Community Corner

Elizabeth Smart to Speak at YES Fundraiser in March

Abduction survivor and advocate for youth will be keynote speaker at Youth Eastside Services' fundraiser next spring

Elizabeth Smart, the victim of one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time, will deliver the keynote address at the Bellevue-based Youth Eastside Services (YES) Invest in Youth annual breakfast on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at in Bellevue.

Smart will share her story of overcoming the impact of nine months of imprisonment and the constant threat of being killed by her captors, and talk about overcoming extreme adversity and how to live triumphantly after tragedy.

“We’re extremely honored to present Ms. Smart in her first major speech in the Northwest,” said Patti Skelton-McGougan, YES executive director.

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“The spirit with which she publicly acknowledges the private nightmare she suffered at 14 is admirable, and her message of not allowing one’s past to dictate the future is inspirational.

“Although Elizabeth’s abduction was an exceptional experience, her powerful story of recovery from trauma helps us understand the benefits that result from investing in youth to bolster their resilience for whatever challenges come their way and to help them recover from trauma,” Skelton-McGougan said.

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Since becoming an adult, Smart has distinguished herself as a respected advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and national legislation. She is the founding president of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, whose mission is to prevent and stop predatory crimes.

Smart is also a news correspondent on issues involving high-profile missing person cases. She will finish her music studies at Brigham Young University in the spring of 2012.

Youth Eastside Services is a lifeline for kids and families coping with challenges such as emotional distress, substance abuse and violence. Through intervention, outreach and prevention, YES builds confidence and responsibility, strengthens family relationships, and advocates for a safer community that cares for its youth. Proceeds from Invest in Youth benefit the agency’s Lifeline Fund, which ensures that children and their families will get the help they need, regardless of their ability to pay for services.

Since 1968, YES has helped young people and their families deal with emotional issues, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual abuse, dating violence, gang activity and bullying. Each year, it helps tens of thousands of kids and family members discover the inner strength to overcome emotional problems and painful crises as they learn to make the right decisions that lead them toward happy, healthy lives. Visit www.YouthEastsideServices.org for more information.


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