The YA program in the Mid-Central Region started in June last year. In the past, there was some YA activity and a hiatus for couple of years as the previous YAs had graduated or moved away. The first thing we started was a email list-serve for the region to get the communication going. Swami sent YAs with previous YA experience from Los Angeles, Detroit, Colarado and Arizona. So our past experience helped us to get things started.

Currently there are at least four epicenters of YA activity. Lawrence, Manhattan & Kansas City (Kansas), St. Louis & Rolla, Columbia (Missouri), and Memphis (Tennessee). At the Regional level, we had our first regional service project - A winter warm clothing (blanket/jacket) drive - in conjunction with Swami's 78th Birthday. It was a regional theme but each group participated locally, with a goal of helping at least 78 homeless people. The YA groups involved the local Sai Centers and led the projects. They also reached out to other organizations like student groups in universities, volunteer groups in the communities, community service departments at work. The items were distributed thru homeless shelters and churches.

On the devotional side, we had our first YA devotional regional workshop. The theme was "Re-Defining Your Relationship with Swami". At least 50 YAs from the region attended and it was very inspiring. `This was a 2 day retreat and it was organized by YAs completely including accommodations, logistics, food etc.

At the local level, each of the YA groups meet regularly for Bhajans and Study Circles. The YA groups are very much integrated with the local Sai Centers and supporting them in devotional, Educational (SSE) and Service projects. The Kansas YA group performed a devotional music program and a skit at the Kansas City Mini Conference last year. They also energized the Akhand Bhajans with bhajan medleys. The St. Louis YA group directed a SSE program at the regional retreat and also performed a special program for Christmas. A few of the YAs are SSE teachers. The Memphis YA group supported the Sai Center for Christmas and Birthday devotional programs and service projects.