Saying YES to kids
November 23, 2019
The idea of a typical Bainbridge kid: carefree, well-heeled, naturally good student, gifted athlete – is just fiction. Substance abuse, depression, and suicidality are today a matter of course in a high school student’s life. As are family issues, stress, and anxiety. Kids in our community are dealing with pretty serious issues—and they need our help.
No student should have to cope without the basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Beyond that, positive educational, recreational, and extracurricular activities can make all the difference in the lives of young people. And sometimes helping to relieve even a minor financial barrier can open the door to participation in meaningful activities.
The YES Fund is a collaborative partnership of the Bainbridge Community Foundation, the Bainbridge Schools Foundation, Bainbridge Youth Services, and Helpline House. BCF has provided grant funds that will be available to students at Bainbridge High School, Eagle Harbor High School, and Woodward Middle School. When students, counselors, or administrators identify a student with a need, a quick and confidential application process is all that stands in the way of saying “yes” to kids when they need help.
For those families with students in sixth grade or younger, Helpline House will also have funds available to distribute to families through a similar quick and confidential application process. Any family experiencing a temporary crisis will also have access to Helpline’s suite of services as well.
The need for the YES Fund was identified at a gathering of community volunteers, many of them active parents, school administrators, and nonprofit professionals who had first-hand knowledge of the need to provide a fast and easy help to young people. Bainbridge Community Foundation is currently piloting two years of funding for the YES Fund, thanks to the generosity of Stephen & Karen Hall, Kelly Webster, and other donors who have committed funds to the pilot.
To learn more about the YES Fund, please contact us at 206.842.0433. If you would like to contribute to the YES Fund, click here.
Category: Programs
