Latest news from Sheridan Youth Assistance Program

Submitted by SYAP

The Sheridan Youth Assistance Program (SYAP) partners with MAMA’s Cupboard and the Sheridan United Methodist Church to offer community wide holiday assistance.

In 2023, 119 households were served, providing Thanksgiving food boxes, holiday gifts, and food gift cards for eligible community members.

This program happens through the generous support of businesses, families, and groups that agree to sponsor families each year. If you are interested in supporting a family for holiday assistance this year, please contact Lisa Samuels at lsamuels@sheridan.k12.in.us or call (317) 840-0313. If you would prefer to make a donation to support the food gift cards, follow the donation link and select Holiday Assistance.

Don’t think you have to do it all alone. Invite friends and family members to join you to share the cost. Sponsors will be sent a spreadsheet with family information, gift suggestions, and instructions for item drop off. SYAP, community partners, and the families served are grateful for your support.

Denim & Lace raises $50K

The Sheridan Youth Assistance Program Denim and Lace Event raises $50,000!

Thanks to generous sponsors and community support, the seventh Denim and Lace was a success for SYAP.

Held Saturday, Sept. 21, the Denim and Lace fundraiser featured dinner, program update, raffle prizes, and silent auction items. A sold-out event of 260 guests at West Fork Whiskey in Westfield enjoyed an evening to learn more about SYAP and celebrate the work that has been done in the community over the past year.

Denim and Lace would not be possible without the support of the generous sponsors who share SYAP’s mission. Thank you to title sponsor, Godby Home Furnishings. Other supporters include Alexander and Kitchel Families, Biddle Memorial Foundation, Beck’s Hybrids, Collaborative Change, Dr. Kent and Bobbi Erb, Dr. Trenton and Emily Schmale, Drayer Family Charitable Foundation, First Farmers Bank and Trust, Gaylor Electric, In Memory of Walter Cornell, Mark Heirbrandt, Norman and Miller Eyecare, Paul and Patty Nicholas, Gary Reynolds, Riverview Health, The Farmers Bank, Town of Sheridan, and United Animal Health.

The SYAP Board of Directors announced the creation of the Lisa Samuels Scholarship Fund, set to launch in the spring of 2025. This scholarship will support graduating students who have benefited from SYAP services, helping them pursue secondary education. The fund honors Lisa Samuels for her dedication as the Sheridan Early Intervention Advocate.

Summer opportunities keep Sheridan students engaged & learning

Did you know SYAP has extensive summer programming? Here are some opportunities Sheridan youth had this summer:

• 40 youth were provided the opportunity to be transported to the Noblesville Boys and Girls Club every day during break. Food boxes were provided four times during the summer to help with breakfast and lunches
• 4 students continued to receive tutoring services
• 6 students attended a weeklong overnight trip at Camp Tecumseh
• 7 students attended a weeklong day camp at Koteewi Park
• 204 students received back-to-school supplies
• 10 high school students participated in our summer employment program where they learn about careers and worked at non-profits
• 3 students attended an Indiana State Police camp
• 1 student participated in A Play in a Day at the Point Theatre
• 8 high school students traveled to the mountains in Tennessee and Kentucky for a backcountry hiking and rafting trip
• 9 students were able to attend the Blackhawk Care summer day camp
• 84 golfers attended our golf outing
• 80 little/big buddies and lunch pals enjoyed the Revolution of Hope year end field trip
• 6 mentoring students had a summer fun day at Eagle Creek
• 60 hours were recorded in SYAP’s mentoring program
• 70 students participated in spring/summer sports

If you would like to join the efforts of SYAP to offer opportunities like these, please click here.