Following disclosures of financial turmoil and the firing of its executive director, the Yerwood Center’s board voted Friday night to suspend services. Here is the announcement issued late Friday:
February 28, 2014 – Stamford, CT — The Yerwood Center Board of Directors today announced that the Center will temporarily suspend programs and operations after the close of business on Friday, March 7, 2014. Recent financial hardships have resulted in insufficient funding to keep the Center open. The new Interim Director, Fernando Luis Alvarez, who is also Chairman of the Board, together with the rest of the Board, are consulting with other community members who can offer support and assistance so that the Center can reopen its doors to the community as quickly as possible and be fully compliant with all state and local directives.
“We deeply regret that the suspension of operations is necessary,” said Alvarez, “but we are hopeful that the doors will only be closed for a short time. We are truly grateful to all the dedicated employees that have helped to keep the Center going for the children in the community. The focus will continue to be on providing programs and facilities necessary to assist all Stamford families in need.”
Employees of the Yerwood Center were notified of the suspension of services on Friday, February 28th and are assisting in the dissemination of information to schools, area organizations and the families who use the facilities.
“We are confident that with the support of the community, the Yerwood Center will reopen soon, and will come back stronger than ever,” said Alvarez. “It is essential that we continue the vision of Dr. Joyce Yerwood by providing programs that empower children and help them achieve their dreams.”
