On September 18^th, Valley Youth House held “VYH and Me: Building a Foundation and Shaping the Future”. The event was a youth speaking contest and was open to any VYH client over 18, and under 18 with permission from a parent or guardian. Each participant made a 5 minute speech including information about their experience with VYH has helped them, why they became involved and what they have achieved towards their future goals. The participants presented their speech in front of a panel of judges at Northampton Community College.

Destiny J. has been announced as the winner.  Destiny is a 20 year old student from Northampton. She has worked with VYH’s Lehigh Valley Adolescence Achieving Independence program for close to 5 years and is also a peer mentor at VYH. Over this summer she was also approved to join the VYH Board of Directors as a youth advocate. Destiny has received a cash prize of $500 and will be speaking at the VYH Reception of “Setting the Stage” at the Renaissance Hotel in Allentown on October 6th.  The second place prize was given Kian and the third place prize was given to Bri who will also receive cash prizes amounting to $300 and $200. Congratulations to our three winners.