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The annual meeting for Youth Service Bureau was held last week at Forest Hills Golf Course. Jeanne Walz, Youth Service Bureau Director, Board members and staff led a brief recognition program during the midday luncheon to thank donors and in-kind contributors for keeping YSB programs and services going strong throughout the years.

Area townships that support the Youth Service Bureau include Wyoming Township, Sunrise Township and Lent Township, and Chisago City, Scandia and Wyoming City were recognized for their support. Sheriff Todd Rivard accepted a plaque recognizing Chisago County's funding of contracted services the YSB provides here.

According to the annual report Washington County is a major funder at 18 percent and the State of Minnesota contributes 20 percent of annual revenues. YSB leases its Forest Lake office space from the city at a greatly reduced rate of between $200 and $261 over the terms of the lease, which expires December 2007. YSB also has leased private sector space in North Branch, ranging about $400 to $520 monthly. The budget in 2006 was $504,816 in total support, both monetary and in-kind.

The expenses were $526,861.

Client fees collected were $40,044. Revenues through grants, United Way and private donors was about $142,000.

YSB Board of Directors Chair man Mike Aschenbrener especially applauded the 98 community adults who serve as volunteers, and he mentioned the partnership that the YSB has entered with the St. Croix Valley Foundation saying, "I am excited about where we are headed."

The Forest Lake Chief of Police's chairmanship expires in about one month and Kathy Lillis will become chair.

Youth Service Bureau marks its 31st year in 2007. It was reported at the luncheon the organization received a MN Charities Review Council seal that YSB "meets all standards" for accountability. YSB is included in the Smart Givers Network.

One-half of the YSB annual budget is raised from non-government revenues and the challenge for the organization is to spread the word about its mission and get local people interested in contributing their talents, time or monetary support. Adult male mentors are particularly in short supply.

In 2006 YSB worked with 478 first time and low level youth offenders in its Community Justice Program. There were about 450 youth involved in activities and lockins and gametime. Parenting sessions involved 110 area families.

Walz announced that 98 percent of the youth had no further contact with law enforcement or the courts after a year from their participation in YSB programs.

Readers are reminded that Nelson's in North Branch has a receipts-based donation program, send in your Nelson's grocery receipt and the store matches on a percentage basis.

You can also donate memorium contributions in honor of a loved one, or you may opt to support the YSB by advertising your business on the periodic Youth Service Bureau pages in this paper and others.

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