In an effort to update the structure of its board of directors and facilitate day to day operations, trustees of the Yours Ours Mine (YOM) Community Center, Inc. have approved a change of title for James A. Edmondson from CEO to president and CEO.

Edmondson has headed the organization for 34 years and has been the driving force in expansion, development of new programs, and reorganization from a youth-centered facility to one that cares for individuals from pre-school age to senior citizens.

The agency is the second largest community-based organization in Nassau County with a $2.1 million operating budget. It served over 7,000 individuals in 2002 through a variety of programs.

Coupled with the change in Edmondson's title, the governing board, formerly known as the board of directors, has become the board of trustees and the title of president of the board has been changed to chairperson.

"The changes are simply changes in titles and will not affect the operation of the agency in any way other than to give Mr. Edmondson some leverage in the playing field of private and corporate funding," said Louise Cassano, chair of the board of trustees. "Mr. Edmondson is occupied on a daily basis with procuring funds to keep the agency thriving. He has now been given the title that will, perhaps, give him more clout in getting through the front door with the CEOs and presidents of major corporations and in negotiating agreements with those individuals."

Edmondson said, "It pleases me that the board has showed its confidence in me by allowing this change in title. This is a move in the right direction of advancing the agency. The community's needs for this agency continue to grow and change, and we are prepared to take the agency well into the 21st century."

Cassano said significant changes are taking place at YOM which involve the professional development of trustees, community outreach to gain increased recognition, increased fundraising through enjoyable, educational and family-centered activities and a proactive campaign to bring families of clients together in a community relationship with staff and trustees.

Modified board training has become part of the board of trustees meetings each month since Cassano assumed the chair in January. The board is planning a full calendar of activities over the balance of the year including a Bowl-A-Thon to raise money for YOM's Alzheimer's Program on May 18 sponsored by Levittown Kiwanis and hosted by South Levittown Lanes. A golf outing is planned for September and a Harvest Festival for October. The board is also considering other activities as well as including a Family Fun Picnic, a New York State Driver Education program and a dance.

In addition, YOM continues its project of building a Community Courtyard and Sensory Garden adjacent to the YOM Center at 152 Center Lane in Levittown. Bricks engraved to memorialize loved ones, organizations, businesses and special events and occasions are available for purchase along with shrubs, trees and benches that will be installed in the garden. Opportunities for contributing begin at $100, which includes a one-year membership in YOM.

For more information on YOM's programs, membership, activities or the Community Courtyard project, or to become active in the organization or its activities, visit YOM's website at www.yoursoursmine.org or contact James Edmondson at 796-6633 or Louise Cassano at 735-5901. Membership in the organization is $50 a year. Please send checks, payable to "YOM," to YOM Membership, 152 Center Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. Feel free to visit the community center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The administrative offices are located on the second floor.