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The Local Initiative

“It is a really eye opening experience where I feel I was able to open my eyes to the problem of homelessness within the city that normally I don’t typically see. It really sparked a drive to work on serving others no matter the context and trying to live a true, Christian life at all times.”

“I love YES because it allows you to understand there are people in need wherever you are--whether it's some big, tourist-filled city, or a quiet town off the coast. People need community and love. YES gives us the opportunity and awareness to fulfill that need.”

The YES College Day that I attended was not only an amazing way to connect with the greater Bloomington community, but it was also a new way to think about how we, as Orthodox Christians, are supposed to care for those around us, no matter where they come from.

“YES is a challenge. A challenge to look at the world with pure joy and curiosity. A place to get to know God, people you've never met, and people you thought you knew. One of the things I remember most was looking complete strangers in the face without second thoughts during, before, or after.”

What I received from YES Leadership Training is something unexplainable: an inner confidence, a voice, a purpose, an ever more present yearning to do something MORE. I also received love, a deeper love than anything I've ever experienced from everyone that surrounded me.

“The YES College Day was an excellent experience because it looked at service through a different lens than the traditional service project day. Though coat drives, dinners, and other traditional activities are excellent ministries…YES focuses on interacting with the community in different ways."

"Christ calls us to love our neighbors. As a YES trip participant, those neighbors were most often the poor, the hungry, and the homeless. However, leadership training made me realize another critical component of YES: that we’re all each other’s neighbors."

“YES guides us with a compassionate outlook on life, teaches us to break down stereotypes, and most importantly to love all of our neighbors, despite whatever situation they may be in. The way that I see things and people...has been truly and forever changed."

"My experience with YES was amazing! I recommend this for everyone. It opened up a new view to see the world around me...We are blessed to have what we have. Ever since this experience, I have opened myself up to get to know the people in my community."