[September 17, 2007] Youth Alternatives and Ingraham Finalize Merger
Youth Alternatives Merger with Ingraham Creates One of State’s Most Comprehensive Nonprofits Serving Children, Adults and Families
Two leading social service providers, Youth Alternatives and Ingraham, join forces today in a merger that provides a broader array of vital, therapeutic services to youth and families in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems and adults with behavioral health needs. The merger also creates greater operational efficiencies and ensures continued excellence of service delivery to clients.
The combined entity is led by Michael J. Tarpinian, a proven leader in the field with 25 years’ experience in the delivery of social services in Maine. The merger officially launches today, September 17, 2007. Youth Alternatives and Ingraham will continue to operate under their current names.
"Our strength as a combined organization will enable us to seize opportunities, identify needs in our communities and provide a full spectrum of services to individuals that begins prenatally and continues throughout the life span," said Tarpinian. "To put it simply, together we’ll respond even more effectively with a broader range of services to help produce healthier children and adults, happier families and stronger communities."
In addition to making it easier for persons in need of assistance to access services more readily, Tarpinian says that the new organization will combine important "strategic and operational strengths" while achieving the "traditional economies of scale and scope that are realized through increased size and disciplined management."
The merged organization doubles in size to more than 400 employees. All of the vital services offered by the two organizations will continue operation.
"Joining forces with Youth Alternatives presents a tremendous opportunity to create a model organization that will set the standards for innovative service delivery for populations that need us," said Tim Soley, former president of the Board of Directors of Ingraham and a new member of the Board for the combined organization. "Together we are a better, stronger and more stable organization."
The organization has a Board of Trustees that consists of members from Youth Alternatives’ original Board and members of Ingraham’s Board of Directors, including consumers of Ingraham’s services.
Youth Alternatives, a nonprofit social service agency founded in 1972, advances safe, happy, healthy childhoods and positive family relationships. Through its comprehensive continuum of care, Youth Alternatives creates homes for vulnerable children and youth; supports families in need, conflict or crisis; reaches out to homeless youth; and ensures safety by working to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through its programs, Youth Alternatives serves more than 5,000 children, youth and family members throughout Maine each year. Youth Alternatives relies on the support of our community, individuals, corporations, foundations and community groups.
Ingraham, a not-for-profit human service agency, addresses some of the most critical issues in Cumberland County – including suicide, crisis intervention, homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse – and is a gateway to statewide community resources. Since 1970, Ingraham has been improving the lives of thousands of individuals through crisis, residential, and support programs. With an operating budget of nearly $10 million, Ingraham employs a workforce of approximately 200.
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