St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley and Bethania Lutheran have joined forces to support children and youth in the Santa Ynez Valley through a unique partnership. Both churches have welcomed Jessica Yacoub to serve as director of Children and Youth Programs.
Yacoub is bilingual and has a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in leadership and change, as well as degrees in early childhood education and social services administration. She is a long-time local who has served the community in a variety of programs.
“I am excited to be director of Children and Youth Programs and look forward to learning from and serving the valley’s youth,” Yacoub said. “I firmly believe in them and their infinite possibilities.”
Rev. Dr. Randall Day, St. Mark’s priest and rector said, “We are blessed to have Jessica working with us to support children and youth in their development. With her wide range of skills and her academic and professional development in restorative justice and race equity, we believe she’s the ideal person to serve in this role at this time.
“All of our programs are available to all children and youth in the Santa Ynez Valley area, not just members of our two churches.”
“It makes a lot of sense for the youth in our neighborhoods and congregations to come together as one community, and Jessica will lead the efforts to transition to this model,” said Pastor Chris Brown. She brings a tremendous passion to this ministry as well as a lot of qualifications. We’re excited to have her working with our youth.”
Learn more about the valley’s youth programming through St. Mark’s https://smitv.info/ChildrenYouth and Bethania at https://bethanialutheran.net/connect/youth-and-families/. Reach Yacoub at jessica@smitv.org.