Chief Operating Officer Hanan Scrapper on her first six weeks at San Diego Youth Services

It’s hard to believe it’s only been six weeks since I officially started at San Diego Youth Services, because it already feels like home. What an amazing experience it’s been so far! I’ve had the privilege of visiting many of our sites, and I am truly impressed and inspired by the team members I’ve met along the way. The passion, dedication, and heart that everyone brings to serving our youth is extraordinary. It’s clear that SDYS isn’t just an organization; it’s a community driven by purpose.

One highlight has been touring our Spring Valley site and joining the new hire orientation there. The site is impressive, with so many impactful programs happening under one roof and strong partnerships with community based organizations. Shout out to our trainers for New Hire Orientation for delivering excellent trainings as subject matter experts and sharing SDYS’s mission and service delivery philosophy. It was truly impressive!

I also had a chance to meet the two beautiful horses in our equine therapy program. That was really cool! I also had the chance to visit our Storefront Youth Emergency Shelter, and it left a lasting impression. The beautiful murals and cozy sleep areas create a warm, welcoming environment that truly helps our Service Partners feel safe and at home. I got to see many more of our incredible programs, just naming a few here.

I know there are still a few sites I haven’t had the chance to visit yet, and I’m very much looking forward to meeting the teams at those locations soon. As I continue to settle into my role, I feel incredibly honored to be part of this mission and this team.

Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me, I can’t wait to keep learning, collaborating, and growing together to further support the youth and families we serve. The future is bright, and I’m excited to be on this journey with all of you!