TOGETHER WE CAN DO GREAT THINGS: LOOKING BACK AT 2025
- CYS Communications Team
- 30 minutes ago
- 2 min read
As we reflect on 2025, we would like to highlight the impact CYS has had as a leader in Restorative Justice and advocate for community healing. With new partnerships in schools and local agencies, CYS is reaching a wider network of youth and families; fostering safe and connected communities.
The amazing work done at CYS comes from the strong team of staff that make it their daily priority to uplift youth, their families and the community. This year, we welcomed some amazing newer team members:
Alexis Rodriguez – Case Management Specialist
Chantea Tolliver – Behavior Strategist
Jennifer Sokolov – Executive Assistant
Derseraie Russell- Executive Assistant
Chantea shared that her experience “allows me to interact with youth in a positive way. I appreciate that I am able to provide supportive resources to help youth get back on track.” Alexis highlighted that “working with youth on the Diversion team has shown me the power of second chances. Being at CYS, I get to help young people rediscover their strengths, rewrite their stories and realize that their future is bigger than their mistakes.”
Apart from CYS staff, our work would not be possible without our volunteers. From supporting CYS community events to facilitating trainings, these CYS volunteers play a vital role in supporting CYS’ mission to end the institutionalized practices in schools and justice systems that are primarily responsible for maintaining the school-to-prison pipeline.
Volunteer Catherine Aguilar shares how “CYS has taught me many valuable skills that will help me throughout my life. I've learned how to have better communication and be articulate with my words. But most importantly, I've learned how to be more patient, empathetic, and understanding.”
Another volunteer, Ann Nye, restated the “importance in helping youth get a 2nd chance with a ‘clean’ record,” as key to her passion in volunteering and helping CYS grow.
Thank you to the CYS community – our volunteers, staff, clients, supporters, funders, Board and committee members, partners, and more – for your support. We look forward to continuing to cultivate new connections and stories in 2026.
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