INvesting in Youth
Founded in 1973, the Indiana Youth Services Association (IYSA) believes every young person in Indiana should live in conditions where they can thrive. We take a comprehensive approach to improving systems, building organizational capacity, and supporting programs targeted at helping youth and families.
Our programs are grounded in evidence based, trauma informed practices, using a positive youth development philosophy aimed at increasing protective factors. We also support people that work with youth through wellbeing initiatives so that they can be at their best.
IYSA programs include Youth Service Bureau prevention programs, the Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program, The Journey Renewal Fellowship, Safe Place, Make Good Decisions, and Mission Management. We reach over 500,000 young people each year.
SPECIAL SPEAKER
Marlin Jackson
Marlin Jackson is a graduate of the University of Michigan, a social-entrepreneur, and a life-long-learner. He sees every experience and encounter as an opportunity for learning. He was motivated to start the Fight for Life Foundation because of his experiences growing up as a youth that faced and overcame adversity within his household and community. As a former collegiate and professional athlete, he was groomed and developed within a structured, organized, and challenging environment. This experience of learning in life, the classroom, and in the arena of collegiate and professional football, caused Mr. Jackson to develop a unique perspective and skill set that is embedded in resilience, structure, organization, time-management, leadership, creativity, and passion.
As the founder of Fight for Life Marlin Jackson is responsible for the vision and strategic evolution of the organization in collaboration with multiple groups of former and current board directors and consultants over 17 years. As CEO, Marlin has multiple responsibilities associated with guiding the business side of the nonprofit; this includes managing organizational culture and climate with staff and board directors. In 2012, Marlin married his beautiful wife, Mrs. Nikki Jackson, they now have three smart, handsome, loving boys, Camden, Kingston, and Kash Jackson.