The council adopted Resolution 16‑81 recognizing the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation for its long‑standing financial support and partnership with the city’s Youth and Family Services department. The resolution passed on a roll‑call vote after city staff outlined the foundation’s program history and financial contributions.

Why it matters: Mercer Island’s Youth and Family Services (YFS) department provides school counselors, senior support, food security programs and other behavioral‑health and basic‑needs services. City staff said the department is unusual for a municipality in Washington, and private philanthropic support is an essential part of sustaining staffing and programs.

YFS Administrator Derek Franklin summarized the foundation’s history and role, telling the council the private‑sector giving grew to about $515,000 annually under a 2023 four‑year funding agreement and that the foundation was prepared to increase giving to about $580,000 to help fund salary increases discussed elsewhere in the agenda. Franklin called the foundation a “remarkable group of community volunteers.” Amy French, the foundation’s executive director, and Cindy Goetzmann, foundation board president, each thanked the council and staff. Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum and other council members praised the foundation’s role during the pandemic when thrift‑store revenue was interrupted and volunteer fundraising helped sustain essential YFS programs.

Action: Council approved Resolution 16‑81 recognizing the Mercer Island YFS Foundation; movers and seconds were recorded and the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: The foundation’s future contributions were referenced later on the agenda (in discussion of salary adjustments). Council and staff thanked volunteers and donors and invited continued public recognition and support.