go do something nice for somebody. 
JLYASDW
[email protected]

          
     Nearing the end of Summer, the YWAP Staff engages in a slight relaxation. We operate year round and we need a chance to recharge our batteries and recover our strength. We thought we'd take a few moments to share our hearts with you.   
     School starts in a few weeks. The YWAP After School Program will open for our 12th year. Our In School Mentoring Program will visit at least 20 different School Districts. We Mentor in schools in Erie and Niagara Counties. We visit prisons, courthouses, churches, community centers and First Offender Programs. We teach anybody who will listen about the benefits of PBD's - Pearls, Butterflies & Diamonds. Those are character vitamins from the YWAP Theory of Mentoring.
     Everyone will experience irritation, struggles and stress throughout their lives. The YWAP Staff teaches folks how to embrace struggle as the key to immeasurable opportunity. The YWAP programs have expanded through Mentor Force. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Buffalo has a Mentor. 
     Mentor Force is a collaboration of Mentors who become teammates with teachers to help reinforce the study skills needed for a satisfactory education. We go right to the core of Character Education, helping students deal with social and emotional issues that are barriers to learning. Our team approach to mentoring helps to raise grades, reduce suspensions and minimize behavioral problems.
     As we step into a greater role of administration and teaching, we need more folks to come along side us. Mentor Force is made up of people who are like a "pass-through" organization. A Mentor is involved in a person's life for a limited time. They might maintain a life long relationship, but still they move on. YWAP is a "pass-through" organization. When you come along side us, we ask you to share the YWAP Vision, we don't ask you to stop dreaming or give up your own vision. Please come along side us and let us know how we can help you reach your vision. We call that: "Servanteering." We serve others as we volunteer to share our hearts.


Thanks for your time.
Go do something nice for somebody.

Bob Kuebler
Founder / Youth With A Purpose & Mentor Force

Mentor Force is an organization of initiators.
We help young people who are at risk of leading impoverished and violent lives.
We teach teachers, mentors, coaches, parents and youth leaders how to build healthy relationships that make young people feel valued.

Our goal is to ensure that every student has the benefit of being guided by a Mentor.
 If we can help you reach your potential as a Mentoring organization please contact us: 716-830-8240 
 [email protected]. 
www.youthwithapurpose.org

We are available for school assemblies 
and educator conferences.      

MENTOR FORCE NUGGETS OF WISDOM
Mentor Force is a collaboration of Mentors who work with teachers to reinforce study skills needed for a satisfactory education. Through the Common Core of Character Education, we help students deal with social and emotional issues that are barriers to learning. Our team approach to mentoring helps to raise grades, reduce suspensions and minimize behavioral problems. We mentor in the mountains. We mentor in the classroom. We teach mentors. [email protected]

Monday, August 11, 2014 
THE SCARED MENTOR
          
      Fear is universal, sparing no human being who has a heart beat. Fear can be healthy or destructive. Mentors who develop a healthy balance between compassion and healthy fear will create a nurturing emotional environment for Mentorees. 

          Examine the following list of actions. Most would cause fear in some of us. Fear may be universal and yet fear isn't equal in the sense of what causes fear.

• Climbing on a cliff without a rope. 
• Standing on the railroad tracks facing an oncoming train.
• Walking on a dark street in a city known for violence. 
• Someone you love abandons or rejects you.
• You have to mentor a child labelled with Antisocial Personality Disorder.
• Death, Divorce, Disease, Bankruptcy.
• Speaking in public.
• Getting a speeding ticket.
• Being accepted.
• Beginning a new relationship.
• The child you are mentoring dies violently.
• Your reputation might be tarnished due to a failed mentoring relationship.

          Some folks are perfectly comfortable on a cliff without a rope, walking city streets or speaking in public. It doesn't matter how you feel fear, it matters how you prepare and deal with fear when it happens. Fear can be passive, active or constantly shifting between the two. I won't bother to describe active fear because you'll know when you're scared by the perceived dangers on the battlefields in your mind. Here is the definition of the word passive as taken from Dictionary.com¹:
Passive
adjective
1.not reacting visibly to something that might be expected to produce manifestations of an emotion or feeling.
2. not participating readily or actively; inactive:
a passive member of a committee.
3. not involving visible reaction or active participation:
to play a passive role.
4. inert or quiescent.
5. influenced, acted upon, or affected by some external force, cause, 
or agency; being the object of action rather than causing action (opposed to active ).
6. ­­receiving or characterized by the reception of impressions 
or influences from external sources.
7. produced or caused by an external agency.

          Thinking about your fear of heights is passive. If you're planning on a mountain trek where you'll be exposed to new heights, your fear will begin to advance towards the stage of fear activation. A "Scared Mentor" can cause emotional damage to themselves and others when their fear becomes active. There are steps that you can take to deal with your fears.

BE PREPARED
There is an ancient Greek word; "gnosis" which means knowledge. A deeper meaning for the word is "intimate knowledge" or "knowledge from experience." Do you have an intimate knowledge of yourself? Do you know the root causes of your behaviors? Do you carry unresolved generational wounds from your family? You have to know your limitations. In the Movie; "Dirty Harry," Clint Eastwood plays a cop who is considered controversial, reckless and dangerous. Here are some quotes by Harry Calahan taken from Wickiquote,² my words are in parenthesis:

• "A man's got to know his limitations." (Set boundaries.)

• "Nothing wrong with shooting as long as the right people get shot."                    (Don't shoot other people when you are trying to conquer your own fears.)

• "This is a 44. Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world. It can blow your head clean off. You've got to ask yourself one question, Do I feel lucky?"      (Fear can be the most powerful weapon in the world.)

          You really need to know your roots and the fruit that'll grow from your emotional tree. Will there be fear in your foliage? Know your limitations and set boundaries. If you're not comfortable on city streets then don't go there without someone who has a "city street gnosis." There are fears that you can overcome, please don't conquer them at the expense of others. If you end up angry at a young person on the city streets, that anger has the potential to start a riot.
          What do you do when you are faced with the fear of working with a child who has been described as being anti-social? Treat them like any other child! All children are gifted and talented and deserve equal amounts of love. Many times we put labels on children who are reflecting the character that has been forced upon them at home. Injustice is not discriminatory in choosing which child to visit. Lack of compassion may be a generational scourge that becomes a burden laced with fear for a child. Be patient and don't give up. Seek out their particular uniqueness and help them flourish. Mentoring is a long term commitment. 
      Study to show yourself approved as a Mentor. You'll avoid fears that you can't overcome. You'll help others become overcomers by the fears you do overcome. 

Thanks for your time.
Go do something nice for somebody.

Bob Kuebler
Founder / Mentor Force

Mentor Force is an organization of initiators.
We help young people who are at risk of leading impoverished and violent lives.
We teach teachers, mentors, coaches, parents and youth leaders how to build healthy relationships that make young people feel valued.
Our goal is to ensure that every student has the benefit of being guided by a Mentor.
 If we can help you reach your potential as a Mentoring organization please contact us: 716-830-8240 
 [email protected]. 
www.youthwithapurpose.org

We are available for school assemblies and educator conferences.      

References
¹http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/passive
²http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Magnum_Force