Getting into the mood of the campaign kickoff event, local media turn into "Blues Brothers (and sisters)" for fun. Kneeling, front, from left, are Greg Dullum and David Bloom, Cash Book Journal; Amy Jaquin, KFVS TV-12; Faune Riggin, Zimmer Radio Group; back, from left, Rick Stock, Zimmer Radio Group; Kevin Dillon, Cape West 14 Cine'; Tracey Glenn, Cable Access Channel 5; Dan Timpe, KFVS TV-12; Jon Rust, Rust Communications; Mike Smythe, KFVS TV-12 and UPN The Beat; Mark Little and Paul Keener, KFVS TV-12; Paul Walker, Southeast Missourian; Don Fisher, 2003 Campaign Cabinet Chair for Area Wide United Way.

Southeast Missourian

In the fall of 2002, the Area Wide United Way decided that there was a need to help identify and target key issues affecting youths in the Cape Girardeau area. The Area Wide United Way formed a collaborative coalition, made up of some of its funded agencies as well as other area youth-oriented organizations to help better the lives of youth in Cape Girardeau.

This group, known as Youth Link, consists of representatives from the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, Cape Area Family Resource Center, House of Hope, Salvation Army, Area Wide United Way, Greater Dimension Church, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri and Red Star Baptist Church.

One of the issues currently facing the south Cape Girardeau area is lack of adequate public transportation. Youth Link is currently negotiating the purchase of a bus that would transport youth to the various programs being offered by Youth Link member organizations.

Lack of volunteers is a pressing concern for many of these programs. Strong role models are needed to mentor and instruct children as well as helping with day-to-day activities at Youth Link member organizations.

Youth Link currently has a community calendar that lists events and programs presented and sponsored by member organizations. The calendar is available at my.calendars. net/capeyouthlink.

Youth Link's goals are simple:

Identify, involve and coordinate new and existing resources to serve Cape youth.

Encourage the involvement and education of parents of the youth being served by the agencies of Youth Link.

Help form partnerships between social service agencies, businesses, faith-based groups and the Cape Girardeau community.

For more information, call the Area Wide United Way at 334-9634.