Courtesy photo YAP officers display the simplified grant application. Pictured from left are Secretary Jan Dillon, President Lacy Lauzon, Vice President Laurie Kaufman, and Member at Large Jim Gehling. Not pictured are Treasurer Denise Young, Member at Large Jodi Jagger, and Financial Adviser Denise Boyle.

ESCANABA — Haircuts, boots, bikes, baseball gloves, summer camp, gym shoes, driver’s ed — most kids take these things for granted, but for many kids in Delta County, these are “extras” and not always affordable for some families.

The Youth Assistance Program (YAP) was created nearly 35 years ago to help provide some of these “extras” to needy kids in Delta County.

YAP is a local organization made up of volunteers who raise funds in order to distribute grants (up to $200) for needy school-aged children in Delta County to help build confidence and self-esteem, as well as providing for their physical well-being. This could include things like clothing, summer camp fees, school supplies, field trips, sports equipment, musical instruments, educational incentives, graduation expenses, driver’s education, tutors and any other unique needs that cannot be met by other means.

YAP also can provide funds for some group/classroom activities to help at risk/needy kids. For example, a grant to Escanaba Civic center helped purchase some recreational and sports equipment for the after-school program, and a monthly birthday party is being planned for the youth that attend the Civic Center’s after school program.

“The grants are extremely easy to access,” said Denise Young, treasurer of

YAP. “Requests are submitted by adults who know and work with kids — teachers, administrators, social workers, counselors, clergy, probation officers, police, etc. Family members and youth themselves are not permitted to apply.”

Requests can be made through a simple short application or online at tinyurl.com/yapgrant

“YAP is composed completely of volunteers, and we are proud to say that 99% of all funds raised are used to support the needs of kids in our county” said Lacy Lauzon, president of YAP. “The remaining 1% covers our cost for insurance and minimal office supplies. We have no paid staff, no rental costs. Delta/Schoolcraft ISD generously provides us with a place to meet monthly.”

YAP is governed by an advisory board made up of volunteers from the community. Officers include President Lacy Lauzon,Vice President Laurie Kaufman, Secretary Jan Dillon, Treasurer Denise Young, Financial Adviser Denise Boyle, and Jim Gehling and Jodi Jagger, members at large.

“YAP has been around for nearly 35 years” said Bruce Hansen, one of the founding members. “It was formed in 1988 and has helped literally thousands of needy and at-risk kids in our community. Many of the teachers and administrators who have used YAP over the years are now retired. We feel it’s important at this time to reintroduce YAP to the younger staff who might not be familiar with the program.”

If you would like more information about YAP, want to apply for a grant for a student, join the advisory board, or would like to make a donation, contact Lacy Lauzon at 906-280-5888 or llauzon@dsisd.net, or Laurie Kaufman at 906-428-4623 or laurie.kdlg@gmail.com.