Service is important to my family. As a child, I was the youngest volunteer for the Good Neighbor Center stamping envelopes. In 2012, I was honored by an invitation to join the board of Kent Youth and Family Services. I hold this role and service dear to my heart today.
The wrap around services to the community provided by KYFS are all important. How can I pick the one service dearest to my heart, when the need is so great for all? Our agency started with mental health counseling in the early 70’s. Over time, additional areas were added as we realized that families needed more. Today, the need for behavioral and mental health services, early childhood learning, substance use disorder counseling, and supportive services for the youngest residents of our community is great. Education is my career, however, and supporting our community starting with our youngest residents – through our Head Start and ECEAP early childhood education programs – is instrumental for life. These programs promote emotional and social development that are critical for educational success. Educational success removes barriers, supports equity, and builds an even stronger community.
Lesley Hogan, KYFS Board Member