YES Celebrates 43 Years | Youth, volunteers and Valve Software honored at annual meeting

Published 2:23 pm Monday, June 27, 2011

Youth Eastside Services (YES) Board of Trustees honored a number of individuals and groups at its recent annual meeting.

Valve Software, based in Bellevue, a entertainment software and technology company, has have been supporters of YES for four years and employees donated almost $14,000 in their last holiday giving drive. In addition two Valve employees serve as mentors for YES youth.

“We are honored to work with such a community-conscious organization and we look forward to a long partnership,” said YES Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan.

Community volunteers Dona Golden and Linda Reichenbach were recognized for their part in the annual Invest in Youth breakfast, which raised $455,000 for uncompensated care and underfunded programs at YES.

For 10 years, these ladies have worked to support the mission of YES and the kids and families we serve,” said Skelton-McGougan. “They have each made significant contributions not only in fundraising, but also in being advocates for the work YES does.”

Each year, YES recognizes youth who have made significant progress in their treatment goals. This year, five youth received awards.

Joseph, 14, who has a father in jail and lost his mother to a drug overdose and has had to cope with abuse. He is now doing well, processing his traumatic past and in the process being adopted.

Efrain, 15, was recognized for overcoming a serious drug addiction and is now clean and sober and on his way to being a star soccer player.

Others were recognized for their accomplishments and leadership skills despite challenging circumstances.

During the meeting of more than 100, which is also an open house for the community, Skelton-McGougan acknowledged the hard work of the board and staff who have managed to balance the budget and maintain service levels despite funding cuts and challenging economic times. Milestones of service were recognized for five staff, ranging from 5-15 years and also for Stan Mandell a volunteer psychologist for 25 years of service, and board member Rich O. Wagner who has served for 15 years.

Skelton-McGougan said some of the trends that YES has noted recently include an increase in severity of problems and in marijuana use among teens.

“These are challenging times for families and the additional stress contributes to more family violence, substance abuse, depression, anxiety and other emotional stresses,” Skelton-McGougan said. “And,” she added, “fewer can afford to pay for the treatment they need.”

Dona Golden & Linda Reichenbach are recognized for their contributions to fundraising to YES by Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan.

Courtesy photo