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YSB seeks donations for On Your Way Up program

The Youth Services Bureau of Huntington County is seeking donations for its On Your Way Up program.

The On Your Way Up program continues to meet the needs of families in Huntington County, said YSB Executive Director Jan Williams. The program began in 1997 at the request of young parents who needed assistance in obtaining items for their children.

The program has three primary components. The On Your Way Up store is typically the entry point into the program.

Parents can earn "voucher" dollars by participating in healthy activities for themselves and/or their children. There are 18 community partners who present the vouchers to their clients.

Community partners include WIC, Parkview Huntington, Huntington Health Department, Healthy Families, Early Head Start, local physicians and Bowen Center.

Activities include obtaining pre-natal care, well baby check-ups, remaining in school and participating in community resources.

Items that are available in the store include gently-used clothing newborn to size 5, diapers, toys, educational books and puzzles, safety items such as gates, locks, etc. and various other items most often needed by families with small children.

The program depends heavily on community donations for the majority of items offered in the store. Due to federal guidelines car seats, high chairs, cribs and strollers cannot be "used" if provided by the YSB.

Donations of gently used clothing, toys, books, monetary donations are always needed. Gifts are tax deductible.
The store is located within the Youth Services Bureau's office located at 1344 Maple Drive. The hours are Wednesdays 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Families unable to visit during open hours may call the office at 356-9681 to schedule an appointment.

Educational and informational materials are available at the store. Information includes immunization timelines, lead poisoning, safe sleep, Parkview Live and much more.
The second component of the program is the one-on-one ongoing support.

"There are times when a parent just needs someone to walk them through a rough time," states Ira Bencun, program coordinator.

Additional referrals to other community resources can also be made to help provide the supports the family may need.

The final component is the child safety seat fitting station. This provides parents with information on the appropriate type of car restraint their child needs, proper instillation and possibly the availability of an age appropriate child restraint.

To learn more about the On Your Way Up program or to donate to the program contact the office at 356-9681 or visit the store at 1344 Maple Drive, Huntington.