Sarah Phillips, Executive Director
(she/her)
Sarah has worked in non-profits as line staff, management and administration, for almost 40 years, serving people who have been systematically marginalized by larger society. Families with children experiencing homelessness; adults living in missions or on the street; people with chronic mental illness; adults and elders with acquired or developmental disabilities; people of color; the LGBTQ community and youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.
She currently is the Executive Director of YES, a drop-in center and street outreach case management program in Newport, WA. The program is for youth and young adults and offers multiple avenues for individualized supports and advocacy for participants experiencing homelessness, poverty, being bullied for their gender identity or sexuality and/or color. Youth voice and choice is the vital cultural value at YES, honoring young people’s expertise on their own lives and needs. Young people with lived experience are on staff as well as all adult staff and several Board members.
“I’ve always felt honored to be with people who were ‘othered’, who live on the periphery of their communities, not only as a social worker but as an advocate and fellow human. As a kid I was othered, and those experiences informed my entire professional and personal life.”
Kellie Dean, Executive Assistant
(she/her)
Kellie is new to working in the non-profit sector. She has worked in the larger corporate world and has been with YES for a little over 2 years as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Sarah Phillips.
Kellie is no stranger, however, to the struggles of homelessness, having been homeless with her young son while living in Seattle.
“I never thought I would join the world of non-profit work, but now realize this is where I am meant to be. I have been on the streets myself with my 3 month old son, but I lived in a big city where help was available on almost ever corner. Coming to a rural community has truly opened my eyes to the reality that homelessness is just as big of an issue here as it is in large cities. Now we just need to help others see that homelessness, hunger and mental illness do exist in tiny towns.”
Kellie comes from a corporate background with 23 years working with numbers. With a degree in accounting, her great skills are an amazing asset to YES. She helps build budgets for any and all financial assets; grants, donations, etc. She watches every dollar and makes sure the guidelines of each funding source are being complied with.
“Working for a non-profit has really opened my eyes to some issues I was blind to. Working alongside the LGBTQ+ community has been a wonderful addition to my knowledge base. My experience at YES has helped my learn about the importance of grants and grant writing. YES depends heavily on these funding sources keep our doors open for young people in need.”
DeeAnna Orre, Youth Program Specialist
(she/her)
DeeAnna Orre is an Advocate at YES (Youth Emergency Services) of Pend Oreille County. Her job revolves around connecting youth and young adults of at-risk marginalized communities with a wide variety of resources involving housing stability, gender affirming care, and mental health amongst others. DeeAnna is also a board member of the Washington State Youth for Youth Board where she works to create better equitable services across the state. DeeAnna has dedicated her time to changing the systems that also held her back as a young queer adult. She works every day to create a better environment for everyone where they can feel safe, respected, and heard. DeeAnna is strong-headed and stubborn in the face of adversity but still maintains a positive and helpful outlook to support youth and young adults.
Jeanynes Bell
(she/her)
Bio for Jeanynes
Nikki Oss, Advocate
(she/her)
Nikki is a graduate from Lewis-Clark State College and came to us as an intern. She now has a bachelor’s degree in social work and is an advocate at YES.
Nikki loves animals and has a small hobby farm where she spends a lot of time with her dogs, cat, pig, goats, and chickens.
Nikki has lived experience which gives her insight into the struggles that many people face today. Through these experiences she found a passion for working with vulnerable, at-risk, and underrepresented populations. She has a strong desire to advocate for social justice and honors each individual’s self-determination.
Thumbalina, Office Assistant
Thumbelina is one of the new cuddle bugs in the Drop-in Center. She loves toilet paper, boxes and bags of all kinds. Her particular talent is comforting people who are feeling sad or anxious We are so glad she chose us!
Bagheera, Official Cuddler
Bagheera came to YES with Thumbelina from the Priest River Animal Shelter. He is a loving kitty with a huge purr. He loves rides in the food wagon, laying on shoulders and chasing his toys. He is delightful, funny and smart. Another win for all us at the Center.