By Brian Blair, The Republic
bblair@therepublic.com
An agency helping pregnant teens and teen mothers finish their education is disbanding - but is hoping another agency will adopt its mission.
YMED, an acronym for Young Mothers Educational Development, made the announcement in a letter from President Cindy Birkner.
She cited as the main reason United Way of Bartholomew County's recent decision to cease funding YMED as a freestanding nonprofit agency.
However, United Way President Doug Otto said United Way still will fund the work through 2009 if someone picks up the program.
Funding for 2010 would be evaluated.
"There is no intention on the part of United Way for that work to be discontinued," said Otto. "This United Way is doing everything it can to keep these agencies whole so that their clients can be cared for.
'Cost-conscious'
"And we're going to do that in the most effective and costconscious way." YMED formed in 1972 after community leaders became concerned about pregnant high schoolers who compounded their challenges by dropping out of school.
United Way announced in March that YMED's funding would be cut 20 percent - and United Way funds eventually would stop completely if it did not merge with another agency.
United Way board members explained that other local agencies could help promote YMED's work in the future and cover its costs.
Connie Whitley, YMED'S former executive director and a current case manager, called the news of the agency's end "heartbreaking." She has worked with YMED for 25 years, and was perhaps the agency's most visible leader and promoter.
Whitley said she never dreamed this would happen.
"No, never - at least not unless there were significantly fewer pregnancies," she said.
President Birkner's letter offered some optimism and hope.
"Members of the YMED board will remain strong advocates for the mission and vision of the program," Birkner wrote. "It is our hope that a new home will be identified and services to pregnant and parenting teens will be in place with the start of the 2009-2010 school year."
Board member Ginger Stawicki said YMED has had discussions with Childhood Connections and Family Services of Bartholomew County. "I just hope that the community will see the responsibility and the need to provide education for these adolescents," said Stawicki. "I'm encouraged, and I want to be optimistic." A few weeks ago, the agency had about 70 clients. Nineteen were pregnant, school-age girls.
Others were teen moms.
United Way made dramatic cuts after the latest fundraising campaign fell $500,000 short of its goal. YMED's was among the most drastic trims.