A few years ago, the concept of YANA groups in schools was discussed and created by a group of women called “Beautifully Blessed.” This group was founded, and lead by Niki Vee, Jessii Vee’s mom. What the group wanted to accomplish was to prevent loneliness and isolation for kids in schools. Jessii was a part of this group and she wanted to use her platform to support and spread this idea. She felt very passionate about this movement as she herself had a difficult time in school fitting in. She has always taken the time to tell her YouTube following to “Embrace their weird side because normal is boring.” She wanted kids to feel empowered because of their differences not embarrassed or ashamed.

So “YANA Vee Team Connect” groups were born! Jessii wanted to see these groups in every school around the world. Her goal was to start a movement where schools/programs form groups that reach out to kids who are alone and having problems fitting in.

The goals of these groups were to spread kindness, be inclusive, reach out to those who are alone, prevent bullying, discourage hate, encourage justice/peace and spread love to everyone despite their differences.

After eight wonderful years however, we have made the very difficult decision to end our YANA program involvement in schools due to the high costs associated with program support and shipping our YANA products. We have had the honor of being involved with hundreds of schools over the years and it has been our joy to see incredible students join together to rally against injustice, bullying, exclusion and so much more. You are all such heroes and we are so proud of each one of you.

We would also like to thank all of the dedicated teachers, principals, counsellors and parents who have supported the YANA program. We could not have done this without your support and dedication to your students and children.

We will still have an online YANA Presence for as long as we can and we will continue to supply YANA products on our website at the lowest costs possible, while supplies last, so that schools can still run their programs and get what they need.

Please note that all future YANA programs will run independent of Jessii Vee Inc.

Please contact us should you have any questions about how to run a YANA program in your school. Please email us at yana@jessiivee.com.

Always know, we will be cheering you on!!