Our Story
Once upon a time, when a Centre County youth got in trouble and ended up in court, a judge’s only option was to send the child far from home for help. Judge R. Paul Campbell and other dedicated volunteers founded the Youth Service Bureau in 1968 so young people could get help in our own community.
Although YSB’s basic mission—helping children and youth—has remained the same for five decades, our services have evolved and grown. Our staff members and volunteers continually assess needs among local youth and look for creative, evidence-based ways of meeting those needs. Over the years, thanks to community support, YSB has helped hundreds of thousands of local children and families turn the page to new chapters of safety, understanding, responsibility, and much more. Each year, dedicated staff members and volunteers touch the lives of more than 15,000 youth and family members through an array of prevention programs, family services, and residential homes.
Over time we have grown in our ability to truly partner with all constituents. We want parents to view YSB staff as resources, rather than as experts mandating change. We ask kids for their input through our Youth Council, made up of older teens and young adults who are program participants or alumni. And we embrace the contributions of community donors who make it possible for children and families to write new life stories.
Our Mission
The Youth Service Bureau exists to help ensure children, youth, and families have every opportunity to reach their full potential.