“When you care this much, it’s easier to stay positive.”
Meet Kerri Toliver, one of our incredible Outreach Counselors at Youth Outreach Services. In just over two years at YOS, Kerri has already built strong, meaningful connections with the young people she serves, their families, and the colleagues she works alongside.
Kerri is part of our Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services (CCBYS) team, where she supports youth ages 11–17 who may be navigating socialization challenges, anxiety, or other emotional stressors. Along with her team, Kerri works to ensure that every young person feels supported, safe, and understood.
Her work spans both individual and group counseling, helping youth address anxiety, depression, substance use, and everyday life skills. Kerri also helps oversee youth groups that give participants the chance to work through shared challenges together. These groups include spaces focused on socialization, substance use, and female empowerment, as well as community-building activities like game nights.
In addition to in-office work, Kerri and her team are strong believers in taking youth on group outings. These experiences help boost social skills while giving young people opportunities they may not otherwise have—new environments, new experiences, and moments to just be kids.
“My favorite part about my job is the kids. I love them more than anything. They look at me like an auntie because they know they can always come to me—that they’re never alone.”
— Kerri
One of the ongoing challenges Kerri faces in her role is finding ways to increase parent involvement in the work being done with youth.
“The skills we teach here need to be practiced at home too. It’s something the team is always thinking about.” — Kerri
Still, Kerri approaches every challenge with determination and care.
“She never questions the hard work she’s putting in because she knows it’s all for the betterment of the kids. Her drive, resilience, and leadership truly set her apart.”
— Kerri’s coworker
When asked to share a moment that stands out in her work, Kerri reflected on the growth of one of her clients who completed a full year in the CCBYS program. He entered the program struggling with anger, trust, and a strained relationship with his family. Over time, Kerri watched him slowly open up, rebuild those relationships, and gain confidence. By the time he graduated from the program, he had not only strengthened his relationship with his parent, but also enrolled in university—a future he had never imagined for himself before joining YOS.
“Our team keeps each other grounded. The work is hard, but the support we give each other makes a huge difference.” — Kerri
Kerri’s impact goes beyond the youth she serves. She is a source of motivation and encouragement for her coworkers as well. While balancing full-time work and full-time school, she shows up every day with a positive attitude and a deep commitment to YOS’s mission.
“Despite everything she has on her plate, she shows up consistently with compassion and dedication.”
— Kerri’s coworker
When asked how she stays positive in such a demanding role, Kerri keeps it simple: a lot of coffee, a sense of humor she inherited from her mother, and a genuine love for the work.
“It’s not just work—it’s my passion. When you care this much, it’s easier to stay positive.”
— Kerri
Most recently, Kerri has taken another exciting step in her journey by beginning an internship at YOS as a clinical counselor, continuing to deepen her impact in the field of youth care and development.
We are so proud of Kerri and incredibly grateful for everything she brings to Youth Outreach Services. Her compassion, consistency, and genuine care for young people make a real difference every single day, and we are lucky to have her as part of the YOS team.