The Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation’s exclusive mission is to support the programs and services of the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) Department.
Thank you GiveBIG 2019 donors for supporting MIYFS for National Mental Health Month
With your generosity we exceeded our goal and raised over $6,000
Make mental health a priority and daily practice. Be sure that family members have a reasonable number of activities and don’t get in the trap of constantly being ‘busy’ or active. All minds, particularly children’s, need down time with no planned activities. Proactively check-in with loved ones directly and compassionately if you wonder if anyone is contemplating suicide, or seems unusually down or demonstrates a marked change in behavior or mood. This is especially true for children and teens growing up under the microscope of social media while trying to live up to great expectations amidst news of less certain futures. We were made to connect with others–stay connected to friends and loved ones.
MIYFS School Counselors Funded Through December 2020
Read MIYFS Foundation Message to Donors & Community
On April 30, 2019 the City Council voted to apply monies (underspending in 2018 and staff attrition in 2019) for one time funding to restore the MIYFS elementary school mental health counselors slated for elimination from September 2019-through December 2020. The money pledged by the MIYFS Foundation and MI Schools Foundation to retain the MIYFS school counselors for the 2019-2020 school year is no longer needed and the City rejected our joint offer.
We offer ardent appreciation for our community of generous donors who care deeply about the full range of MIYFS services, and to Mercer Island Schools Foundation for your significant offer to support MIYFS Mental Health Counselors in every public school.
Youth Well-Being
Last month MIYFS hosted numerous presentations with Dr. Suniya Luthar, Ph.D. Dr. Luthar shared the findings and offered several recommendations for parent, and parent-figures, to support the well-being of Mercer Island youth. Read More
MIYFS Foundation funded this research and community presentations. Your donations to MIYFS Foundation made this possible. Thank You!
2019 MIYFS Foundation Annual Breakfast Raised $377,480 raised so far…
Right now we have a very special match opportunity for people who could NOT attend the Breakfast: any gift of $500 or more will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000. DONATE NOW
As ambassadors for the work of MIYFS, please share this offer with your friends, families and neighbors so that we can exhaust this generous match and help meet our goal to maintain a mental health counselor in every public school as well as a fully funded senior services position.
This brand new $50,000 Matching Gift Incentive Donation, from a Mercer Island family who chooses to remain anonymous, has been offered specifically to those who could not attend the Annual Breakfast, yet still care deeply about the work YFS does in the community and schools, for seniors, families and youth.
Thank You,
– Lisa Katsman, 2019 Annual Breakfast Chair
Watch our Breakfast Video
Thank our Sponsors and Shop Local Business Partners
Gift of Stock Instructions
The 15 member volunteer Board of Directors resolve to support the Department is buoyed by their faith in you – Mercer Island residents – and your understanding of the value of MIYFS services, as well as your generosity.
THANK YOU!
Click to read the MIYFS Foundation Board Post Levy Message to the Community
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.