YSB
began serving children and youth in 1967 when President Judge R.
Paul Campbell and a group of concerned citizens developed programs
to help troubled youth in their home communities, thereby reducing
the need to institutionalize youth outside of the County.
From this all volunteer "grass roots" beginning, the
YSB has grown to include a professional staff of more than 85 who,
with the aid of over 250 trained volunteers, annually serve
approximately 2000 children, youth, and their families.
A unique aspect of the YSB is the wide variety of
services its staff and volunteers provide in home, school and
community settings. Current programs include individual, family and
group counseling, parent education, Big Brothers Big Sisters
services, emergency shelter for runaway and homeless
youth, transitional living, and drug and
alcohol education/intervention. All services are designed to meet
the unique needs of the Bald Eagle, Bellefonte, Penns Valley,
Philipsburg and State College areas. This combination of diversified
programs and individualized approaches to communities provide a full
range of services to children and youth ages 0 to 21.
While individuals often refer themselves,
other referral sources include parents, schools, children and youth
agencies, law enforcement agencies and concerned community
persons. All referrals receive immediate attention from qualified
professionals. Services are provided free of charge to families and
are held in strict confidence.
Since the YSB is an integral part of a network of youth service
providers in the County, contact with the YSB staff affords easy
access to the entire system of human services in Centre County,
Pennsylvania.
