Summer Youth Internship 2019 At Y.G Institute

1. Summer Youth Internship 2019 At Y.G Institute Created By: Susana Lugones

2. History of Organization • The idea about Y. G. Institute was born around August 13, 2002, when former U.S. Senator Paul Simon wrote a letter and said: “YraidaGuanipa is one who really can make a real contribution to a better society. Ms. Guanipa decided that she will continue working helping others, and to honor his name she named the organization similar to his organization: Paul Simon Institute. • Y.G Institute was founded in 2009 by Yraida Guanipa • Throughout the years this non-profit organization has helped at-risk youth and their families throughout their partnerships, volunteers, and hard-working employers. • Due to incarceration; care, trust, and love for each other are hard to renew after long years of separation. Family members and parents especially have at many times, endured limited or no contact with their children for long periods of time. Families are ill-equipped to deal with the numerous challenges faced after incarceration. This program provides tailored help, individually to all parties involved; to learn, to trust, and remember that they still love each other. The benefits include happier families & fewer family members becoming repeat offenders. The parents, children, and other family members learn together, how to become contributing members of society.

3. Our Mission, Vision, and Values • Their mission is to help families who have had someone incarcerated. This is due to the fact that after incarceration, many families aren’t able to provide what’s needed, both mentally and financially. With the variety of programs offered, families learn to remember how much they all loved each other in the first place and it also helps prevents future offenders in their family. Also, they give them more opportunities at achieving a job and an education. This organization also provides campaigns and opportunities for the youth to understand what is going on in their community and to also be able to express themselves. Their vision and mission are to help families who have been impacted by the judicial system while also assisting with family bonds.

4. Organization Chart

5. Duties and Responsibilities • As an Interactive Media Associate, I have been working on all forms of social media to spread the word of our organization. • While in the office I created many banners to put on our social media accounts, I worked on our website, did an animation that portrays what Y.G Institute is all about, and I am currently working on developing an app.

6. My Experience In The Office • Since the first day I have felt very welcomed by the staff and co-workers. • I was able to lean all the parts that go into the makings of a project, whether it was for our website or campaigns. • While in the office I had the opportunity to work hands on in a professional environment. This has been a great way to explore different career options. • As an intern, time management has become easier as I have everything planned out in order to meet certain deadlines that were established beginning of the projects. • It has helped me build up my experience when working with programs such as Photoshop, After Effects, and Justinmind.

7. My Experience Outside The Office • Throughout the 5 week internship, our team had the opportunity to attend many meetings and events; each portraying a different part of our community and their work style. • Before we went to the meeting locations, we always gathered and discussed the importance of the organizations in those meetings, and how we should introduce ourselves. • In the meetings attended, I was able to gain information about different volunteer opportunities and organizations that I hope to share with my school counselors in order to open more doors to other students in my community and school. • I was also able to analyze how meetings are conducted, and I learned about the documents they use to keep track of the last meeting and what they have to discuss on the present meeting. (Most of them use Minutes and an Agenda) • It was truly a unique experience when we went to the events and meetings. It was amazing to see how everyone was open-minded and eager to lend a hand to those who need it.

8. Meetings and Events Part.1 • Service Partnership Meeting. Hosted By Miami Beach Government. Office of Housing and Community Service

9. Meetings and Events Part.2 • Youth Explosion. Fun in the Ville. Brownsville Family Safety Net

10. Meetings and Events Part.3 • Meeting at Riverside Halfway House. Community Transition Class.

11. Meetings and Events Part.4 • Family Safety Net. Provider Monthly Meeting

12. What I’ve Learned Part.1 • Upon doing the research for my assigned projects, I learned about organizations I had never heard about before, such as Halfway Houses and the meaning behind their name. • With my animation project I was able to learn some facts about the judicial system and how their laws have changed throughout the years in order to accommodate to everyone and to be fair. • I also learned how to write and start a business letter. Some tips include: • Being straight to the point • Never starting with ‘I’ • Being professional and addressing the person reading respectfully • Including a subject

13. What I’ve Learned Part.2 • In my time there I was also able to create my own corporate Email, my own Email signature, and I also learned how to create Email campaigns. • We also were given tips on how to dress professionally and how to interact with others during a meeting. • While working on Y.G Institute’s website, I learned how to create different types of online forums, such as subscription and sign up forms.

14. What I’ve Done- Banners

15. What I’ve Done- App Interface Building As I finished my projects and updated the website, our organization has been wanting to expand. By building an app, it will make it easier for users to have easy access to information about Y.G Institute and everything they have to offer. Although it is not done, this app will soon be available since I am planning on finishing it before the internship is over.

16. Recommendations To Future Interns • Before starting an internship • Research what internship opportunities are out there • Make sure you are able to work with the timed schedule • Make a list of all the things you want to learn during your time there • Research the company beforehand. This will make sure you are aware of what they do and that you don’t get behind during your time there.

17. Recommendations To Future Interns • During the internship • Don't be afraid to ask for help. • Learn anything and everything you can. The organization may resources you don’t have access to. This is a great opportunity to get them in your back pocket for the future. • Don't procrastinate. • Don't be afraid. • Make them proud. You are only going to be there a few weeks, make sure you leave a good lasting impression. • Keep good records. Internships go by fast. This will help when updating your resume or preparing for interviews.

18. Thank you • Thank you to the Summer Youth Internship Program and Y.G Institute for this amazing opportunity! These past 5 weeks have meant a lot to me and I have been able to learn new, life changing things about our community.