Transitions - Judith Sarginson Steps Down as Executive Director of the youville centre

On August 31, I shall step down after nine years as Executive Director at the Youville Centre. It has been a privilege to work with dedicated staff and volunteers to improve the lives of young mothers and their children. My respect for these young women has increased as I watched them struggle to achieve their high school diploma and parent at the same time. No easy feat, on their own, and often without the support of family.

Much has changed over the past decade and Youville Centre has been responsive to the ever- changing needs of our clients. We have phased out our Childcare pre-school program and serve only infants and toddlers, 55 children aged 2 months – 2 1⁄2 years. Our high school program includes cooperative education and apprenticeship opportunities. Summer school in July enables our Moms to gain a full credit toward graduation. We are seeing increased numbers of graduates, most of whom go on to pursue post-secondary studies. A partnership with Youth Service Bureau has delivered a Youth Employment Program on-site giving our Moms real linkages to the world of work. Other partnerships have provided nurse practitioner services, mental health and addiction counselling and a possible dental clinic in the future.

Much, however, has not changed and continues to present real challenges for the future. Lack of adequate, sustainable funding necessitates that fund-raising be one of our priorities. We find ourselves needing to compete with other social service agencies for too few dollars in an already depressed economy. The presence of young single mothers and their needs motivates us to soldier on. Each year we provide bursaries to the children of former students as they enter college or university. These bursaries are proof that Youville Centre is committed to life-long learning and that we truly are making a difference with two generations.

Cindy Simpson will take over as Director on September 1. I wish her all the best in her new post. She is fortunate to have a very supportive Board of Directors, cooperative Ministry and School Board personnel, magnificent staff and volunteers to assist her as she advocates for our young families. I look forward to continuing my support of Youville Centre – behind the scenes!

- Judith Sarginson, Executive Director, 2002 - 2011