March 24, 2005 A Letter of Support Dear Reader: As administrator of a public school for "at-risk" students, I strongly support funding for Manaia.  About 50 students from the Bridger Program, a branch of Bozeman High School, have participated in Youth Empowerment Leadership Program (a.k.a. YELP), part of the Manaia project. Manaia techniques have made enduring changes in most of our participating students.  Mr. Wayne Mortimer, the regional leader of Manaia is a key factor; his leadership and confidence ensuring that the program functions well. As a school, we have supported Manaia financially and with "in kind" use of facilities but the program needs continuing fiscal underpinnings.  As "at risk" people gain confidence and leadership skills they shed the sobriquet, "at risk" and become productive members of society. Could there be a better investment? Cordially, David A. Swingle, Assistant Principal/teacher

March 30, 2005 Mr. Wayne Mortimer Executive Director Manaia Youth Programs    Dear Wayne, We are delighted to offer this letter of support for the Manaia Youth Programs, especially the Youth Empowerment Leadership Program (YELP).  This program is of great benefit to our students and to us.  We have used YELP as an opportunity for students that may be facing school suspension or Saturday school due to behavior issues.  If they attend YELP their school consequences for poor choices are lessened or go away.  Most students that have chosen to take the opportunity have come back to school and made great strides.  We have seen behaviors issues improve and the students are more committed to being successful in school.  Students have discovered what barriers to success they have and discovered ways to overcome them - they are EMPOWERED. We have also encouraged youth that are already involved in leadership activities to attend YELP as another step in their training.  They come back to school with even more leadership skills and want to make an even stronger positive difference in their own lives and the lives of others.  The students that have attended YELP are the biggest recruiters for the program.  That speaks volumes for the program. We are fully supportive of YELP and Manaia.  The program opens doors for our students, gives them their own strength and helps them make positive decisions and choices in their lives. Sincerely yours,   Lee Hazelbaker Principal Belgrade High School   Alison Counts Student Assistant Program Coordinator