About WYC
The Westerville Youth Connection
exists to make sure no young person in our community has to navigate life’s hardest moments alone.
We provide a safe, welcoming space where youth ages 14–24 can access essentials like food, clothing, hygiene items, laundry facilities, and supportive case management.
By working alongside local partners, volunteers, and families, we help bridge gaps in services and empower young people to build stability, confidence, and a path toward long-term independence.
OUR VALUES
COMPASSION –
We demonstrate genuine care for every young person’s well-being by offering nonjudgmental support and fostering a welcoming environment for individuals of diverse identities, abilities, and backgrounds.
EMPOWERMENT –
We equip young people with the resources and skills they need to shape their own futures – so they can grow in confidence, independence, and self-advocacy.
COLLABORATION –
We work closely with community partners, volunteers, and Westerville residents to build a strong support network. We encourage communication and teamwork to foster a collective impact and lasting relationships.
MENTORSHIP –
Through skill-building, mentorship, and access to essential resources, we aim to break cycles of poverty and dysfunction, fostering a brighter future for both individuals and the Westerville community.
THE MISSION
We provide a safe space with access to food, clothing, hygiene products, laundry facilities, case management, and more. We connect existing resources and collaborate with community partners in the Westerville area to bridge gaps in services for our most vulnerable young people, ages 14-24. These efforts support the needs of this population and assist in their transition to self-sustainability.
THE VISION
We envision a future in which every young person in the Westerville area has access to the necessary resources to be healthy, self-sustaining, and productive members of our community.
Our Story
WHY We Started
Westerville Youth Connection was born from a simple but urgent realization: too many young people in our community were facing challenges such as housing instability, food insecurity, family conflict and isolation without a central place to turn for help.
Local educators, nonprofit leaders, first responders, faith organizations, businesses and community volunteers came together around a shared vision to create a collaborative network of support that ensures every young person has access to trusted relationships, essential resources and opportunities to build a brighter future.
Rather than creating another standalone service, Westerville Youth Connection was established to bring the community together, close service gaps and connect youth with the people and resources they need to thrive.
Board Officers
Our 2026 officer team is:
Bio
Ellen Cathers is a business leader and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in leadership, operations, and community impact. A former executive at The Limited and founder of a successful logistics company, she is known for bringing people and ideas together to drive meaningful change. As President of Westerville Youth Connection, Ellen is passionate about investing in youth and strengthening the community.
Bio
Tiffany McGinnis is a CPA and accounting professional with more than 20 years of experience in financial reporting, consulting, and process improvement. She serves as Director of Client Service at Acclarity and brings strong financial and operational expertise to her role as Vice President of Westerville Youth Connection.
A dedicated community leader, Tiffany is a past president of the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club and actively volunteers with several local organizations. She is passionate about supporting youth and strengthening the Westerville community.
Bio
Angela Sillus is an accomplished executive leader with more than 30 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry. She most recently served as a Staff Vice President at a Fortune 50 health insurance company, where she led large teams and managed significant operational portfolios, driving improvements in customer experience and organizational efficiency.
Angela brings deep expertise in leadership, operations, and strategic transformation, with a track record of guiding teams through complex initiatives and change.
A dedicated community advocate, Angela also serves as Secretary of the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Club and is passionate about supporting youth and families in Central Ohio. She is committed to helping create a safe, supportive environment where young people can build confidence and achieve long-term success.
Bio
Jodi Fletcher is a retired financial professional with extensive experience in banking, systems development, and project management. She has led major system integrations, supported organizational growth, and is known for her attention to detail and practical problem-solving.
A dedicated community volunteer, Jodi has served as Treasurer for multiple organizations, including her church and the Harris-Askins House. As Treasurer of Westerville Youth Connection, she brings strong financial oversight and a passion for supporting at-risk youth in the Westerville community.
… and our members
Our full board is made up of more than a dozen dedicated, involved residents committed to the Westerville Youth Connection mission.
For 2026, they are:
Kari Ansel, Ellen Cathers, Steven D’Ambrosio, Brandy Deichert, Jodi Fletcher, Chris Herbert, Nafiso Jamale, John Kellogg, Tiffany McGinnis, John Oleyar, Katrina Plourde, Tobias Roediger, Rich Schorling, and Beth Wilcox.
Founded to Save Lives & Build Futures
Children in Need
2026 Fundraising Goal
At-Risk Youth Targeted
We’ve Raised $40,000+ to Help Homeless Children in our Community
Our goal for 2026 is $80,000
Through the generosity of our Foundational Sponsors, Westerville Youth Connection has raised $40,000 to help young people in the community experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Our fundraising goal for the year is $80,000. Contact us to make a donation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Westerville Youth Connection?
Westerville Youth Connection is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping vulnerable youth and young adults ages 14 – 24 become stable, independent and active members of the Westerville community. The organization works collaboratively with schools, nonprofits, faith communities, healthcare providers and other community organizations to connect youth with the resources they need to thrive.
What is The Launch Pad?
The Launch Pad is the youth drop-in center operated by Westerville Youth Connection. It provides a safe, welcoming environment where young people can access basic necessities, connect with trusted adults, receive case management and referrals, and build pathways toward long-term stability and independence.
Why was The Launch Pad created?
Community leaders recognized that many young people in the Westerville area were experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, family conflict and other challenges but lacked easy access to centralized support services. While similar resources exist elsewhere in Central Ohio, transportation barriers often prevent Westerville-area youth from using them consistently.
What services are available?
Youth may access:
- Food and snacks
- Clothing
- Hygiene supplies
- Wi-Fi
- Homework and study space
- Employment assistance
- Housing referrals
- Life-skills coaching
- Case management
- Connections to community partners and support services
Services will continue to expand as additional partnerships and funding become available.
Is there a cost to use The Launch Pad?
No. Services are provided at no cost to youth.
Will The Launch Pad provide housing?
No. The Launch Pad is not a housing facility. It connects youth with housing resources, community partners and case management while helping them navigate available support services.
What are the initial hours of operation?
Initially, The Launch Pad will be open Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., providing a safe place for youth after school. The organization plans to expand hours as funding and volunteer capacity grow.
Why are the hours after school?
The after-school hours address one of the times when many young people need a safe place to go, access to food, homework support and caring adults before returning home or transitioning to work or other responsibilities.
Is The Launch Pad a shelter?
No. It is a drop-in resource center that connects youth to essential services, trusted adults and community partners.
What communities does Westerville Youth Connection serve?
Its primary focus is serving youth connected to the Westerville City School District and surrounding Westerville community.
Who are Westerville Youth Connection's community partners?
The organization works collaboratively with schools, first responders, churches, healthcare providers, nonprofits including the Rotary Club of Westerville and Rotary Club of Westerville Sunrise, businesses, volunteers and organizations throughout the Westerville community. WARM serves as the host location and one of its foundational partners.
How is Westerville Youth Connection funded?
Westerville Youth Connection is supported through individual donations, business sponsorships, grants and community fundraising efforts. Westerville’s two Rotary clubs provided initial funding.
How can someone support the mission?
Community members can:
- Become a monthly donor
- Make a one-time financial contribution
- Volunteer
- Donate needed items
- Introduce youth who may benefit from services
- Help raise awareness throughout the community
How can a young person access services?
Youth may visit The Launch Pad during operating hours. Referral partners, schools, counselors, churches, first responders and family members may also help connect young people with the organization.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
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