Sheridan Youth Assistance Program: empowering youth & families for 10 years

Submitted by Ellie Arrowood

In April 2025, the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program (SYAP) will celebrate an incredible milestone – 10 years of service to the Sheridan community.

The program is dedicated to supporting youth and families who need a little extra help and has been positively impacting the lives of many individuals over the years. To honor this incredible milestone, the SYAP Board of Directors invites you to attend an open house celebration from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Greek’s Pizza, 417 S. Main St., Sheridan.

SYAP, like other Youth Assistance Programs throughout Hamilton County, is grounded in community collaboration. Volunteers work to develop and provide access to programs and services that promote positive growth experiences and foster stronger home and community relationships. SYAP works closely with Sheridan Community Schools to offer services to local youth and their families. SYAP ensures that families and students in Sheridan Community Schools receive the help they need to thrive. Best of all, these services are completely voluntary, confidential, and offered at no cost to families.

SYAP provides a variety of services aimed at promoting the well-being of youth and families. Some of the key services offered include: family education programming; mentoring program; food and financial assistance; mental health and counseling services; camps and recreational opportunities; educational tutoring; and truancy support and behavioral plans.

SYAP is always looking for passionate volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of youth and families in our community. There are many ways to get involved such as joining the fundraiser committee, packing summer lunches, assisting with the back to school bash event, providing holiday assistance, or becoming a tutor or mentor.

As SYAP celebrates 10 years, they are reflecting on how far they’ve come and the positive impact they’ve made on the youth and families in the Sheridan Community. It’s also a time to look ahead to how they can continue to grow and provide essential services for years to come. With a fundraising goal of $10,000 for 10 years, they need your support to keep the program running strong. Every contribution counts. You can donate online at sheridanyap.org/get-involved/donate.

The celebration is incredibly meaningful to longtime SYAP leader, Lisa Samuels, who will retire at the end of this school year. She says she is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the incredible community of Sheridan, and she personally thanks each and every person for their continued support.

“It has been an honor to work with such a dedicated group of volunteers, families, and community members,” Samuels said

So, come out and celebrate 10 years of hard work on April 24!

Graphic provided