The Mendocino County Youth Project is a joint powers agency that was formed by most of the school districts and the cities of Ukiah and Willits to address the needs of children and youth in all of Mendocino and northwest Sonoma counties. MCYP is overseen by a Board of Directors who are appointed by the members of the joint powers agency. Monthly board meetings, which include detailed financial reports, along with standing committees assist the agency in operating in an efficient manner. We are audited annually by a contracted CPA firm and have never had a material audit exception.

In 2008-2009, MCYP has a projected budget of around $1,200,000. Funding comes from the federal and state governments, Mendocino and Sonoma counties, school districts, United Way, fees-for-services, Medi-Cal, foundations, the Superior Court, the District Attorney, the Mendocino County Probation Department, the Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency, and private donations.

The agency Executive Director is Karin E. Wandrei, PhD, LCSW. Dr. Wandrei has been with the agency since 1996. She has a BA in psychology (with high honors), a masters in social welfare, and a doctorate in social welfare, all from the University of California, Berkeley. She is also a California licensed clinical social worker. Dr. Wandrei has over thirty years experience working in the human service field. She was been an administrator of programs for children and youth since 1985. In 2003 she was honored to be a recipient of The California Wellness Foundation Sabbatical Award.

MCYP Board of Directors:

• David Hulse-Stephens, Counselor,
  Willits High School, Chair
• Damon Dickinson, PhD,
  Deputy Superintendent/Director
  Special Ed Local Planning Agency Director
  Mendocino County Office of Education
• Lynn Zimmermann,
  Associate Superintendent, Educational Services
  Ukiah Unified School District
• Lura Damiano, Director of Special Education
  Fort Bragg Unified School District
• Katie Merz, Community Services Supervisor
  City of Ukiah