Northeast Youth and Family Services

History

Northeast Youth & Family Services (NYFS) was established in 1976 by a coalition of concerned citizens who saw a gap in services for youth in our community. We came together to provide innovative mental health and juvenile diversion programming that served the whole child in the context of their family, community, and lived experiences.

In our first year, four staff members served 100 families in ten cities. Today, we’ve grown into a regional provider of trauma-informed and culturally-responsive mental health and community support services that provides direct support to hundreds of youth, adults, and families while also helping our partner communities thrive.

As the only nonprofit mental health agency in suburban Ramsey County, NYFS has grown to become a critical asset and the primary resource in the community for youth mental health referrals and services, and a trusted partner for the schools, cities, and law enforcement in the area. We serve our community at two locations in Shoreview and White Bear lake, online via telehealth, and in schools throughout the northeast suburbs.

As we’ve grown and changed to meet emerging community needs, there has always been one constant: collaboration and mutual support with our community partners. Together we are doing so much more than we could ever accomplish on our own.

Strategic Priorities

1. Ensure culturally responsive practices are prioritized in all aspects of the organization and embedded within all programs.
2. Grow financial stability and sustainability to expand mission impact in alignment with our organizational values.
3. Build a framework for programs that clarifies and enhances our provision of high- quality services.
4. Mature as a prominent, recognized, and respected resource for our communities.

Annual Budget: $4,000,000 – Earned Income, Foundations, Government Grants or Contracts

Skills

NYFS is seeking board members with skills in the following areas:

• Facilities and Real Estate
• Fundraising
• Marketing and Communications
• Public Policy and Advocacy

Information

• Number of members currently: 14
• Meeting frequency:  7 meetings annually
• Meeting location: Northern Suburbs
• Does nonprofit carry liability insurance? Yes

Expectations

• Time Expectation: Up to 5 hours/month
• Financial Contribution Required: Yes
• Service on Committee Required: Yes
  • Committees: Executive, Finance, Governance, Fundraising, Other
• Length of Term: 3 Years
• Renewable: Yes