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It was a lively crowd mixing food and fun to support the Lakes Center for Youth and Families, at the annual Taste of the Lakes event in Forest Lake. The April 23 fundraiser brought in sufficient proceeds to get a good start on acquiring a pair of small transport vans/buses for youth to access activities  Lakes Center will offer.

Lakes Center for Youth and Families was established 50 years ago, as the Youth Service Bureau.  The coming-together was spearheaded by area business persons and public safety leaders, who saw the need for a positive, pro-active option to the region’s juvenile justice system.  The group would lend support to youth and as the group’s director put it, “...make sure young people don’t have to navigate hard moments alone.”

Lakes Center provides outreach and services for youth from about age 12 to 18. The participants come voluntarily and some not-so voluntarily, having been ordered by the courts following some poor choices.   Area units of government contract for certain mandated restorative justice services;  but private and corporate donations and fundraisers  provide the bulk of the support.

Lakes Center Director Tim Cryer said, “As we move forward Lakes Center will continue expanding counseling, school based support, diversion and restorative (justice) work mentoring and youth outreach.”  He announced last week the “For Young People Program” offering those 12 to 18 trips, meals, weekly group support meetings, activities and career development.  “As we look forward to the next 50 years we believe this kind of outreach is essential.”

The group came together under Jim Trudeau when he was chief of Forest Lake Police and operated as Youth Service Bureau for years. (Trudeau later served as Washington County Sheriff.) He found others who supported his philosophy to give youth  opportunities to change direction and avoid being pushed deeper into the system.  Early on, youth might perform community service,  learn useful skills like small engine repair, or connect with  local mentors through the Center identified by their school officials and others involved in the network of caring adults.  

Families can also opt in and use selected services on a fee basis.

Director Cryer commented the Trudeau Award going to Chief Peterson was kind of a “full circle moment” as Peterson provided in his leadership the same level of understanding about the commitment needed that Trudeau, who was also Forest Lake’s Police Chief,  did.  

This same attitude of fostering partnership and showing, not just telling,  youngsters what needs to happen in their lives, is being carried on by Bauer, as incoming Board Chair.  

Cryer added, “He brings a deep commitment to youth, families, public safety and community which aligns closely with the mission and direction of Lakes Center.”

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