On 12/9/2014, Michelle O'Rourke, a volunteer at the Montgomery County Youth Services organization, spoke to the club about that organization. Pictured is Michelle O'Rourke.
 
Michelle provided a slide presentation about the Montgomery County Youth Services (MCYS) organization. MCYS was founded in 1979 as a 501 c(3) non-profit organization. They have a budget of 2.8 million a year. They estimate that there are around 600 homeless kids in Montgomery County Texas alone.
 
She gave the group the vision, mission and philosophy statements of MCYS:
 
The vision of MCYS is "to be a child's bridge from challenges today to achievements tomorrow".
 
Their mission is "to provides crisis counseling, shelter programs, and prevention services to strengthen families, keep youth in school, and prepare them to be productive citizens".
 
Their philosophy is "to empower youth and their families by building on their existing strengths, expanding their opportunities, and enhancing their lives".
 
The core values that guide the organization are:

• Provide and implement effective, essential, and quality child and youth-centered programs.

• Value employees as our most important resource and as such, continually create opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Enhance financial diversity and viability to assure future operations and growth.

• Act with integrity, stewardship, and leadership in agency and community partnerships.

• Value stakeholders and clients by striving for excellence and accountability in everything we do.

MCYS is organized into four primary, interrelated entities to facilitate the effective delivery of needed services:

• Youth and Family Counseling:

   Saw 1603 individual and family counseling clients in 2013. The counselors are paid full and part time people who are professionals in the counseling field.

• Street Outreach:

   Saw 218 kids, ages 10-17, who are defined as homeless (not living with a parent or parents). Both medical & dental needs are met.

• Healthy Supports Program:

   Mainly deals with teenage pregnancy problems and issues. Kids from local schools and through some other outreach programs.

• Shelter Services:

   Saw 81 kids, ages 10-17, who can stay in "Bridgeway", an up to 90 shelter assist program.

MCYS also operates Camp Watsitumi for kids ages 7-17 that provides emotional growth, challenging physical activities, and fun. In 2013 111 kids were sent to camp.
 
MCYS is not a government agency. It is supported by the generous donations of individuals, organizations, churches, corporations, and foundations in the local community and the greater Houston area.  They are a Montgomery County United Way partner and receive funding through the Montgomery County Community Development grant. MCYS also is funded in part through federal, state, and county level grants.
 
MCYS has offices in Conroe, Huntsville, Magnolia, Splendors, and the Woodlands. For more information about MCYS, visit their website at www.youthmc.org.
 
 
 
 
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