YES program reaches out to needy
The Franklin County Youth Employment and Seniors (YES) Foundation is making sure county residents are kept warm during this winter season.
Members of the YES Foundation have been distributing heaters, donated by Doug Green, to residents who have been identified as having a need for one in their home.
Junior Ruiz, vice-president of the YES Foundation, discovered the need when he was delivering food for the Meals on Wheels program.
“I was delivering food to homes where people were bedridden and did not always have someone at home with them who could turn the heat on or off,” Ruiz said. “Doug Green was very generous to donate the heaters and the YES Foundation has been distributing them to those who need them the most.”
Russellville resident Nellie Nance said the heater she received would be a big help to her.
“There is no heat in the room I stay in and it can get very cold,” she said. “I have breathing problems and I can’t get up to turn the heat on in the other room so having this heater close to me will keep me warm this winter.”
The YES Foundation is an independent 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that is in its second year of operation in Franklin County. The foundation is made up of all volunteers and was first begun as an additional way to write grants for needs in the community.
According to the foundation’
s website, every dollar donated is essential to fun programs like preschool literacy, parenting classes, job training skills, work readiness, and activities and mentoring for senior citizens.
“This foundation has a purpose of making Franklin County a better place,” YES Foundation president Stratt Byars said. “
We have gotten together many ideas and are now in the process of doing the leg work for these ideas.
“We think of ourselves as a hub to assist the county in different ways and to help meet the community’s needs. We just want to help the community grow in a positive way.”
Additional information about donations or projects can be obtained by visiting www.franklinyes.org.