For more information about the ALLY Program, contact Lorrie Lewis at (530) 889-7867 or e-mail ALLY's mission is to provide an environment of support for personal growth and change. Students are the foundation of the program and will contribute to the program by: Being a positive role model. Sharing personal growth experiences. Helping others through school and community service. Maintaining an attitude toward and interest in continued personal growth. Improving relationships with family and friends. Exhibiting commitment and responsibility.

What is ALLY?

ALLY began with a group of 3 students who got together just to talk in 1993. With the support of Lorrie Lewis, Placer County Sheriff's Department Community Service Officer, and Larry Jenks, Placer County Sheriff Youth Services Officer, the group of 3 quickly grew into a much larger group. Since that time, ALLY has developed into an on-campus club that is not only a support group for the student growth, but an activity oriented system that provides a positive experience for "at-risk" youth.

ALLY students have a variety of life experiences that might bring them to the program. Problems with school, family, or the legal system could bring them to the attention of counselors, assistant principles, or the Youth Services Officer. Many times students are brought to the program by a friend.

Referral to the community resources is an option available to ALLY students. They have frequently contributed to the well being of their friends by making recommendations for family or personal counseling. In fact, ALLY is in the process of developing partnerships with community members in which mentors will provide additional support to ALLY members.

Since 1996, ALLY students have produced a community garden on the Del Oro High School campus. Monte White spearheaded the vision and the development of the garden as a tool to help develop commitment and responsibility in the ALLY members. The garden has a beginning, a middle and an end product. During the summers of 1997 and 1998, the garden produced approximately 100 pounds of vegetables per week that was given to the St. Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen. As a result of their garden connections with St. Vincent DePaul, students have cooked and served in the kitchen.

ALLY students have made Holiday visits to convalescent hospitals to visit and give small gifts to the senior citizens. They spearheaded a "sock drive" for a homeless shelter where they collected 1,500 pairs of socks for men, women, and children.

RYE (Rewarding Youth Experience) is another project ALLY students contribute their time and energy to. Several high school students go to Del Oro's feeder schools twice a month. They lead discussions and activities with a small group of "at-risk" elementary or middle school students.