Kristen Yargus Appointed Executive Director at Wider Opportunities, Inc
By Crystal Howerton
The Board of Directors of Wider Opportunities recently announced the appointment of their new director, Kristen Yargus.
She has replaced Robert Wallace, who retired in July after eight years of distinguished service to Wider Opportunities. Wallace is a retired public school administrator, as well. "The Board is grateful to Bob for his service," said Board President E.H. Smith.
"Kristen has brought many new experiences and we are excited about our future under her leadership," he added.
"I am very grateful for this opportunity," admits Yargus. "I foresee a lot of great changes for us in the future."
Wider Opportunities, located in LaBelle, services Lewis, Knox and Clark counties, offering supported employment including job coaching, providing on-site services through their day program and off-site services, which involve taking consumers out into the community.
According to Yargus, consumers are contracted out by the Kirksville Regional Center, a state agency funded by the Missouri Department of Health (DMH), where they receive placement and funding approval, as well as being provided with a case manager.
"In addition to DMH funding," said Yargus, "we occasionally receive funds from organizations such as the United Way, as well as private donors."
Yargus is a 2004 graduate of Hannibal-LaGrange College possessing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services. She was also employed with the Mark Twain Area Counseling Center in Hannibal for a couple of years.
She and her two-year-old son, Quintin, reside in Canton.
Missouri.