The Center for Youth and Family Solutions

Overview

The Center for Youth and Family Solutions (CYFS) is a nonprofit organization based in Peoria, Illinois, focused on providing essential social services to children and families in need. Established in 2011, CYFS operates with a mission to engage and support vulnerable youths and families, emphasizing dignity, compassion, and respect in their interactions.

Mission and Vision

The mission of The Center for Youth and Family Solutions is to partner with children, families, and communities to build upon their inherent strengths, helping them resolve life challenges collaboratively. By focusing on empowerment and support, the organization strives to demonstrate that, with the right resources, individuals can find solutions to their difficulties.

Programs and Services

The organization offers a comprehensive range of services designed to address critical issues faced by youths and families, including:

• Child Welfare Services: Providing foster care and adoption services to support children in need.

• Counseling Services: Offering professional counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with trauma, grief, loss, and abuse.

• Crisis Intervention: Responding to immediate crises involving runaways and at-risk youth, ensuring support during critical moments.

• Delinquency Prevention: Programs aimed at preventing youth from engaging in delinquent behavior.

• Community Advocacy: Engaging in advocacy efforts to raise awareness and promote better living conditions for vulnerable populations.

Each year, CYFS serves over 20,000 individuals across 37 counties in Central Illinois and Eastern Iowa, providing services that empower families and foster resilience.

Governance and Operations

The Center for Youth and Family Solutions operates under a committed and independent board of directors, dedicated to strong governance and financial oversight. The organization has achieved a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating excellence in transparency and financial management. With a program expense ratio of 89.65%, CYFS allocates a significant portion of its resources directly to its mission-driven activities, reinforcing its commitment to responsible fundraising and service delivery.

History

The formation of The Center for Youth and Family Solutions was initiated in response to a critical crisis in child and family services in Central Illinois. In 2011, several civic-minded individuals, concerned about the impending loss of critical social services due to changes in state contracts with previous providers, collaborated to create CYFS. The organization emerged as a solution to ensure the continuity of care for vulnerable children and families, addressing the urgent need for services in the region.

Impact

The Center for Youth and Family Solutions is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals and families by addressing the root causes of instability and adversity. Through its strength-based and trauma-informed approach, CYFS emphasizes the importance of treating clients with respect and compassion, fostering an environment where they can thrive and overcome challenges.

In summary, The Center for Youth and Family Solutions is committed to making a significant, positive impact in the lives of children and families, emphasizing collaboration, respect, and empowerment as foundational elements in their mission.