Grand Opening of the Youth Services Youth Family Counseling (YFC) West Office: Celebrating Community Support and Honoring Clara Hessing

Monday, October 28, 2024, marked a significant milestone as the Youth Services Department proudly celebrated the Grand Opening of the West Office for Youth & Family Counseling (YFC). This event highlighted the Youth Services Department's new location and honored the memory of Mrs. Clara Hessing, a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the County and its residents will not be forgotten.

A special conference room dedication in Mrs. Hessing's name took place during the ceremony, paying tribute to her legacy of service and compassion. Mrs. Clara Hessing worked for Palm Beach County Youth Services Department for 34 years from January 1987 until she retired on August 31, 2021. Her entire professional life was devoted to helping those in need. Clara worked out of the West Office for most of those years and would make home visits to see families, go to schools to see youth on her caseload, go to meet parents at their job sites, or at a coffee shop or grocery store. It was her calling and her life's work to help others. Everyone in the Glades area knew Clara. She always went above and beyond and was a social worker in the truest sense of the word.

Together with, County Commissioner Sara Baxter, County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker, Belle Glade Mayor Steve B. Wilson, South Bay Mayor Joe Kyles, Sr. and Mrs. Clara Hessing's family, Youth Services Department proudly dedicates The Clara Hessing Conference Room in her honor.

For over 30 years, YFC has been committed to supporting Palm Beach County families with children and youth up to 22 years old. This community-based program provides free therapeutic services, focusing on fostering resilience and well-being among young people and their families.

YFC offers various services, including Family and Individual Therapy, parent education, and School-Based mental health services. Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, YFC provides therapeutic sessions both in person and virtually, accommodating English, Spanish, and Creole speakers.

With locations in Belle Glade, Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and West Palm Beach, YFC remains dedicated to building a supportive environment for youth and families throughout Palm Beach County.

We invite community members to visit Youth Service's new YFC West Office located at 38754 State Road 80, Belle Glade, FL 33430 and learn more about the programs offered.