Q: How is Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS) doing?
A: BYS continues to provide counseling, support, and hope to youth and families throughout our community. Like many nonprofit organizations these days, we have experienced some transitions this year but our mission and commitment to serving youth remains strong and steadfast.
Q: There have been some staffing changes recently. What is happening?
A: Yes, BYS has experienced several staff transitions this year. Some employees have moved on to new opportunities, some have adjusted their schedules, and summer often brings additional changes as school-year commitments come to an end.
While transitions can be challenging, they also provide an opportunity to evaluate our needs, bring in new talent and expertise, and strengthen the organization. We are actively recruiting and onboarding new therapists and staff members who share our commitment to serving youth and families in our community.
Most importantly, our services remain available and uninterrupted. We continue to focus on providing high-quality support to the young people who rely on BYS.
Q: How are services for youth being affected?
A: Our highest priority is ensuring our youth continue to receive the support they need. We have worked diligently to maintain services, support our clinical team, and ensure continuity of care for clients and families. Young people continue to have access to free counseling and support, and we remain committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care. We currently have appointment openings available and encourage youth seeking support to contact us.
Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of thus far this year?
A: I’m proud of the resilience and dedication of our board members, staff, volunteers, and financial supporters. Together, we continue to serve youth, expand community outreach, strengthen organizational systems, improve operational processes, enhance clinical reporting and accountability practices, and build the foundation for future growth.
Most importantly, young people continue to receive the support and care they deserve. Every challenge we have faced has reinforced the importance of our mission, the strength of our team, and the support of our community.
Q: What gives you hope for the future of BYS?
A: Every day I see the positive impact BYS has on the lives of young people and families. I’m inspired by the commitment of our board of directors and staff, the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our donors, and the support of our community. As we welcome new team members, continue investing in youth mental health, and strengthen our programs, I believe BYS has a very bright future ahead.
Q: Is BYS affiliated with a religious organization?
A: No, BYS is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of youth and families in our community. We serve individuals from all backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and life experiences. Our focus is providing free accessible, professional mental health services and support to young people. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every youth feels respected, valued, and supported.
Q: How can the community help?
A: There are many ways to support BYS. Community members can participate in events such as the Fourth of July Fun Run, volunteer their time, and support our programs through donations. Every contribution helps us continue providing free accessible mental health services to local youth.
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: Thank you to everyone who supports the mission of BYS. Youth mental health matters, and together we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and families throughout our community. We are grateful for your support and excited about what lies ahead.
A Personal Reflection from the BYS Interim Executive Director
As graduation season is in full swing, I find myself reflecting on my own high school years and the experiences that shaped who I am today.
I grew up in Los Angeles, where both of my parents worked as public defenders. From an early age, I was exposed to conversations about fairness, justice, and standing up for people whose voices are not always heard. I remember attending community events and protests with my family and learning that positive change often begins when people are willing to listen to one another and work together.
As a teenager, I experienced firsthand how important it is for young people to feel they belong. After moving from an inner-city school to the suburbs of Los Angeles, I became increasingly aware of the ways people can feel excluded or misunderstood. For my Girl Scout Gold Award project in high school, I organized a movie marathon focused on discrimination and inclusion, creating opportunities for discussion and understanding among my peers.
Some of my favorite memories from high school involve finding community and helping create spaces where others could do the same. I was an active member of the Gay-Straight Alliance. This experience taught me that young people thrive when they have opportunities to connect, explore their identities, ask questions, and be accepted for who they are.
Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have supportive parents, mentors, teachers, and peers who encouraged me to grow and discover my place in the world. Not every young person has that support. That is one of the reasons the mission of Bainbridge Youth Services resonates so deeply with me.
As we celebrate this year’s graduates, I’m reminded that every young person is navigating their own journey. Some are stepping confidently into the future, while others may still be searching for where they belong. Our role as a community is not to have all the answers for them, but to ensure they know they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
At BYS, we believe every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued. As students move into their next chapter, I hope they carry with them the knowledge that their unique experiences, perspectives, and identities are strengths—and there is a community cheering them on every step of the way.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are excited to see all that you will accomplish.
