Youth Foundation Cuts Staff
By Bret Bradigan
Caught between a decline in grants and a desire to expand programs to local youth, the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation has restructured, eliminating three positions, including that of executive director Joanna Iwata, and bringing in board member Dan Burrell to oversee operations.
Also losing their jobs are business manager Marty Reid and program manager Laura Charles. Cindy Jones, development manager, and Meg Wall, program manager, will remain on staff.
Burrell, owner of several local Jersey Mike’s franchises, said the organization was on track to come up with about a $25,000 deficit this year, and with the cuts, should be back in the black. “The truth is, the grants dried up,” he said, though local fund-raising efforts remained steady. The OVYF hosts three major events each year — the annual luncheon, golf tournament and tennis marathon.
The Youth Foundation is retaining its regular programs — including the Youth Leadership Project, Taco Tuesdays, Pizza Night and the Oak View Teen Center — and planning on adding more, such as the recent “Teens Talk, Will You Listen?” event at Matilija Auditorium, which brought in a full house to hear a dramatization of more than 300 teens who responded to a survey.
“Regardless of economic hardship, it is an honor for me to be part of the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation,” said Burrell. “What this organization has done in the past, and continues to do for the youth in this valley, is nothing short of amazing. In the coming months, we will grow this organization, supporting more youth than ever.”
Burrell, who will be volunteering his time, said the OVYF is also planning a new fund-raising event, a barbecue at Nordhoff High School, and is already making one-on-one visits with residents to reaffirm the OVYF’s purpose and direction.
He said departing director Iwata would be missed, praising her work building relations and visibility with the community.
Iwata, who was at the helm of the OVYF for two years, said she is confident that the organization she helped build would remain sturdy.
“I am confident of the new direction Dan and our board members will undertake. As we all know, it takes a whole village to support what we can do by working together on behalf of our youth!”
Thank you, Dan Burrell, for volunteering your time at no pay. Your involvement makes Ojai a better place, and I will make a point to patronize Jersey Mike’s.
Just another taxpayer
20 Nov 09 at 2:16 pm
Good. The spoiled kids should be out picking up trash anyway.
John Doe
20 Nov 09 at 3:29 pm
Thank you Joanna, Marty and Laura for your efforts in keeping the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation functioning through these so very tough economic times which has increased hardships and struggles in the lives of the youth that are served. It has been a blessing, while eye opening, to be involved in the many programs put forth and to observe and interact with the fine youth that come from so many backgrounds, family interactions, with support and without, and from each and every corner of this Valley. In Leadership (13 weeks of meeting with kids who come as leaders to kids who become leaders) I am amazed by their dreams and goals and then watching them accomplish them step by step is rewarding to all. We have wonderful youth in this Valley, time to join Dan, Cindy and Meg, put aside your anonymous posts, and get out there and volunteer, time and money are both welcome. Let’s step it up some more Valley, we can make it happen.
Brian
21 Nov 09 at 9:38 am
To all the disenfranchised youth,
I am opening a free youth center at Truth Coalition. All that is required is a thirst for knowledge.
Ret. Lieut. John Doe
John Doe
21 Nov 09 at 8:54 pm