NewsFeed | 10.14.22

youthinneed — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:45:15 +0000

In this issue: Big IDEA awards honor former CEO’s legacy; Youth In Need rallies for annual United Way campaign; and new Board members join Youth In Need.

Whose Big IDEA Is This?

After Youth In Need’s beloved former CEO passed away in 2017, a group of staff and Board volunteers decided to recognize Jim’s life of service with an annual award for staff who exemplify Jim’s attributes of Innovation, Dedication, Excellence and Advocacy. This year’s James A. Braun Big IDEA Award honorees are Debbie Gittemeier, a Family Advocate in the Early Learning Program; Tyra Grose, Staffing and Administration Manager for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs; Sarah Henry, Family Educator in the Early Learning Program; and Salam Saeed, Facilities Supervisor. Congratulations to the honorees and to the 16 other staff who were nominated this year!

Debbie Gittemeier, Early Learning Program Family Advocate: Debbie’s nominator said she is “an absolutely integral part of Lincoln County ELP.” Fueled by compassion and always giving 100 percent, what stands out about Debbie is her ability to build relationships with co-workers, clients and local organizations. One parent said, “I would not have made it the last six months without Debbie’s support. I lost the people closest to me, my entire support system. She made it clear that I had support . . . she sat in silence with me when that’s what I needed, and we talked when I was ready.”

Tyra Grose, Runaway and Homeless Youth Staffing and Administration Manager: Tyra began her career as a Youth Care Worker at the Emergency Shelter right before the pandemic, and she’s already been promoted twice! Always striving for excellence, she embraces learning and holds herself and other to high standards. Her nominator said, “Tyra is a current and future leader at YIN and exemplifies the ideas of Jim in all she does. In ordinary times, Tyra deserves this award and in these hard times, she is stronger still. Residential programs would literally not operate without very dedicated, quiet doers—they don’t ask for much attention. Tyra is one of those people who just keeping getting the job done!”

Sarah Henry, Early Learning Program Family Educator: A true partner and advocate for families, Sarah helps parents problem solve and find resources all while building trust and rapport and giving encouragement and support. Always one to go above and beyond, Sarah literally helped one of her families escape Afghanistan and return to safety in the U.S. last year. Her nominator said Sarah is a “treasure” to her teammates and managers, always making others feel comfortable and included. “I believe her positive attitude naturally invites people to bring their whole self into any space that she is in.”

Salam Saeed, Facilities Facility Supervisor: Going above and beyond is just how Salam tackles his job. Every day, he ensures our facilities are well-functioning, safe, comfortable and inviting for our clients and staff. In addition to his many responsibilities, Salam has been highly involved with the Academy School renovation where he’s been on site daily to work with contractors. If the alarm goes off in the middle of the night, Salam responds. When the building flooded this summer, Salam quickly responded to salvage equipment and mitigate damage. Always smiling, quickly fixing problems, and coming up with ideas to make things better, Salam is widely loved and a huge asset to Youth In Need.

United Way Rallies for Annual Campaign

This month, the United Way of Greater St. Louis will wrap up its annual fundraising campaign, which supports 164 organizations in the St. Louis region including Youth In Need. For 100 years, the United Way has been helping people to create a stronger, healthier and more equitable region for all. With a continued focus on creating a strong safety net of nonprofits that can meet the vast needs of our community, the United Way’s vital funding helps us provide critical and direct services to children and families in the St. Louis region. And the best part of the United Way’s funding is that is flexible, allowing us to apply funds where they are most needed each year. Youth In Need is also holding its own internal United Way fundraising campaign this month, and our staff has already donated more than $12,000 to the campaign! Learn more about the United Way’s century of helping at helpingpeople.org.

New Board Members

Youth In Need has elected three new members to our Board of Directors. Welcome!

Ryan Arnold is the Vice President of Division Operations at Ameren Missouri.

Jasmin Marshall is a Child and Family Development Assistant Professor at St. Louis Community College.

Candace Runions is an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher in the Hazelwood School District.

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NewsFeed | 4.27.22

youthinneed — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:15:18 +0000

In this issue: Lighting switch to save thousands; reserve your trivia table; and save the date for Give STL Day.

More Money for Mission with Light Switch

Thanks to Ameren Missouri’s Business Social Services Incentive Program (BSS) and PCS Energy, Youth In Need is set to save approximately $28,000 each year by switching to LED lighting at six of its locations. Available to nonprofit organizations that provide social services to the community, Ameren’s BSS Program provides incentives for customers to receive installed efficient technologies that provide energy savings.

“At Ameren, we believe in working together with the communities we serve to make lasting change,” said Ryan Arnold, Ameren Missouri’s Vice President (Division Operations) and Celebration of Youth Cabinet member at Youth In Need. “It is a privilege as an Ameren employee and a volunteer with Youth In Need to know that our combined efforts will help young people in our communities thrive, as well as the organizations that serve them.”

PCS Energy, an Ameren-certified provider, replaced all the incandescent lighting in emergency exits, hallways, offices and restrooms with energy-efficient LED lighting that includes five-year bulbs. Ameren’s cash incentives to complete the work totaled more than $63,000.

Reserve Your Trivia Table Today!

Youth In Need’s Young Professionals Group will hold its annual Trivia Night to benefit Youth In Need on Friday, May 20, 2022, at the Bridgeton Recreation Center at 4201 Fee Fee Road. Registration is $185 for tables of eight. Don’t have a team but still want to play? Register as an individual for $25 per person, and you’ll be matched with a table. Beer, wine and soda are provided. Outside food and drinks are permitted; just no glass, please. Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Your fun-filled evening includes 10 rounds of trivia, a silent auction, raffles and more! Register or secure your sponsorship online today. For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities or to make an auction donation, email Emily Birgenheier, Development Services Manager.

Save the Date for Give STL Day

Mark your calendars for the largest day of giving in the St. Louis metro area! Give STL Day is Thursday, May 5, 2022. Support Youth In Need, and make a difference in the life of a child. Watch for our social media takeover for opportunities to donate and maximize your donation during Power Hours. And don’t forget to share our posts to help make this year’s Give STL Day one for the record books.

The post NewsFeed | 4.27.22 appeared first on Youth In Need.

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