Reaching for Stars

For the 22nd time, Youth and Family Services (YFS) YMCA (a branch of the Channel Islands YMCA) held its Reaching for Stars event. The funds raised make good things happen for youth. All 11 local chefs donned their chef’s hats to prepare the five-course dinner for a room full of guests at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club. Cocktails were served on the picturesque terrace before going inside for the leisurely taste-tempting dinner.

COO Jennifer Heinen–Stiffler welcomed all. The featured speaker was former federal prosecutor Lis Wiehl, who is experienced with troubled youth. The honorary chair was Lynn Karlson and closing the evening was YFS Executive Director Mac Hahn.

Youth and Family Services YMCA provides services and programs for youth, young adults, and families in high-risk environments. Participants in these programs experience greater safety and well-being while they develop the skills and lasting relationships they need for successful independent futures.

Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter has been around for almost 50 years, providing housing, counseling, and other basic needs to homeless runaways and foster youth. This a safe haven for thousands of young people, ages 12 to 17. St. George Youth Center is an after-school program that serves as a drop-in center away from gangs, alcohol, and drugs for 5th through 12th graders.

My Home is a supportive housing program for emancipated foster youth, ages 16-24, who need help with training for employment, educational attainment, finance, and all life skills. Street Outreach Services is where counseling teams connect with youth living on the streets. They help them with counseling, housing, and more. It must be terrifying to be dumped out of foster care with nowhere to go. These kids need help. To learn more, visit ciymca.org.