Scene & Heard: VYFS honors its visionary founders

Last week, the sun-and-shade-dappled grounds of Vashon Youth & Family Services were a place of celebration, speeches and and even a few tears, as founders of the almost 50-year-old organization were honored in a special event that featured the dedication of a capacious and handsome new bench outside the facility.

The names of the founders — Edith Aspiri, James Griswold, Stephanie Smith Findley, Marian Fitch and Nancy Mish — are emblazoned on a plaque attached to the bench, which was designed and built by Craig Smith, the brother of Stephanie Smith Findley, from Alaskan yellow cedar — a wood that is known for its enduring strength.

Founded in 1977, VYFS has grown over the years to provide an expansive suite of programs for island youth and families, including behavioral health counseling;