ABOUT US
A LETTER FROM CEO DENNIS VANDERPOOL
I am proud to acknowledge AYS' 37th anniversary of greatness in the child welfare arena. AYS has been one of the best kept secrets in Kansas City and throughout Kansas for many years. We simply believed that if we continued to do great things and expect great things from our youth, we would be rewarded. And we have been rewarded by the outstanding successes of the youth who have passed through our doors and into a successful future they could not dream of before they came to us.
As a person with some experience (some would say I am just getting old), I have seen many young people struggle with life's challenges. In fact, most of us probably had our share of difficulties in our teen and early adult years. The young people we serve have all of these challenges and more. Some do not have the things most of us simply take for granted, like caring adults in their lives, access to healthcare, and a positive environment in which to grow up. These are the young people to which we dedicate ourselves and these are the gaps in their lives we fill.
I am deeply appreciative of all of our supporters who make our dreams of greatness possible and awed by the dedication of our staff who have helped thousands of children achieve their own dreams of greatness. Thank you for your interest in AYS and I welcome you to join us on our journey.
Dennis Vanderpool, CEO
HISTORY
Associated Youth Services (AYS) is an organization devoted to serving youth and families through a variety of programs. AYS grew out of the Mennonite Children�s Home founded in the Argentine district of Kansas City, KS in 1912. In 1972, the Mennonite Church closed the orphanage, but helped to establish Argentine Youth Services, run by a non-denominational volunteer board. As our client base grew and shifted, AYS changed its name to Associated Youth Services in 1987. Our mission of giving kids roots to grow and wings to fly has remained constant through the years. Our 2006 move to a location in downtown Kansas City, KS has placed us more centrally to serve our core clientele.
Mission: Associated Youth Services exists to advance the social, educational, health and overall success of youth and their families.
Vision: Associated Youth Services envisions youth and families engaged in community, recognizing life's unlimited opportunities and reaching their full potential.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2009-2010
Stephanie Spilker
AYS Board Chair
Consultant/Entrepreneur |
Joel Vaslow, Ph.D.
AYS Board Vice Chair
Vice President of Client Services
Service Management Group |
Robin Stewart
AYS Board Secretary
Attorney
Lathrop & Gage, LLP |
David Pickett
AYS Board Treasurer
Financial Advisor
Lawing Financial |
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David Morales
Criminal Investigator
Wyandotte County District Attorney's Office |
Timothy T. Taylor, DDS
President/Dentist
Timothy T. Taylor DDS, PA |
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Mary Lou Peter
Communications Specialist
Kansas State University |
Alan Stevens, Ph.D.
Professor, Extension Specialist
Kansas State University |
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Associated Youth Services is proud to be a part of the United Way.
