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Connections
October 2007
from the executive director…
There
have been many exciting changes to our programs and direction since our last
newsletter. First I’d like to welcome our new staff. Edmonds native
Chris Highland
is our administrative assistant. Chris is an author, trailblazer and former
interfaith chaplain.
Diana Shirley
is manager of the Youth Leadership Council. Many of you know Diana through
her long-time work as apprenticeship coordinator at Langley Middle School.
South Whidbey High School student
Heather Nielsen
has been hired to help in the kitchen at the Hub.
Frankie Petitclerc
has returned for her eighth year coordinating after-school activities for
the Hub.
At their September retreat, the SWYC board of directors
elected new officers:
Lucy Sharp
– president,
Sharon Beck
– vice president,
Gail Pierce
– secretary,
Tom White
– treasurer and
Susie Barnett
– past president. The board increased in size this past summer as
Katie Barnett, Susan Cohen, Jay Hudemann, Cathy Scherer
and
Tom White
were elected to two-year terms. Also at the retreat, the board began
developing a vision of where we want to be in three years when our ten-year
Drug-Free Communities Support grant comes to a close.
This summer we came to the difficult decision to close the
Walk-In Closet.
While the store was a wonderful opportunity for the youth in our community
to learn retail skills, the sales were insufficient to support the
operation.
We also decided to turn over the operations of the
Tutor/Mentor Program
over to Langley Middle School. We will continue to pay for the salary and
benefits for the tutor/mentor coordinator who will now be an employee of the
South Whidbey School District.
Federal funds for the Island County Meth Action Team ended
in July. We’ve been able to continue the efforts of the team with Community
Mobilization funds by focusing on all illegal drugs and the misuse of
prescription drugs. Along with the broader focus, the name of the group has
changed to the Island County Drug Action Team. In response to team efforts,
Island County Sheriff
Mark Brown
set up a tip line to report illegal drug activity. South Whidbey residents
can call 321-5111, extension 7319.
Finally, I’d like to thank all the individuals and
organizations who support the Youth Connection through their donations.
Your generosity is appreciated.
Duane Gimbel
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