People read The Beachcomber to stay current on the issues affecting Vashon Island. Issues we’ve seen too much of include suicide, concerns over violence in schools and the impact of drug addiction on our community. I want to encourage people who care about these things to support Vashon Youth & Family Services (VYFS) this winter because their work makes a difference in these issues.

Every day VYFS staff are helping students at the high school and other Vashon schools, working in groups and individually so that our children can overcome issues like depression, family troubles and poverty. When something very public happens — a crisis like the death of a classmate — VYFS is in the school helping the staff support our children. When much more private things happen, like divorce or violence in the home, we call VYFS to help find lasting support for our students and their families.

If you care about these important issues, please join me in supporting VYFS financially this year by answering their fundraising letter.

Thank you on behalf of all of our children and their families.

— Danny Rock,
Principal, Vashon High School