Our Mission:

Programs for Youth is dedicated to providing free resources, education and guidance for our local youth in order to establish a solid foundation for happy, healthy and strong families in Southwest Missouri.


Programs for Youth is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bettering the lives of teens in Springfield, Missouri and the surrounding areas. We are a new organization; incorporated by the State of Missouri on December 3, 2008. Our staff, having experience in working with "at-risk" youth, found great importance in providing solutions for the needs of our local youth.

According to the Greene County Juvenile Office, there were 2,091 juvenile delinquency referrals in 2009. Furthermore, the number of youth placed in custody of the Division of Youth Services has doubled since 2000. The mission behind Programs for Youth is to address such issues in our area through educational programs and family assistance.

Founded and Directed by a former Juvenile Probation Officer and certified Girls Circle Facilitator, Programs for Youth provides free services for all teens in our community. Referrals may come from parents, teachers, juvenile officers, guardians, counselors and/or teens seeking help.

Programs provided by our organization include Life Skills classes, job search assistance, mentoring, parent workshops (for parents of teens) and GED assistance, among others. With the exception of Life Skills classes, all services are available on a one-on-one basis. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We are happy to provide all services at no charge. 

For more information, please contact our office at 417-522-4654. You may also send an e-mail to info@programsforyouth.org.


Board of Directors:
Todd Thornhill, Springfield Municipal Court
Bob Jahnke, Excel Day Treatment
Cathy Clark, Solutions Alternative Program
Lisa Street, MSU School of Social Work

Executive Director:
Suzanne Stracke Jackson

Treasurer:
Holly Rager