CEO, St. Augustine Youth Services
Mission
St. Augustine Youth Services is a private, nonprofit agency providing therapeutic services to boys and, whenever possible, their families. Our caring, professional staff is specially trained to provide the very best possible services to our residents in a safe, comfortable and homelike environment.
Serving Northeast Florida
SAYS has been serving children since 1989.
Those served
SAYS provides therapeutic residential services for children throughout Florida but primarily in the First Coast region. Over the years, SAYS has served hundreds of children. SAYS currently serves 22 children at any given time, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. We are building a new campus, which will allow us to help even more children.
Biggest challenge
Seeking donations to build our new homes for the boys while continuing our fundraising efforts to maintain operational funds to provide the best services for the children we care for.
Biggest satisfaction
When the children return for visits after graduation and tell us how well they are doing.
Hometown
I was born in Long Island, N.Y., but primarily grew up in Ponte Vedra.
First experience with community service
Providing community services was a tremendous part of my family’s values. We always have been a part of an organization giving back. As an adult, I was privileged to serve on many boards and with many groups but the Junior Women’s Club project — the One Voice for Children program — was very close to my heart.
Your job before St. Augustine Youth Services
I was a special education teacher in the public school system.
Upcoming events
Oct. 8: 17th Annual SAYS Charity Invitational Golf Classic, Marsh Creek Country Club. $125 per player, including registration and awards luncheon. Registration is 8:30 a.m.
Oct. 25: YPO Womanless Beauty Pageant, 6 p.m., The White Room. Popular male role models from the community participate in evening-gown, swimsuit and talent competitions “in the year’s funniest fundraiser.” Visit the Young Professionals Organization of St. Augustine website at staugypo.com for tickets.
Nov. 18: 21st Annual Benefit Holiday Auction. 1 p.m., Trade Winds Lounge.
Dec. 8: Santa Suits on the Loose 5K, St. Augustine Beach Pier. Santa suit-clad participants run, walk or jog through St. Augustine Beach. Registration is 8 a.m. Online registration is at racesmith.com.
Contact information
staugustineyouthservices.com
(904) 829-1770
50 Saragossa St.
St. Augustine