Social Services Focus During February KYLA Meeting
Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy met Feb. 5 at the Wellness Center where students learned about social services in the county. KYLA moderator Tony Ciriello opened the meeting by introducing
United Way Associate Director Jo Faulker presented the impact United Way has in Kosciusko County and some background on fundraising efforts, receiving most contributions from workforce, individuals and corporations. She discussed their three basic focus areas: education, income, and health. United Way is in partnership with Kindergarten Countdown, Project Independence, ALICE, and Baker Youth Club to increase the success of these programs. She discussed the annual Day of Caring event and how students could participate.
Faulker was followed by Tracie Hodson Executive Director of the Beaman Home. The Beaman Home has been providing shelter and services for victims of domestic abuse for 29 years. The service provides classes about parenting, budgeting and smart shopping. They are currently in the process of a 1.8 million dollar capital campaign for a new building.
Randy Hall of Cardinal Services discussed the multitude of services Cardinal offers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Opportunities include Head Start, WIC, sheltered work options, supported living, group homes, day services, respite care and KABS. The service was founded in 1954 by families in need. The first program had six students in one of the family’s homes and was modeled after Logan in St. Joseph County. Today they serve over 4,000 individuals a year and employee close to 500 employees.
Eric Lane of Fellowship Missions joined the meeting to discuss the homeless issue in Kosciusko County. He said they have two homes, one used as a men’s shelter and the other for women but are building a mutual location in the old Ken Anderson’s film building near the YMCA. The organization is fellowship and relationship focused which opened in 2010 with seven men and one woman with children for guests. In 2012, they provided shelter for 208 guests and in 2013 over 170. They also provide an average of 20,000 meals per year.
The last speaker for the social services meeting was Tim Nussbaum of the Bowen Center. Nussbaum used an interactive approach to speaking to the students regarding stress and mental illness. He discussed the history of the Bowen Center and the wide variety of programs offered by the organization which include home based service, employee and student assistance programs, inpatient units and more.
For more information about KYLA, visit www.kylaleadership.org.