Shahalum Youth and Family Services asks Yamhill County for help after $112,000 grant cut

James Goings and Charlie Rice urged the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners on March 26 to consider help for Shahalum Youth and Family Services after a significant grant reduction. "We experienced a 29% reduction in these funds at the start of our current fiscal year…that was a reduction of $112,000," Rice said, describing the impact on the agency’s workforce development and parent‑visitation services.

Goings, who identified himself as a McMinnville resident and board chair for Shahalum, said his proposal for a small personally funded incentive to recognize youth volunteers was misread as an organizational expense, and explained the organization reduced staff compensation and closed its McMinnville office to preserve core services. Rice added that the organization moved its McMinnville operations to WorkSource Oregon and is seeking grant funding to cover the shortfall.

Rice told commissioners Shahalum will present its financial needs to the county budget committee next month. "We plan to present our financial needs to the county budget committee next month," he said, asking the board to consider the agency’s long track record of serving Yamhill County youth and families.

The board thanked the speakers for their work and encouraged them to raise the issue at the budget committee. No formal action was taken during the meeting; Rice and Goings said they will pursue the budget‑committee presentation and follow up with staff.