About Youth to Teens
Our History
Youth to Teens was founded in February of 1992 by a motivated fourteen-year-old named Casey M. Butler. While still a youth herself, Casey was compelled to get the youth of St. Mary’s County more actively involved in their community. She set out to achieve this goal by creating an organization whose sole purpose was to give kids fun, safe and productive activities to participate in while teaching leadership skills and fostering a desire to give back to their community.
With an abundance of hard work and extreme dedication, young Casey was able to make her dreams for the youth of St. Mary’s a reality. Over the past 31 years, the organization has created countless activities for the youth to participate in. They have raised money through bake sales, pageants, fashion shows and concerts. Youth to Teens has also donated funds to a variety of organizations in the local community. These organizations include the Hospice of Saint Mary’s, Bayside Care Center, Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, Mary’s Song Soup Kitchen and countless other organizations. Although Casey is no longer an active member of Youth to Teens, her vision is still being realized through its new team members.
Mission Statement
Youth to Teens is committed to providing opportunities that educate, inspire, and encourage underserved youth in St. Mary’s County, MD. We pour into our youth, so that they can later pour into others.
Vision Statement
Youth to Teens will provide a space for our youth that will not only include programs and activities, but a space where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Members of Youth to Teens will develop life-long skills and relationships with their peers.
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Director – Yvonne Garner
Yvonne Garner accepted the role of Director for Youth to Teens in May of 2023. She is a native New Yorker who has always had a love for children. She has worked in the field of education for over 20 years as an elementary school teacher. She currently serves as an instructional coach for Maryland’s public school system. Yvonne has also served as director for the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame, summer STEM camp.
“Allowing our youth to reach their full potential academically, emotionally, and spiritually is one of the many things that makes my heart full.”
- Yvonne Garner
Co-Director – David Garner
David Garner accepted the role of Co-Director for Youth to Teens in May of 2023. Born in Birmingham, Alabama but raised in Michigan, David learned the true gift of giving through his parents and has been generously giving to those in his community and abroad ever since. After retiring from the Navy, David continued his work as a graphic artist for the United States government. David also founded and was the leader of a public-school program called Men of Appeal, where he mentored and taught social skills to upper-elementary boys. His love and commitment for the youth is also evident through his volunteer work with Camp Crazy Faith, a Christian based summer camp for the youth of Southern Maryland.
"We believe that every child should be given the opportunity to do and become something great"