About Us
Program history
Great Plains Youth and Family Services Inc. (GPYFS) began formal operation as a satellite of Caddo County Youth Services in 1978. The agency filed its original Articles of Incorporation in December 1978 and adopted the new name of Great Plains Youth and Family Services, Inc. The agency was originally located in the Post Office basement. Since those humble beginnings, GPYFS has grown into one of the leading community service agencies in southwest Oklahoma.
Non profit status
Agency funding is provided through state agency grants, Oklahoma Health Department contracts, Office of Juvenile Affairs contracts, and the generosity of donors. In 1980, GPYFS became a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all donations made to the agency became tax deductible.
service area and programs
The staff at GPYFS serve 15 counties in southwest Oklahoma through programs such as Child Care Resource & Referral, Growing In Family Training, Individual & Group Counseling, Positive Life Styles, TSET Healthy Living Program, Foster & Respite Care, Host Homes, and Anger Management.
GPYFS also serves the children of Kiowa County with Fill the Bus for A+ school supply assistance program and Christmas Gifts of Hope. These two programs are funded 100% through private and corporate donations. In 2015, 155 Kiowa County students received backpacks full of needed school supplies and 188 Hobart children received Christmas gifts of clothing, shoes, winter coats, books, and toys. Both of these were record numbers for the two outreach programs. In addition, the staff of the Growing In Family Training program at GPYFS maintains a clothing, diaper, wipe, and baby food closet for families needing emergency assistance. This service is funded through donations of funds and items.
community involvement
GPYFS participates in community events such as Back to School Bash, Pumpkin Palooza, Celebration of Freedom, Community Baby Shower, Hobart Elementary AR Play Day, Heritage Days, Pioneer Days, Kiowa County Children's Fun Fair, Hobart Legislative Luncheons, various 5K and 1-Mile Fun Runs, and Feed My Sheep. The staff at GPYFS is heavily involved in community and civic groups such as Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs as well as holding positions on the Hobart Main Street, Hobart Chamber of Commerce, Kiowa County Coalition, and Oklahoma Association of Youth Services Board of Directors.
donations
GPYFS relies on the generosity of donors to provide additional funds in order to service various needs of residents in the Hobart area. All donations made to GPYFS are tax deductible. These funds go directly to programs such as Fill the Bus for A+, Christmas Gifts of Hope, and the G.I.F.T. program's diaper, wipes, clothes, and baby food closet. Donations may be made via our website, by mail, or by stopping at our office located in Hobart.