For Immediate Release
September 30, 2002

Contact:
Erin O'Connor Jones
207-874-1175
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 775-5115
E-mail: beryl@wolfenews.com
Web Site: http://www.youthalternatives.org

PORTLAND, Maine - Youth Alternatives, a nationally accredited provider of services to children, youth and families throughout Maine, has named two new members to its 15-member Board of Trustees: Richard J. Vail of South Portland and Jean K. Gulliver of Falmouth.

"Each of these new members bring individual leadership and vision to the YA board, as well as areas of expertise that will help strengthen our organization for years to come," said Michael J. Tarpinian, president of Youth Alternatives.

Founded in 1972, Youth Alternatives provides a full range of services, from prevention of child abuse and neglect to intensive intervention and safe-haven homes for youth. More than 7,000 people throughout Maine are served each year.

The new board members are:

Richard J. Vail of South Portland. Vail is a financial consultant for A.G. Edwards and has more than 20 years of banking and finance experience. He is a former vice president at Banknorth Group, Inc. Vail has a long history of charitable giving and community involvement, including work with the PCA Great Performances, the United Way of Greater Portland and the National Kidney Foundation.

Jean K. Gulliver of Falmouth. Gulliver chairs the Maine State Board of Education and is a former chairperson of the National Association State Board of Education. Also, she is an appointed member of the Information Services Policy Board. She offers the YA board expertise in the areas of education and strategic directions.

The Youth Alternatives Board of Trustees is chaired by Victoria Loring of Cape Elizabeth. Other officers include Vice Chair - Layne Gregory of Falmouth, Secretary - Susan Schultz of Portland, and Treasurer - Gregory Sanborn of Portland.

Headquartered at 400 Congress St. in Portland, Youth Alternatives serves survivors of abuse and neglect, whether physical, emotional or sexual; parents in need of support and education; children and youth at risk for homelessness or criminal behavior; and/or families at risk of having a child removed from their homes.

In addition to programs and services, Youth Alternatives provides residential homes for children, including Bass House, Heritage House, Perry's Place, Reardon's Place and ROADS Group Home.

Youth Alternatives works to prevent child abuse and neglect through the Cumberland County Child Abuse and Neglect Council, Family Mediation, Healthy Families Partnership and Parenting Education programs.

It also provides community support for children and families through services in the following areas: family intervention, family outreach, intensive supervision, treatment foster care, homeless youth and substance abuse.

Youth Alternatives relies on federal, state and local grants, foundations, United Way organizations, corporate support and individual donations. For more information, persons may visit online at www.youthalternatives.org, call (207) 874-1175 or e-mail info@youthalternatives.org.

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