Written and Contributed By: Dr. Crosby Schmidt

Did you know?

YSB partners with Faith Communities by:

• offering education sessions to confirmation classes (youth and parents)
• speaking during and after services on a variety of topics
• providing information and resources for newsletters, websites, and bulletins on what is coming up in your community
• information of topics of your choice!

If you are interested in learning more about what YSB can do for your faith community, and what resources we can provide – CLICK Here!

Research shows that when help is needed, early and immediate interventions support better learning and increase positive outcomes.  We look forward to connecting and learning how we can help educate and support youth and families – and your wider community.

On December 7, 2018, YSB Executive Director, Robert T. Sherman, Jr. joined an elite group of individuals when he  was inducted into the Youth Intervention Hall of Fame.

Nominated for the Friends of Youth Leadership Award, Bob was chosen because he stood out as a leader in their field with a tireless commitment to youth.

Since 1999, the Youth Intervention Hall of Fame includes individuals that go above and beyond in their service to youth in need and recognizes them for their accomplishments. Over the years, only 81 individuals out of thousands of youth workers have achieved such status in the Youth Intervention field.

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a big deal,” said Paul Meunier, the Executive Director of the Youth Intervention Programs Associations (YIPA). “We know that everyone who devotes their career to helping our most vulnerable youth is a superstar, but Hall of Fame members stand out as incredible people that we should all try to emulate.”

“I’m truly honored, and humbled, to receive this award” said Bob Sherman.  “Working with Paul Meunier, his staff and board has been delightful! We’re all dedicated to the same end: advocating for legislative support and providing professional training for social workers who help at-risk youth turn their lives around and become caring, successful adults. Many of these kids just need guidance and support through tough times, and like Youth Service Bureau, YIPA’s other member organizations provide that very well.”

Bob Sherman works for the Youth Service Bureau, Inc. (YSB) as the Executive Director.  YSB has been providing services since 1976 in Washington County and the surrounding communities.  YSB serves over 5,000 youth and their families every year through mental health counseling, diversion services, school based chemical health support, and education on topics like bullying, social media, and depression.  www.ysb.net   #betterchoicesbrighterfutures

Youth Intervention connects young people with caring adults to develop their unique abilities and individual talents so they become productive, contributing members of their community.

Congrats to YSB’s Andree Aronson, Development Director, as the November recipient of  “In the Spotlight” for Cottage Grove Area’s Women in Business! 

At this time of year there is a heightened awareness of gratitude and giving. 

We at YSB are beyond blessed with our expanding partnerships, and the amazing support we receive from our community.

We have increased the numbers of youth and families that we have served throughout this last year, in large part to our recent capital and program expansion campaign that:

• brought new therapists to YSB
• expanded our Chemical Health support in ISD 622, ISD 833, and ISD 834
• more than tripled the amount of Youth and Family Education sessions offered in 2018
• has measurably increased our visibility in the community.

YSB has much to be grateful for – from those who use our services and those that help fund our work – together we support better choices and brighter futures!

Thank you for all you do for the youth and families in our communities!

Chemical Health Spotlight:

Did you know that District 833 and the Youth Service Bureau have partnered to provide two Chemical Health Specialists to deliver services in the high schools?

‘YSB’ is a non-profit located in Washington County and offers a range of services focusing on youth and their families.

Gina Johnson, Prevention Specialist 

Colleen O’Neil, LADC, Clinical Specialist

How we help:

Colleen is the Chemical Health Clinical Specialist for District 833. Her role is to help students and families access confidential services including:

• One on one support for students who use substances, have a history of substance use, and/or are impacted by other’s use.
• Support groups such as concerned persons and sober support.
• Family sessions regarding youth substance use focus on connecting families to resources.
• Parent and staff consultation- daily/ weekly communication w/referents and with both admin/counseling staff.
• Chemical health screenings and pre-assessments- as needed, counselor discretion.
• Referrals to outside resources and follow-up support.

 Service provided:

• Monday-Woodbury, 7:15am-3:15pmTuesday-East Ridge, 7:15am-3:15pm

  Wednesday-Park, 7:15am-3:15pm

  Thursday-South Washington Alternative, 7:15a-3:15pm

  Friday-Float day (go to which school has greatest need)

Stay tuned for next week’s “Chemical Health Spotlight” on the current substance use trends and their nicknames.

Learn more about all YSB’s Chemical Health Services. Call 651.439.8800 for support!