We’ve All Been There…
Every year Youth & Family Services helps hundreds of children, their families, and seniors. Difficulties are resolved, children grow up and families move on. Was there a time in your past that you appreciated having Youth and Family Services in the Mercer Island community?
On February 13, 2019 (Save The Date!) Mercer Island Youth and Family Services’ Foundation Annual Breakfast will celebrate 30 years of Foundation support to Youth and Family Services (YFS). Each Foundation Board member and Breakfast Committee Member has his or her own personal story of why they appreciate YFS being in their lives. Board members are reaching out to the community to gather and showcase a collection of stories from YFS work between 1973 – 2015 (industry best practices suggest a 2-3 year window from time of care). If you are interested in telling your story of appreciation for services, the Foundation would like to hear about the role YFS played in your life or the life of your family.
Let Us Know:
• What you appreciated about YFS – i.e. school counselor, family therapist, Diversion services, or Geriatric specialist for a senior family member, etc.
• When – approximate dates (from 1973 up to 2015 only)
• What are you doing now and looking back, how was YFS useful to you?
• Whether you prefer to remain anonymous or to share and provide your name?
Please e-mail your story to:
Click Here 30 Years-30 Stories: Community Collection of YFS Stories
Or you can mail or hand deliver your story to:
YFS Foundation 30 Years-30 Stories
2040 84th Ave SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Our collective stories serve as a reminder that as humans we need connection and care.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this question and our best to you and yours,
-MIYFS Foundation Board of Directors and Breakfast Committee Members
We missed the signs; YFS did not.
One example of appreciation:
“Imagine the middle school principal calls you after school and asks if you know where your child is? You respond confidently that the child is studying with a friend, and the principal presses to make sure you know for sure – because your child has shared suicidal thoughts with a teacher. That happened to us, but the horrifying moment eventually took a turn for the better with the compassionate support and expertise YFS counselor, Harry Brown. He developed a strong relationship with our child and referred us to an outside provider for additional help. Over time our child learned to cope with anxiety and to respect the self again. And to love those who showed the way. We missed the signs; YFS did not. Our family is intact and healthy due to their watchful care.” -MI parent of an 18 year old
Click Here for the 2018 Annual Report “Here to Help”
The work of MIYFS fosters well-being across the lifespan of our fellow residents.
Mercer Island Youth and Family Services is a Department of the City of Mercer Island. Mercer Island Youth and Family Services is a public/private partnership of the City and the sole full service provider for social and human services in the City. The work of MIYFS fosters well-being across the lifespan of our fellow residents.
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The Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation
The Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation raises funds for MIYFS and provides critical support for the annual operating budget.
Partner with us in reaching our goals: Limitless Possibilities | Limitless Opportunities
MIYFS Eight Programs and Services:
Licensed Mental Health Counselors at MISD Public Schools
Friendship, stress & anxiety, self-esteem, family concerns, anger and crisis counseling; drug & alcohol prevention/intervention experts at IMS and MIHS.
Voice & SVP
Teens participate in an 8-week summer program and learn firsthand the importance of giving back through volunteer opportunities.
Thrift Shop
Give. Shop. Volunteer. Focus on work-skill development and sustainability.
Healthy Youth Initiative
Preventing the harm caused by youth drug & alcohol use, depression, anxiety and other risk behaviors.
Mental Health Services
Counseling for individuals, couples and families on a sliding fee scale.
Diversion & Early Intervention
Arrested youth are re-focused on positive learning experiences while being held accountable for illegal behavior.
Senior Outreach and Advocacy
Full range of geriatric services for issues related to aging including consultation, counseling and care management.
Family & Emergency Assistance & Food Pantry
Supports for rent, utility, holiday, back to school and employment assistance. Food Pantry at Luther Burbank Park offices.