JAMIE RYAN ATKINSON
August 7, 1981- June 27, 2025
Youth Enrichment Services is deeply saddened upon the passing of Jamie Atkinson. Jamie has served on the YES Board of Directors for more than a decade and prior to YES, he served on the South Shore Community Organization Board of Directors. Jamie has touched so many lives in his short 43 years. He has served his communities of Sayville, Islip township and Suffolk County with integrity, pride and an optimism that truly is contagious. Jamie Atkinson literally never told anyone "No" or "I can't." He always replied to any request with that amazing twinkle in his eye, "let's do it" or "I got this" and most often, "no worries-no problem." The impact that he has made will be felt for countless years to come. The lives he has touched will carry with them the spirit and essence of Jamie. For now- Rest in Paradise Jamie...we will continue your work and will always cherish the memory of our local community hero.
In this Unity Ambassador Program, students from multiple school districts within the Islip Township have the opportunity to learn about topics including diversity and equity, how to challenge bias, how to be an upstander to bullying, as well as hear from a range of special guest speakers who share their personal stories of overcoming prejudice, and how these speakers now use their voices to promote a more inclusive environment.
Student participants in the Unity Ambassador program have the unique opportunity to create a Unity Project Action Plan for their school and community. At the culmination of four sessions, the students presented their Unity Project Action Plan at the Islip High School.
Latest Happenings at YES
Islip Goes Purple
Islip Goes Purple is a month-long initiative designed to unite The Town of Islip in raising awareness of mental health, substance use disorder and celebrating those in recovery. Since starting this initiative in 2019, several townships have “gone purple” and held events throughout National Recovery Month in September.
During the month of September, Youth Enrichment Services celebrated recovery and shared information about mental health and substance use disorder at many Islip Goes Purple events. Thanks to ALL the community members and community partners who have helped Islip Goes Purple expand exponentially!!
YES is deeply saddened by the devastating loss of Gabby Petito. YES was very fortunate to have known and worked with this amazing young woman and her Mother, Nichole Schmidt, through our collaboration with the Great South Bay Coalition (GSBC) Nichole Schmidt was instrumental as a founding member of the GSBC in helping YES secure a federal Drug Free Community Support grant which addresses substance use/abuse in the Bayport, Blue Point and Sayville communities. Gabby actually designed the winning logo for GSBC and also brought so much life and love to everyone she touched. Rest in peace Gabby- you made a difference and your impact will be felt for years to come.
YES After School Programs
YES offers daily after school programs at local elementary and middle schools daily. Activities include homework help, wellness center, tutoring, study groups, dance, arts & crafts, music, cooking, recreation, work readiness / career exploration, character building, high interest field trips, guest speakers, etc.
Mentoring Programs
YES offers a variety of mentoring programs within the auspices of our daily programs. Mentoring programs include PAR FORE (USGA) Golf, USTA (Tennis), Career Mentoring, Peer Mentoring, and Mentoring for youth with special needs.
Youth Leadership / Development Programs
YES offers a variety of programs designed to build leadership skills in our youth. Programs include the Youth Leadership Project (a program designed for youth with special needs ages 14-26), Natural Helpers, Youth Advisory Councils, Community Reinvestment Program, Saturday Enrichment (grades 1-5), etc.
YES Activities
YES offers a variety of recreational programs including Open Gyms, Drop In Lounges, YMCA Teen Night, Friday Night Socials, etc. Please call to find a program in your community.
Counseling Services
YES offers individual and family counseling. Licensed bilingual social workers have a specialty in working with children and adolescents.
Work Readiness / Job Placement Programs
YES offers a variety of Work Readiness, Career Exploration and Job Placement Programs designed to prepare youth to succeed in school, college and the ultimately within the workforce. Programs begin as early as Middle School and are for youth 14-21 years of age. Please call to find a program that can best meet your needs.
Tutoring
YES offers tutoring services for a monthly administration fee. Please call so that we can schedule weekly tutoring sessions for you or your child.
Prevention Services
YES offers free substance abuse, violence, bullying and gambling prevention workshops and programs to the school districts, parents and other community organizations. Evidence based curriculum includes Too Good for Drugs, Too Good For Violence and Life Skills.
Summer Programs
YES offers a variety of daily summer programs for youth ages 5-21. Programs begin the first Monday after school ends and culminate on the last Friday before school begins. Programs begin as early as 7am. Programs include: Summer Enrichment (Pre-K–6th grade), Summer Fun (7th–12th grade), Drop In Lounge and YLP (Youth and special needs children ages 14–26).
Youth Enrichment Services meets all 20 Standards of Charity Accountability
As established by the Better Business Bureau.