2015 June E-Newsletter

A message from the Executive Director

Published June 2015

Dear Friends of YATC:

Summer means outdoor barbecues, vacations with the family and lazy days by the pool. We at YATC like all those things, too, but around here summer also means reviewing applications, interviewing candidates and selecting the new class. It's a busy time for staff members, but it's one of the most important things we do.

By carefully screening and choosing students for the class beginning in September, we do our best to ensure that the mission of YATC can be fulfilled in each of them. Our Founder Jim Moran envisioned a program that would offer a second chance to young people with troubled lives who are ready to work for a better future.

All of the funding we receive is used wisely to assist students and graduates as they continue on their individual paths toward a more successful tomorrow. We appreciate the generosity of all of you who support YATC with your time and money. We know there are many wonderful organizations doing great things in our community so every gift we receive means so much to the program and to our staff.

As always, I must thank our energetic Board of Directors, Advisory Board and volunteers for sharing your many talents with the school. We couldn't do it without you!

Have a great summer and we hope to see you in the fall as we welcome Class 37 to the program.

Sincerely,
Terry Routley

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Jim Moran Classic November 13 & 14, 2015

Published June 2015

As YATC's primary fundraiser, the Jim Moran Classic offers a weekend of golf and tennis tournaments, receptions, the Classic Banquet, kids and teens activities, raffles and a silent auction all to benefit the students and graduates.

Remembering Our Founder

Published June 2015

Graduation has always been a happy time for the YATC family, and a time to recognize the progress graduates have made. Above Founder Jim Moran congratulates one of the graduates of Class 6 in 1987.

In his 1996 book, Jim Moran: The Courtesy Man, he wrote, "Many students have come to us because they were fascinated by cars, but the auto service skills ... important as they may be ... are often a pathway to something far more important: a stable, productive personal life with a stronger basic education and clearer life goals."

Graduate spotlight: Jerome McClam (Class of 2015)

Published June 2015

Recent graduate, Jerome McClam, 21, was born and raised in Deerfield Beach. After seeing how YATC helped his brother, Isaiah McClam (Class of 2014) gain new skills and find new opportunities for his future, McClam was convinced that the program could lead him down the right path, too.

As a student, he said he enjoyed the Life Skills guest speakers, including Pastor Anthony Pelt, football great Olindo Mare and YATC graduate Joel Antoinette (Class of 1999). Today, McClam feels more confident and has a new positive perspective on life thanks to the instructors and staff. He said he hopes to continue his education in the automotive industry or study marine biology. In his spare time, McClam likes tinkering with cars and boats, playing football and working out. YATC has come to mean a lot to him this year.

"YATC is a place where you progress from your past mistakes and are given a second chance," he said. "I would give Mr. Moran my deepest thanks for this wonderful program and the limitless opportunities."

YATC's Class of 2015

Published June 2015

The 28 graduates of YATC's Class of 2015 gathered with family, friends and school staff in May to honor their accomplishments and look ahead to bright futures. Thirteen scholarships for continuing education were awarded at the ceremony and five students received special recognition for their notable achievements.

Pictured above are Roosevelt Butler (Outstanding Attendance Award); Ricardo Galvan (Jump Start Award); Executive Director Terry Routley; Jerome McClam (Bruce Rossmeyer Memorial Kick Start Scholarship Award); Elijah McDuffy (Outstanding Attendance Award) and Christopher Moise (Turnabout Award).

This year's class, the 36th to complete the program, joins more than 600 other graduates continuing on their paths toward success.

"YATC has had such a positive impact on this phase of their lives, and when they graduate, they don't lose us as family," said Routley. "We will continue to provide support when these young men need us."

Vicki and Harold Shafer

A special thanks to longtime friends of YATC, former tennis pro Duby Petrovich and former NFL players Troy Drayton, Ki-Jana Carter and Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, who presented the certificates of completion. Kelly also delivered an inspirational messages to the graduates. With the assistance of YATC and its volunteer tutors, one of this year's graduates earned his GED and two have received their high school diplomas.

During the ceremony, YATC also recognized the owners of Centurion Auto Logistics, dedicated supporters Vicki and Harold Shafer, with the Jim Moran Award, which is presented annually to one of YATC's outstanding community partners. Pictured at left, Mrs. Shafer accepted the award on behalf of herself and her late husband from YATC Board President Larry McGinnes and Routley. The Shafers have been generous donors and loyal advocates of YATC since it was established.

Congratulations to the Class of 2015!