Youth-led, Adult Supported Organization Closing After 12 years of service

The Vashon Youth Council announced today that they will officially close on July 29, 2011 after 12 years of service to the Vashon Island community. For several years the organization has struggled to raise sufficient funds to continue operations, an increasingly difficult task during the current economic downturn.

“This was a difficult decision to make,” says Klara Shepherd, Board President, “And one that was not made lightly.” In April, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to cease operations.

Over 12 years, VYC has been known for creating opportunities that meet the interest our Vashon's youth including founding programs like concerts at Ober Park, the Crux, drumming, silk screening, karate, 3-D art and film making classes to the most recent Mural Project at Ober Park, Challenge Day at Vashon High School and Blast @ the Green at Strawberry Festival. VYC is mostly proud of engaging hundreds of young people in many thousands of hours of service and community activism to make our Island and the world a better place.

"Two years with VYC changed my life and taught me skills that I will carry with me forever." says Starshine Art dream project initiator and VYC program coordinator Emily Gripp.

Youth are encouraged to reach out to other island organizations like Vashon Park District, Vashon Allied Arts, Vashon Youth and Family Services as well as school clubs like Amnesty for continued support, empowerment and access to leadership opportunities and resources.

VYC invites current and past supporters to join them as they “go out with a blast” by
celebrating more than a decade of youth-led, adult-supported programs at this year’s Blast @ the Green Youth Music Stage during Strawberry Festival on July 16th and 17th.

Since 1998, the Vashon Youth Council has provided opportunities for youth ages 12 to 20 to develop the individual and collective resources, skills and knowledge to pursue their dreams and take action on issues they care about. The Vashon Youth Council is governed by an intergenerational Board of Directors which includes VYC founder Yve Susskind.