
You reap what you sow.
There's more to this cliché than planting corn to get corn. It also involves preparing the soil, eliminating weeds, and watering as needed. A good harvest has everything to do with good planning, smart choices, and hard work.
Our youth have so many activities and opportunities, that most kids and families are on overload. We empty our pockets in order to fill up our calendars and wonder why our kids don't feel confident, competent, and content. We want our kids to learn lifelong skills through participation in sports, band, and robotics club, yet our ESPN culture is focused on the stars, the championships, and the community pride. Kids, who don't measure up or fit in, feel dejected.
Youth 1st is focused on uniting our communities in values-based youth development. We help community leaders, organizations, parents, coaches, and sponsors cultivate the potential of each young person to BEcome Your Best through the 5 R's of Growth.
There's more to this cliché than planting corn to get corn. It also involves preparing the soil, eliminating weeds, and watering as needed. A good harvest has everything to do with good planning, smart choices, and hard work.
Our youth have so many activities and opportunities, that most kids and families are on overload. We empty our pockets in order to fill up our calendars and wonder why our kids don't feel confident, competent, and content. We want our kids to learn lifelong skills through participation in sports, band, and robotics club, yet our ESPN culture is focused on the stars, the championships, and the community pride. Kids, who don't measure up or fit in, feel dejected.
Youth 1st is focused on uniting our communities in values-based youth development. We help community leaders, organizations, parents, coaches, and sponsors cultivate the potential of each young person to BEcome Your Best through the 5 R's of Growth.
The "M's" in the Operation
Mark Arjes
Founder, Director An Iowa native, Mark Arjes moved to Owatonna, MN in the fall of 2000. Mark is a co-founder and director of the Youth 1st Community Initiative, a non profit organization that promotes a unified community approach to youth development. He has spent over 30 years in the business sector, most recently in business development working with corporate clients including Federated Insurance, Best Buy, Target and DirecTV. A four sport athlete at Turkey Valley High School, he earned a BA in Physical Education from Wartburg College (Waverly, IA) where he was an All-American wrestler and All IIAC Baseball Player. Mark has coached a variety of youth athletics for over 40 years, has led or participated in numerous youth association boards and is a past president of the Huskies Bullpen Club. Mark has also served as a MN High School League Official in wrestling and an Umpire in baseball. Mark currently resides in Owatonna and has been married to his wife Cathi for 31 years, has 5 married children and 5 grandchildren. Contact Mark Arjes at: mark.arjes@youth1st.com (612) 968-9192 |
& Co-Founders Mark Arjes (left) and Mark Hendricks (right) were presented with a grant from the MN Timberwolves Fastbreak Foundation.
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