Independent 501c3 and Present Donation To Sentinel’s Drug Free Clubs Of America

The Seneca County Young Professionals (SCYP) presented a $1000 donation to Sentinel Career and Technology’s Drug Free Clubs of America program during a 2020 kick-off event on Friday, January 17 at IronWood Steakhouse. 

Sentinel Career and Technology Center began offering the Drug Free Clubs of America program in 2017.  The program was brought to Sentinel due to input from local business and industry partners expressing a need for drug free employees. All members of the club are tested during the initial testing period, and are also subject to random monthly drug screens.  Students that have negative tests receive a Drug Free Clubs of America ID Card which can be presented during interviews to show their commitment to being drug free.  

The donation from SCYP will help offset the cost for students who cannot afford to join the club and provide monthly incentives for all students involved.

“We are very proud to say that at Sentinel Career and Technology Center 81% of our student body (451 students) are members of the Drug Free Clubs of America for the 2019-2020 school year.  We value this club, and it helps us produce viable candidates for the many open skilled trades positions in our community,” said Derek Lewis, Assistant Director at Sentinel CTC.

Also for 2020, SCYP is now registered as an independent 501c3. Having started in 2014 under the Tiffin-Seneca United Way, the group is now a stand alone non-profit organization. The group honored Pat DeMonte, Executive Director of Tiffin-Seneca United Way and Ex Officio of SCYP, with a lifetime membership in SCYP for her support of the group.

“There was a need for a group like this. We (Tiffin) were losing so many young people and we needed a place for them to connect,” said DeMonte. “You are our future leaders... get engaged and become involved. Do something to give back to help the community grow. It’s a much stronger community because of you. You are flying out of the nest. You have been under the protection, so to speak, of The United Way 501c3, but as of December 18, we received a letter from the IRS that you’ve been accepted to have our own 501c3.”

SCYP’s mission is to provide a group of career-oriented individuals opportunities to facilitate personal and professional connections, inspire others and to grow as individuals. SCYP’s vision is to enhance the vitality of the Tiffin and Seneca County community by creating a strong network of young professionals.  Individuals wishing to join the group can register online or contact the 2020 SCYP president, Bryce Riggs (riggsbh@tiffin.edu).