LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 22, 2017) – Arbor Youth Services has hired Lori Clemons as the new executive director. Clemons comes to AYS from the Lexington Rescue Mission, having served there since 2012 and leaving the position of director of outreach services.
Clemons was hired after Arbor Youth Services conducted an executive search that garnered much attention in the non-profit industry across the commonwealth.
Clemons will lead the 41-year-old organization that provides safe alternatives for at-risk children, youth and their families through services and referrals that promote positive growth and development. Annually over 300 children will spend at least one night in their shelter, many of whom are homeless, in the state’s foster care system, or have reported abuse in their home.
“We are beyond excited to Have Lori Clemons at the helm of Arbor Youth Services. After growing up literally across the street from AYS, which was then MASH, I have a personal and passionate connection to this mission and our kids,” said Adrian Wallace, board chair for Arbor Youth Services. “Lori is a professional colleague of mine through our mutual outreach and service to our impoverished brothers and sisters in the community but she’s also a personal friend who I trust with my five children, therefore am fully confident in her character and capacity for this work.”
Ms. Clemons is an alumni of the University of Kentucky, where she earned a bachelor of science in Family Sciences, with a heavy focus on community development. She has been involved in ministries and services for individuals experiencing poverty and/or homelessness in Lexington since 2004. Her passion and dedication to serving others has extended beyond Kentucky. Over the last 10 years, she has traveled internationally to 15 different countries serving indigenous groups.
About Arbor Youth Services
Arbor Youth Services is the only emergency shelter for unaccompanied children in Central Kentucky. We provide shelter for children as young as 6 weeks old and as old as 17. Arbor provides a safe, supportive and welcoming environment to children who may be homeless, abused, neglected or at risk of being victimized.
Our Street Outreach Program’s Drop-In center provides homeless young people (ages 18-24) daytime shelter, assistance in accessing basic needs and emotional support. These young people come here to shower, wash their clothes, and rest. Most of these young people find themselves without a roof over their head and no support when they turned 18, with some of them still trying to graduate from high school. Our ultimate goal is to help them obtain housing and connect them with the supports they need to succeed.
Arbor Youth Services is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and licensed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services as a Private Child Care facility. In addition, Arbor is a member of United Way of the Bluegrass, National Safe Place, Central Kentucky Homeless and Housing Initiative, and Downtown Lexington Corporation.
Add Comment