Linking Youth to Pathways of Success

Our mission: To engage the community in celebrating, inspiring, and supporting youth success in Southern Indiana.

Quarterly News & Updates

October 2022 

Letter from Executive Director, Jerry Leonard 

Dear Friends, 


I am excited to be a part of Youth Link Southern Indiana as the new Executive Director. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.


I bring over 10 years’ experience in non-profit leadership, fundraising, community relations, marketing, and operations to Youth Link. I also bring a deep understanding of the mission and vision of Youth Link along with the purpose our founders intended— to link youth to the pathways of success.


I am passionate about making a difference in my community. I am confident that there is no better way to achieve this than through Youth Link alongside our dedicated staff and volunteers.


I hope to have the opportunity to get to know you -- our donors, volunteers, partners, and neighbors -- and invite you to attend an Open House at Youth Link Southern Indiana. Please stop by on Friday, November 11th 3:00-5:00pm to meet our staff and learn more about our services or volunteer opportunities.


I appreciate your continued support of Youth Link Southern Indiana and look forward to working with you to give every student, every chance, every day.


Warmest Regards,


Jerry

2022 Give for Good Louisville 

Youth Link Southern Indiana Raises $3,590.00 


We are still in awe of the generosity shown to our organization during Give for Good Louisville. On Thursday, September 15, 2022, we took part in the local Day of Giving with our community of supporters. We were able to raise $3,590.00 with a total of 73 donors! We look forward to the future with great anticipation as we use the funds raised during Give for Good Louisville. We cannot wait to share our stories of impact with our community. 

Programming Updates

321 Read Program

hosted its Volunteer Kickoff on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. The kickoff included a presentation from a school principal and former 321 Read student who spoke on the power of mentoring, a Literacy Coach, and a Resource Coordinator.


The volunteers and Youth Link Staff are extremely excited to get this program back at full force after feeling the impact of COVID the past few years. 

Extended Day Learning

kicked off Fall Break on Monday, October 3, 2022. The all-day program is held at Northaven Elementary School 6:30am-6:00pm and is a chance for the students to come together districtwide for a variety of enriching, fun activities. A Karate Class was daily with a festival to end the last day of break. The Fall Festival on Friday, October 14, 2022, included carnival games from Event Entertainment, crafts, and treats!

Elementary 21st Century Community Learning Centers

has kicked off their outside enrichment program. Each of the four sites hosts sessions from Drama by George, Physical Education by LaVon Carter with Dream Chasers, Mr. Science and storytelling from the Jeffersonville Library throughout the semester.  

Secondary 21st Century Community Learning Centers

will acknowledge the 23rd Annual Lights On Afterschool on Thursday, October 20, 2022! Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities.


We will celebrate by providing our next Family Meal with fun activities and student showcases. This is one of five meals provided annually, catered by a community restaurant. 

Samtec Cares Grant Awarded 

Youth Link Southern Indiana awarded $25,000.00 


The Samtec Cares Grant Program was created to positively impact and assist charitable organizations within our community where their employees live, work, and play.  Youth Link Southern Indiana was one of the organizations granted money to help us fulfill our mission. We are grateful for our community partner, Samtec, and their continued support to our mission. 

Put your Money Where your Heart is with NAP

What is NAP? 


The Neighborhood Assistance Program exists to encourage individuals and businesses to make donations to nonprofits like Youth Link Southern Indiana. The funding raised goes towards our programs and services


 It is not too late to take advantage of the NAP tax credits! Please contact Jerry Leonard for more information.

Upcoming Events

2022 Trunk or Treat


Join us for a spooktacular afternoon of costumes, treats, and fun for the whole family! Children will be able to go from trunk to trunk to collect goodies. Costumes are highly encouraged but no full masks on adults please.


Friendly Ghost Sponsor:

Baptist Health Floyd


Smiling Pumpkin Sponsors:

BelFlex Staffing

Centra Credit Union

Coyle Automotive Group

First Savings Bank


Treater Sponsor:

Stein Law 


EVENT DETAILS:

Sunday, October 23, 2022

1:00-3:00pm

Youth Link Southern Indiana

1740 Williamsburg Dr., Suite G

Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130

No cost to attend 


Questions? Email Haley Key for more information 



20-Year Anniversary

Ribbon Cutting &

Open House


Please join us to celebrate our milestone 20-year anniversary! We are hosting an open house to showcase our new office space and celebrate the work our organization does for the community. Light refreshments will be served.


EVENT DETAILS:

Friday, November 11, 2022

3:00-5:00pm

Youth Link Southern Indiana

1740 Williamsburg Dr., Suite G

Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130

No cost to attend 


Ribbon Cutting will begin promptly at 3:30pm hosted by One Southern Indiana. 


For more information, please email Lauren Wagoner

Welcome to the Team! 

Tobi Rushing

Office Coordinator 


Lauren Wagoner

Marketing & Development Manager


First Day of School at New Albany H.S. 

Resource Coordinator,

Lea Ann Waynescott

and Youth Link Southern Indiana celebrated their first day of school in Floyd County! Lea Ann will be assisting with management of the school's Bulldog Resource Center and coordinating Youth Link's Bare Necessities program at the school. We are thrilled to be supporting students in New Albany! 

Donations Needed to Bare Necessities Program

Looking for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities!


With the school year kicking off and the weather growing colder, our Bare Necessities closets are in need of donations. At this time, we are accepting new donations at the Youth Link Southern Indiana Office. 


  • Winter Coats
  • Sweatpants - various sizes and colors 
  • T-shirts - various sizes and colors 
  • Underwear
  • Socks 
  • Lice Shampoo 
  • Hygiene Products 

Easy Fundraising - Here's How to Help! 

It's Time to Re-Enroll in Kroger Community Rewards! 


Visit Kroger Community Rewards and select Youth Link Southern Indiana as your organization of choice. We will receive a donation for every dollar you spend at Kroger! 

Amazon Smile - You shop. Amazon gives. 


Choose Youth Link Southern Indiana as your preferred organization in Amazon Smile and we will receive a contribution for every Amazon purchase.  

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