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About Us

Youth & Family Services, Inc. is a 501(c)3 private, non-profit, community-based charitable organization. Originally formed in 1974 to meet a critical community need for emergency shelter for children removed from their homes, YFS has grown to encompass a continuum of care to support families and children in the community.

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Team Photo by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Care. Hope. Mend.

Our History

YFS’s Beginnings

We have been providing hope for children in crisis for almost 50 years. Our humble beginning began in a small house in El Reno. The need was great and the emergency shelter filled up quickly. YFS relocated into the only space available, an abandoned nursing home. During these days, our minds were focused not only on caring for children but on our significant needs for better facilities. Although small, our Shelter was a safe place that provided children with security and hope, mending their physical and emotional wounds. YFS continued to grow to meet the needs of the community, adding program after program.

2002
The Donald W. Reynolds Caring Center is Born

The Caring Center consists of two buildings, a family services center and an emergency shelter - transforming our agency into the largest social services nonprofit in the community.

2010
Caring. Hoping. Mending.

Today YFS has over 10 programs serving Canadian, Blaine, Kingfisher and Oklahoma counties as well as other surrounding counties. In addition, to our emergency youth shelter, programs include: counseling, school consultation, Youth GED/educational services, mentoring, tutoring, independent living, youth employment services, parent training courses, drug and alcohol education and first-offender programs. The programs available through Youth & Family Services are here to serve the community providing care, facilitating hope and mending broken lives.

1974
New Beginnings

YFS is awarded a generous grant from the Donald W. Reynold Foundation, allowing for the construction of the Donald W. Reynolds Caring Center to begin.

2007
Donations Make a Difference

The Spot, a recreational meeting place for the youth of Watonga and the surrounding areas, started by a youth group in Blaine County from community donations.

Today

To provide, promote, assist and facilitate a community-based, structured process of counseling, socialization, recreation, educational assistance, and in emergency youth shelter for youth and their families who have been identified as in need of assistance in adjusting to current life situations.

 

At Youth & Family Services our motto is “Caring today for better tomorrows”. We strive to assist every child and youth we serve with the overall goal of creating a better future.

  1. Kids are important and their opinions matter.
  2. The kids have rights and they matter.
  3. We will respect them as individuals.
  4. Our services should have a positive impact on kids.
  5. The convenience of the staff will not be put before the benefit of the kids.
  6. Keep it simple.
  7. Kids are in better shape when we support the family unit.
  8. Set and consistently enforce high expectations.
  9. Provide all children we serve with care and support.
  10. Our services will promote and contribute to healthy development.
  11. We will encourage and help provide to our children serious fun on a regular basis.
  12. It’s the quality not the quantity

Our Staff

John Schneider by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

John Schneider

Executive Director
April Teague by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

April Teague

Finance Director
Melissa Larimore by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Melissa Larimore

LPC, Community Programs Director
Latuisha Davis by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Latuisha Davis

Campus Director
Carol Plemmons by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Carol Plemmons

Community Outreach Lead
Gayle Voyles by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Gayle Voyles

Clinical Coordinator
Rachel Goble by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Rachel Goble

Foster Care Coordinator
Kristin Grimland by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Kristin Grimland

Foster Care Recruitment and Retention Coordinator

Stefanie Wright

Work Ready Yukon Program Director

Evan King

Work Ready Yukon Program Manager
Ryan Wintjen by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Ryan Wintjen

Independent Living Coordinator
Coming Soon by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Jan Foreman

Friends Coordinator
Misty Huber by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Misty Huber

Human Resources
Coming Soon by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Maria Galila

Accountant
Lisa Kieklak by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Lisa Kieklak

Operations Assistant
Coming Soon by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Dian Larson

First Time Offender Coordinator
Director of Greeting - Romeo by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Romeo

D.O.G. Director of Greeting

Cathy Latta

Clinical Director

Board Member

Board member - Craig McVay by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Craig McVay

President
Board member - Leslie Osborn by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Leslie Osborn

Vice President
Board member - Gonzo Garzon by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Gonzo Garzon

Treasurer & Secretary
Board member - Tim Rooney by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Tim Rooney

Board Member
Board member - Terry Corbett by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Terry Corbett

Board Member
Coming Soon by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Tracey Rider

Board Member
Coming Soon by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services

Tangi Smith

Board Member

For other Agency Staff

Please Contact:

contact.yfs@yfsok.org 

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Partner Employers

How partnering with Work Ready Oklahoma benefits employers:

 

  1. Access to a Skilled Workforce – Our comprehensive workshops and coaching equip participants with the skills and knowledge required for today’s job market, offering employers a pool of job-ready candidates. 
  2. Reduced Recruitment Cost – By providing a pool of work-ready individuals, the program can significantly reduce the time and financial resources employers typically invest in the recruitment process. 
  3. Enhanced Community Relationships – Partnering with WRO allows businesses to contribute to community development, enhancing their reputation and brand image. 
  4. Retention Support – WRO focuses on long-term success, offering ongoing support and coaching to WRO participants, which can lead to higher retention rates and a more stable workforce. 

For more information, please contact:

employment@wro-yukon.com

(405) 577-6333

Program Participants

Whether you’re looking for your first job, a better job, or you’re returning to the workforce, we’ve got your back. We provide our program participants with job training workshops, community connections, and ongoing job coaching that give them with the skills and support they need to find, get, and keep the right job.

For more information, please contact:

recruitment@wro-yukon.com

(405) 577-6333

Friends of YFS
Brighten a child’s future in times of crisis by generously donating items from the YFS Wish List! Your donations empower us to provide even better care and support to the young individuals participating in our programs, fostering hope and peace in their lives. We gratefully welcome new or gently used clothing and household items, as well as new hygiene products and undergarments.
Wish List
Brighten a child’s future in times of crisis by generously donating items from the YFS Wish List! Your donations empower us to provide even better care and support to the young individuals participating in our programs, fostering hope and peace in their lives. We gratefully welcome new or gently used clothing and household items, as well as new hygiene products and undergarments.
Foster a Child
We value foster families and understand the commitment that is needed to make a difference in the life of a child. YFS provides support that helps foster children feel loved throughout their foster care experience. We want to help children in our community – stay in their community, so children are matched to a loving foster family in the community!
Volunteer
Volunteering at Youth and Family Services, Inc. is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young individuals and families. Support our mission by contributing your time to create positive change and support the well-being of our community.

Short-Term Family Solutions

Parents in Canadian County may utilize the Caring Center Emergency Shelter for up to 48 hours in a crisis situation. This can often provide the parent and child with the critical time they need to de-escalate and gain a new perspective on a difficult situation.

For further help, please contact:

Shelter Director

(405) 262-6555


Emergency Shelter

Our Caring Center Emergency Shelter provides short-term care in a family like setting for children ages 0-18. On average, the Caring Center supports 100 children each year. These children are offered a place of safety during uncertain and turbulent times. Additionally, counseling services within Youth & Family Services, Inc. may be accessed as necessary, making a difference in assisting these children on their path to healing and recovery.  We are also a designated runaway Basic Center. The Caring Center offers a homelike setting, with plenty of recreational opportunities, in a healthy environment.

For further help, please contact:

Shelter Director

(405) 262-6555

Intergenerational at Intrada

Structured, intentional opportunities for low-income seniors, other vulnerable adults, youth and young adults to connect and bond through shared social, recreational, educational, and volunteer activities.

For further help, please contact:

Youth and Family Services

(405) 262-6555

Transitional Living

The Transitional Living Program provides services for young adults between the ages of 16 – 21 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, including pregnant and young adult parents with their children. The program provides counseling, life skills, education, and mentoring to enable young adults to become more self-sufficient.

 

25 young adults were served through the Transitional Living Programs this past year, and provided with supportive services and long-term housing (18 months). 118 young adults received short-term support including groceries, clothing, transportation, utilities, rent, deposits, mentoring, counseling, life skill classes, and referrals.

For further help, please contact:

Youth & Family Services

(405) 262-6555

Street Outreach

The Street Outreach program provides help for homeless teens and young adults who may not be ready for the structure of a live-in program. Street Outreach provides a place to get a meal, do laundry, take a shower or access a computer.

For further help, please contact:

Youth & Family Services

(405) 262-6555

Respite and Emergency Placements

As a YFS foster family, you can help to provide a temporary home for children between placements or provide respite for other YFS foster families as needed. This additional support for children and foster families leads to better placement stability and successful outcomes for children in care.

For further help, please contact:

Foster Care Staff

(405) 262-6555

fostercare@yfsok.org

Foster Care

As a YFS foster family, you can help to provide a temporary home for children between placements or provide respite for other YFS foster families as needed. This additional support for children and foster families leads to better placement stability and successful outcomes for children in care.

For further help, please contact:

Foster Care Staff 

(405) 262-6555

fostercare@yfsok.org

Outreach Counseling

Outreach counselors move from school to school reaching children and adolescents in three counties with crisis intervention, individual counseling, group counseling, and educational programs. Behavior management consultation is also made available to school personnel. 

 

The Journey of Hope program uses a youth-centered, strengths-based approach to provide young people with positive resources to understand and cope with emotions caused by traumatic situations in a group setting. This program gives young people the opportunity to normalize their emotions and develop positive coping strategies through cooperative play, creative arts and literature.

 

School systems served are Canadian Blaine and Kingfisher counties. 

For further help, please contact:

(405) 262-6555

counseling@yfsok.org

Individual Counseling

YFS’ counseling service is a compassionate haven for individuals seeking support and healing. Specializing in trauma, crisis intervention, substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, social skills development, and positive relationship building, we are dedicated to helping youth navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope. Our counseling provide a safe and understanding environment, guiding troubled youth towards recovery and personal growth.

For further help, please contact:

counseling@yfsok.org

(405) 262-6555

YFS DADS
The YFS DADS Program provides educational workshops and mentoring for fathers in all walks of life. DADS workshops focus on effective communication, conflict resolution, stress management, coping strategies, healthy discipline strategies and other parenting/co-parenting strategies. Participants will receive case management services, mentoring, life coaching and connection with resources, as needed. Additionally, participants will have access to YFS counselors for individual and family therapy services.
Work Ready Yukon
WRO is aimed at empowering low-income Oklahomans with the skills and support needed to achieve financial stability by helping them obtain and maintain quality employment.
Emergency Shelter by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services
Children’s Emergency Shelter
Provides temporary and emergency shelter to abused and homeless youth ages 0 to 18 that are in DHS or OJA custody, or to families experiencing crisis
Independent Living by YFSOK, Youth and Family Services
Independent Living
Provides services for youth ages 18-21, including life-skills training and housing, to assist them in a successful transition to adulthood