Volunteers to be honored at SYFS Gala By Joyce Kelly, Staff Writer 02/23/2006

There was a time when homelessness was a big problem in Shrewsbury and domestic violence was a regular occurrence, and the solution was often to hide it.
   Juvenile crime was so prevalent, a Westborough Court judge was moved to speak out about the anomaly, and urged the town to find a way to address it.
   That was the late 80s and early 90s, said Jeffrey Chin, director of Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services.
   Thus, members of the community collaborated and created the town's only private, non-profit human service agency, Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (SYFS) - now the primary provider of social services for low-income families.
   "With growth comes more city-like problems, like domestic violence, homelessness and youth crimes. Shrewsbury has come full-circle; there are more and more youth issues today," said Chin.
   Community members and police have teamed up to make the organization successful, and consequently, greatly diminished those problems, Chin said.
   "At one time, violence was a very big problem, but it has been decreasing because of our Violence Intervention Program, police, and ADVISE (Against Domestic Violence In Shrewsbury Education).
   "There's a little misconception that Shrewsbury is an affluent town with no poor families, but many can't afford health insurance because of income level," said Chin.
   Based on the needs of residents, the organizations shifts focus.
   This year, a lot of people need fuel assistance, counseling, parental help and healthcare advocacy, Chin said.
   "Sometimes people don't know where to look or network, and we help them do that," he said.
   He estimates SYFS has assisted tens of thousands of families since it was formed in 1983.
   To honor those in the community who have helped the agency help those in need, and raise funds for operational expenses, SYFS is once again gearing up for its annual Gala on Saturday, March 11.
   "It's huge, because it's our biggest fundraiser of the year. It's big on a number of levels: it's the biggest gathering of the agency, and it is also a time we celebrate a lot of what we've been able to do, and to honor our partners in the community," said Chin.
   SYFS is dependent on donations to operate, as they account for about 40-45 percent of the private, non-profits agency's annual budget.
   Eight high school students will receive "Outstanding Youth of Shrewsbury" awards at the gala, and one adult (whom the Gala Committee agreed has given the highest level of community service) will be recognized as well.
   At the gala, SYFS will honor Janet Trippi, a long-time volunteer in numerous organizations in town, with the Harry S. Cutting, Jr. Award for Community Service.
   The award is in memory of one of Shrewsbury's eminent philanthropists and one of the first SYFS directors, Harry S. Cutting, Jr., or "Mr. Community," as he was known.
   Trippi is active in the League of Women Voters, is the chairman of ADVISE, the Garden Club, and the Women's Club, among other things.
   "She's a fantastic, wonderfully giving and compassionate woman. She really is the epitome of grace. It amazes me how selfless she is with her time. She consistently gives both her time and resources to help with many projects and victims of domestic violence," said Chin.
   She is probably the most humble person around, he said.
   "She's probably not looking forward to the spotlight from the award, but I think she recognizes a lot of people know how much she's given, and how valuable she is as a resource," Chin said.
   The high school students who are honored must be nominated, and are chosen based on their level of community service, and the impact their work has had, Chin said.
   "We also factor the amount of obstacles they may have had (to overcome) to deliver that service; despite difficult situations, they find a way to give back," Chin said.
   Aside from its function as an awards ceremony and evening of entertainment, the annual gala acts as an educational event that lets people know there are resources in the community to help them, Chin said.
   "The biggest purpose is to celebrate the accomplishments and spirit of the community overall. It's a nice way to acknowledge people who are making the community better.
   "It's going to be a great event, with a wonderful dinner, a lot of silent and live auction items," Chin said.
   Red Sox tickets and vacation getaways are a few of the prizes being raffled off, he said.
   SYFS is still seeking donations from businesses and individuals to support the gala. All contributions are tax deductible.
   The gala will be held at Indian Meadows Country Club in Westborough, and is open to the public. Tickets are $50 per person.
   For more information, call Jeff Chin or Kelly O'Connell at (508) 845-6932 or logon to the SYFS website, www.shrewsburyyfs.org.