The Sheridan Youth Assistance Program (SYAP) has been improving the lives of kids and families in Sheridan and Adams Township since 2015.
Many people may not realize the incredible commitment it takes to serve on SYAP’s Board of Directors. In fact, those five board members – Dr. Kent Erb, Gayla McMurtry, Jane Newblom, Jason Ells, and Missi Muir – have all served on the board since SYAP’s inception nine years ago.
Board member terms are nine years, so that means this board’s tenure of service is coming to a close.
“My appreciation for their time, leadership, encouragement, friendship cannot be expressed enough,” SYAP Early Intervention Advocate Lisa Samuels said. “I asked them each to share why SYAP is important to our community and what it has meant to serve.”
You can read those responses from each of the board members below.
Dr. Kent Erb
I was introduced to the Youth Assistance Program when Bobbi and I decided to take mentoring training for the Westfield program. I was then assigned a mentee that I met with weekly. He had a very difficult childhood and I taught him to swim, ride a bike, and encouraged him to develop character traits that would foster him maturing into a young man. I still keep in contact with him and am thankful to have been an encouragement to him.
With joining the SYAP board I have had the privilege of watching Lisa care for the Sheridan community and have learned so much more about the needs around us. It is so amazing to see how Youth Assistance has developed such a wonderful reputation in the community and how the schools work so cooperatively to help fulfill YAP’s purpose.
I will always be a big cheerleader for SYAP and am convinced it is the best thing going to prevent, encourage, and assist in the Sheridan community.
I could say so much more, but thanks for the opportunity to be a part of SYAP.
Gayla McMurtry
It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the Board of Directors for Sheridan Youth Assistance. I have been fortunate to be able to work closely with Lisa Samuels and see how she aggressively works to help the students and families in our community. Working on the fundraiser committee was rewarding as we raised thousands of dollars to benefit our youth. Being a part of this organization has been one of my biggest blessings, and I appreciate the honor.
Jane Newblom
In 2010-2011, Sheridan Community Schools began to hear about an amazing program for youth with roots in Westfield. We heard from Mayor Andy Cook, Tricia Akers, Dr. Erb, and the surrounding schools about the impact the program was having to support children and their families. We were excited about the possibilities throughout Hamilton County.
So, when we were approached to implement Sheridan Youth Assistance Program in 2015, there was only one answer: “Yes! We are interested and how do we begin?”
As a former educator, I remember when we learned about students and families in need of help, but we did not have the means, ways, or resources to make a difference. So SYAP was the answer to many of our hopes!
We already had the perfect leader of the program in our midst – Lisa Samuels, who immediately began making an impact by learning about the community resources available to families and for a myriad of needs. She designed a mentor program, involved our youth in Revolution of Hope to provide a buddy program for our elementary-aged students, investigated grant opportunities, and connected our community and organized resources to avoid duplicity of services. Most of all she is kind, caring, and compassionate, she has a vision of how to make an impact for our students and families in need, she is approachable, and she is tireless.
So as a board member these past nine years, I have marveled how SYAP has developed into a model of what this program should be, and all I had to do is try to provide support where support was needed. I have enjoyed listening to the positive stories presented at each board meeting and hearing about Revolution of Hope, Summer Youth Employment Program, Back-to-School Bash, career fairs, our mentor program, and most recently watched our tutoring program expand.
SYAP is a valuable program for the Sheridan Community because it supports our children in the community. Everyone benefits!
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve on the SYAP Board for these past nine years! Although I will no longer be on the SYAP Board, my hope is to be able to continue to serve as a volunteer wherever Lisa Samuels “voluntells” me.
Jason Ells
I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the incredible journey I’ve had serving on the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program Board of Directors over the past nine years. As one of the charter members, it has been an honor and a privilege to witness the remarkable progress and positive trajectory of countless young individuals in our community.
Reflecting on the achievements and impact we’ve collectively made, I am truly thankful for the unwavering support we’ve received from our community. The generosity of time and resources from individuals, schools, local churches, and businesses has played a pivotal role in the success of our program. It is heartening to witness the collaborative spirit that exists among us, demonstrating a shared commitment to the well-being and future of our youth.
I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to my fellow board members for your steadfast dedication and tireless efforts. Our shared vision and commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people have been the driving force behind the positive outcomes we have achieved together. Each member has played a crucial role in shaping the success of the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside such a dedicated and passionate group.
A special acknowledgment goes to Lisa Samuels, whose boundless dedication and tireless efforts have been the backbone of this program. Lisa’s unwavering commitment and the passion she brings to her role have undoubtedly left an enduring mark on the lives of those we serve. Her leadership and commitment to the program’s mission have been truly inspiring.
Although my time on the board has come to an end, please know that my commitment to supporting this wonderful organization remains steadfast. I am eager to continue contributing to the success and growth of the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program in any way I can. The impact we have collectively made on the lives of young people is a source of great pride, and I am excited to witness the continued positive influence of our program in the years to come.
Once again, thank you for the incredible opportunity to be part of this journey. I am proud of the strides we have made and am confident that the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program will continue to thrive with the same spirit of dedication and collaboration.
Missi Muir
What a true blessing it has been to serve on the Sheridan Youth Assistance Board. Being involved with SYAP has opened my eyes as a parent and community member as to the many needs families and kids in our small town have.
Kids need to know someone cares, that they have someone looking out for them. That person is Lisa Samuels! Sheridan and the SYAP are lucky to have her!
These kids now have help when needed. It might be fees for sports or band, summer program to Boys & Girls Club, our mentoring or tutoring program, food, or clothing. Whatever the need, Lisa finds a way to meet it. With the help from our schools, businesses, and community we have helped many, but there is still so much more to do.
I’m so proud of all SYAP has been able to accomplish in nine years and look forward to seeing more kids’ lives changed and put on a positive trajectory for their futures! Thank you for allowing me to serve and support SYAP for the past nine years. It was truly an honor.
Want to get involved in bettering the lives of countless youth and their families right here in Hamilton County? Go to YouthAssistance.org and reach out or make a donation.
