In the Supporter Spotlight we recognize a Youth Service, Inc. donor making an impact in the communities we serve. LaToshia DeVose has been supporting YSI for 11 years.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I am a native of West Philadelphia, raised by a single mother who valued family and education. As a result of various supports from social service programs and dedication, I was able to graduate out of the Philadelphia School District after attending George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science. There, I was in a special cohort of students on the medical school track for college as well as the tennis and volleyball teams. While I did not wind up in the medical field, the education I received prepared me to be successful in college and grad school where I achieved a Masters of Public Health from Drexel University.
Today, I work on grant programs that support early childhood providers and family’s access to high–quality childcare in Philadelphia. My special hobbies and interests now involve playing with my toddler and traveling with my family and making new memories together.
Q: How did you first get involved in with Youth Service, Inc. (YSI)? What attracted you to our cause?
I first got involved with YSI in 2009 when I worked as a case manager for the In-Home Protective Services program. I was attracted to the mission of the organization and its caring, hard-working staff.
Q: Why did you choose YSI when you were looking for an organization to donate to?
I choose to donate to YSI because I saw firsthand the impact that the organization has on families and children. The work this organization does is wonderful for the community and helps families and children receive tangible resources, and hope that their situation can change and they can transcend their current predicament.
Q: What motivates you to stay involved? Why do you donate?
I stay involved because I see that the work of YSI lives on, and grows even stronger over the years. I am proud to donate to an organization that remains transparent, engaged with donors and the community and that finds innovative, sustainable ways to help Philadelphia’s most in need populations.
When I donate to an organization, I want to be sure that my funds are directly impacting the lives of women and children and I have the utmost confidence that is happening when I donate to YSI.
Learn how you can support the work Youth Service, Inc. is doing by visiting https://ysiphilly.org/give-2/