Dear Supporters,
It is exciting to share all the positive developments at NYFS as fall approaches! I love the changing of the seasons in Minnesota and am excitedly anticipating the busyness that September brings with children back in school and the faster pace in our services as individuals and families move back to their routines. Our team comes into the fall with a renewed sense of purpose and energy following summer vacations and long days of rejuvenating sunlight. What a metaphor for where NYFS is today!
The first development I’d like to share is that we have a new Strategic Plan and an upcoming event to celebrate the future direction of NYFS on September 21st. The process has been inclusive and intentional and the plan we are excited to share with you will create meaningful change for NYFS and our communities in the next three years.
Our second development is that NYFS is continuing to deepen our trauma-responsive work. We have secured a nearly $350,000 grant from Office of Justice Programs Crime Victims Services to create specialized advocacy and therapeutic services for domestic and sexual violence – serving children, adolescents, and adults. There is a dearth of specialized services in our region and an internal survey shows that 75% of our clients reported one or both of these forms of trauma. We are thrilled to have the financial support to provide clients with the specialized care they need and deserve! We are also proud to have several staff experts in these service areas and know these services will only serve to better support our communities and partners.
Angie Lewis-Dmello
NYFS President & CEO
