YCS

The YCS George Washington Elementary School gymnasium was transformed into a festive auditorium with life size portrait banners and posters of each of the five graduates to celebrate their accomplishments and ensure all the graduates and their families that this was a very special, important day! At the end of the ceremony, and after all the hugs and photos, the students and their families left with the personalized gifts. and many positive accolades to take with them as they begin their new journeys in junior high. Ycs GW School

It was all pomp and circumstance today at the Sawtelle Learning Center graduation. Parents and teachers filled the gymnasium to see their five students become graduates. After the graduation procession, two students opened the ceremony with the pledge of allegiance. Caitlin Corlett, principal, gave her remarks about each student. Some of the graduates came to the podium to give remarks about their accomplishments and their appreciation. Then the graduates received their diplomas. Laura Gustad, assistant director, offered words of appreciation to the parents and thanked them for giving Sawtelle Learning Center the privilege of instructing their children. Parents then received flowers from their graduates. Congratulations to the graduates, their families, and the Sawtelle Learning Center staff!

YCS was recently featured on WMBC-TV's Hometown to discuss the importance of early autism diagnosis and the barriers many families face when trying to access evaluations and support.

Christina Colón, LPC, Vice President of Early Childhood and Community Programming at YCS, and Leslie A. Lester, PsyD, Associate Director of the YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health, spoke with Jessica Reyes about why early identification matters, how delays in diagnosis can impact children and families, and the challenges many caregivers encounter navigating long waitlists, limited provider availability, and access to care.

The YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health provides developmental and autism evaluations, therapy, developmental guidance, and other early childhood mental health services designed to help children and families access support as early as possible.

They also highlighted how the YCS Dr. Helen May Strauss Clinics provide ongoing therapy and family-centered mental health services, helping connect children and families with the care and support they need.

Watch the interview here: https://hubs.ly/Q04kPLm-0

If you have concerns about a child's development or would like to learn more about available evaluation services, contact the YCS Institute for Infant and Preschool Mental Health at (973) 395-5500 or [email protected].

What if the hardest chapter of your story isn't the end of it?

"Where you are isn't where you have to stay."

This message is at the heart of YCS's mission and reflects how we nurture hope and build brighter futures for the individuals and families we serve.

Watch this clip from our first Promising Pathways to Success podcast. It's a reminder of the power of connection and the truth that growth, healing, and possibility are always within reach.

From Group Home to Giving Back Cleo Chance RA delivers a message of hope and resilience.

YCS residents and employees from several homes had a great time today at the "BBQ on the Vine", at the Vineland residence. The youth loved the waterslide, the dunk tank, the music, the food, and especially the water balloons! Many thanks to Brad Vetterly, SR VP of Behavioral Health, and Pfeni Flicker, SR AVP of Behavioral Health, for throwing a great party!

Introducing the Promising Pathways to Success Podcast!

This new series explores evidence-based practices that help create safer, more compassionate environments for youth in residential care. Through authentic conversations and shared experiences, we'll explore ideas, challenges, and strategies that support meaningful change.

In our first episode, we hear from residential assistant, Cleo Chance, who brings both lived experience and professional insight to the conversation. Cleo shares her journey growing up in out-of-home care, reflects on what she needed most as a young person, and discusses how those experiences now shape her work supporting those we serve.

Click here to view: https://youtu.be/-FPzFqknudI

This Pride Month, YCS celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to be themselves.

Every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and accepted for who they are. When people are supported as their authentic selves, it strengthens families, builds healthier communities, and creates brighter futures for all.

YCS is proud to stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community this month and every month in support of inclusion, compassion, and belonging. 🌈

The students at Sawtelle Learning Center had an absolute blast at their Prom! The wonderful staff provided the energy, care, and enthusiasm that made this day so special and such a fun and memorable experience for everyone. Special thanks to Jolina Pascal for her vision and dedication in bringing it all together.