Christmas Letter from the Board of Directors

christmasgiftclipartEight children spent the holidays with us last year in our emergency shelter. By “us” I mean Youth & Family Services, where I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors.  Some had been removed from abusive homes, and were scared and unsure.  Some were in between foster care placements, – repeat customers who just needed a warm bed for a few nights.  We assisted another 45 youth and children through the holidays in our other residential programs.

We all look forward to the holidays. It’s a time to reflect on the meaning of family, reconnect with loved ones and reflect on home and what it means to us.  For so many the holidays are a time of peace and joy.  For some, however, they are a time of loneliness, uneasiness and depression.  As a youth shelter, we unfortunately see the loneliness and the pain.  We strive to bring joy and cheer to the children, youth, and teenage mothers with infants in our care this time of year. We distribute toys, clothing, and basic necessities.

To quote John Donne, “No man is an island” and someone has helped us all achieve what we have achieved.  I am committed to helping YFS ensure that these children receive the gift of a year full of possibilities.  Last year our annual request raised $15,000, which enabled us to provide toys, literacy materials, baby necessities and food throughout the year to 200 children in our shelter and 25 children in foster care.  This year our goal is $25,000, which will allow us to serve even more children.  With your help, we will grow our network of foster families and help more than 40 children placed in their care.

Investing in YFS is investing in your community. Our youth are the future and they all deserve better.  Through your investment we can feed the hungry, house the homeless and provide so much more.  You can give through this website or mail a donation to:  YFS, PO Box 1207, El Reno, OK  73099.  Visit additional pages on this website to learn more about our programs, which provide much needed services and hope to over 2,500 people each year.

While many of us cannot take in a child, you can help us do that very thing.  And I wish you a very blessed holiday season!

Very Truly Yours,
YFS Board of Directors