A letter from the Executive Director, Jon Rylaarsdam

I am honored to share that, as of September 1, I have officially stepped into the role of Executive Director at Youthnet, following my service as Interim Executive Director since October 2024. It has been a privilege to lead during this transitional year & I am both humbled & energized to continue serving in this capacity.
 
What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to build on Youthnet’s strong foundation & expand our continuum of services, from prevention & caregiver support, to foster care, to programs that help youth transition into independence. Together, these services create a network of care that recognizes the complexity of every child & family’s journey while offering the right level of support each step of the way.
 
I am deeply grateful to work alongside a team of staff, board members, caregivers & community partners who are united by a shared commitment to Youthnet’s mission. The dedication I have witnessed over the past year gives me tremendous confidence in what we can achieve together.
 
Looking ahead, I am eager to continue strengthening our programs, building new partnerships, & advancing Youthnet’s vision of a self-healing community where every youth & family has the support they need to thrive. Thank you for being part of this important work & I look forward to the road ahead.
  
With gratitude,
Jon Rylaarsdam
Executive Director