In the Employee Spotlight we aim to recognize a Youth Service, Inc. employee making an impact in the communities we serve. Sherrell Slaffey is a Service Coordinator in Youth Service, Inc.’s Youth Emergency Service (YES) program.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I am a native West Philadelphian and attended Parkway Gamma High School. I love activities and participated in many during high school. One of my favorites was the Debate Team. Penn State, Main Campus, is my alma mater. I was in the honor society, Kappa Omicron Nu. Among my other interests are reading, party planning and decorating. I am also a Paparazzi Jewelry Consultant. I am currently a Service Coordinator at Youth Emergency Service.
Q: How long have you been working at YSI?
I was introduced to YSI in 2001, where I was an intern for YES in the evenings. In 2002, I became the social worker for the Locust Mother/Baby Group home. Here I discovered a passion for working with teenagers, especially females. In 2013, the Mother/Baby Group home closed as DHS rolled out their initiative for improving outcomes for children. I then worked in Family Empowerment Services until 2015. In 2015, I returned to YES first as weekend supervisor and then as supervisor for the 4pm to midnight shift. Full circle, I am now back with our loving YES champions (residents). My day is never dull and full of challenges.
Q: Why do you think these programs are important?
Providing emergency services to youth is important to me because it is an opportunity to model positive relationships for our young people. Although there are times that feel chaotic, which is to be expected with youth, there are always teachable moments. At YES, we aim to demonstrate mindfulness, promote a sense of development and accountability, while creating an open and safe environment using a trauma informed approach.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at YSI in this program?
I enjoy supporting our champions in learning and developing new skills. For the most part, the sense of gratitude is seen when a youth returns and expresses appreciation. While at YES, often because youth is in a current chaos and survival mode, some lessons are not grasped in the moment, while other lessons manifest when they are departing. Being an active listener and advocate, may seem minute, but can be life changing for them.
I enjoy supporting our champions in learning and developing new skills. For the most part, the sense of gratitude is seen when a youth returns and expresses appreciation. While at YES, often because youth are reflecting their trauma through their behavior and communication and are in survival mode, some lessons are not grasped in the moment, while other lessons manifest when they are departing. Being an active listener and advocate, may seem minute, but can be life changing for them.