First, I would like to thank The Milwaukee Courier for allowing me on behalf of the Board of Directors and the dedicated, hard-working staff of Career Youth Development, Inc. (CYD) to publicly address the resilient issue of the recent change in leadership at CYD.
Career Youth Development, Inc. is a community treasure. We understand that everyone has a stake in the success of CYD : this includes the organization itself, the broader community and those who depend on the services we provide, our supporters and friends, and those who are entrusted to keep the community informed— the media.
Having to respond to inquiries about the confidential and complex nature of personnel decisions is always difficult.
To the extent possible, we try to maintain the integrity of the process so that no one is unduly harmed.
The Board is also keenly aware of its responsibility to be good stewards of the public’s trust in its policies, personnel decisions and the quality of services we provide.
Because the issue was raised, I find it necessary to address the question of whether the Board had a quorum when deciding whether to terminate the Executive Director.
I can say unequivocally, yes we did.
We are currently in the process of interviewing candidates to fill the vacant Executive Director position, and have been encouraged by the caliber of individuals interested in serving this community as the Executive Director of CYD.
The plan is to present this individual as soon as possible after the final decision has been made.
Additionally, to expand our potential for broader public input, the Board will be adding two Board positions in excess of the current vacancies.
We have not lost sight of the vision for which Jeannetta Robinson and Claretta “Mother Freedom” Simpson laid the foundation.
We have continued to strengthen our resolve to build upon this legacy.
Our goal is to do our part in helping to strengthen our families and community:
1. We will continue to assist young people with the educational goals and standards that have sometimes been elusive to them.
2. We want to assist those youth who may not be college-bound, to access skilled trades so that they can enjoy a living wage and potential home ownership.
3. We want to provide mentors for youth who may be on the wrong life trajectory and require caring, committed redirection.
4. We want to continue to provide assistance to youth and adults whose lives have been derailed by alcohol and/or substance abuse, and most importantly, we want to help youth and adults discover and tap into their own talents, and build support systems around them during this process so that they can improve their own lives and give back to the community.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us during this difficult period and offered your support and assistance in various capacities. We ask for your continued patience and prayers.
Sincerely,
Barbara N. Franks, J.D.
Chairwoman CYD Board of Directors
