From the director's desk...

Dear Friends and Families, 

This is our final Happenings of 2023 and my last director’s note as I will be retiring at the end of the year. Retiring brings a mix of excitement and a bit of sadness. 

I spent much of my career working and learning at the Youth Bureau. I am fortunate to have worked in a variety of programs, and with various people and committees throughout my career. I started at the Youth Bureau as a fieldwork student in 1983 to meet a class requirement. I began working in a part-time position shortly after that and spent the next 10 years working for the YB and some other community organizations, continuing my education and raising a family in Danby.  In 1999, I landed solidly back at the Youth Bureau as a recreation supervisor; through the years, I was promoted to recreation coordinator, then deputy director, and then director. I am both proud and honored to have spent much of my career at the Youth Bureau.  Youth Bureau programs strive to meet the needs of youth and families in the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County. Staff at the YB use their expertise and creativity to continually add, tweak, and grow program components to make them safer, and more fun, educational, and accessible for youth and families. I will miss being a part of this team. I am proud to have had the opportunity to provide leadership to such a dedicated and passionate group of individuals.  

One of the highlights of my career has been watching young people accomplish goals, graduate, get jobs, learn new skills, grow stronger, and become more confident. Many youth come back and work with us. It is also heartwarming to witness the love, pride, and involvement of caregivers with their children as they participate in programs, and it has been a privilege to be part of that.     

A special thank you to Youth Bureau Friends, families, and participants for supporting our programs and facilities! I will miss everyone and watch from the sidelines as programs and projects continue to grow. 

~ Liz Klohmann, IYB Director