April 11th, 2025 – Youth Emergency Services (YES) (yesomaha.org) is excited to announce the addition of Shylia Riley to its team as the organization’s new Clinical Mental Health Practitioner. Among the many services YES provides, access to both physical and mental healthcare remains a top priority. With a focus on supporting at-risk youth—many of whom face significant mental health challenges—YES is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where young people can access the resources they need to thrive. Shylia’s arrival strengthens this commitment, bringing valuable expertise and compassion to the frontlines of care.
“Becoming a therapist was a calling for me,” said Shylia. “I’ve always felt a strong need to be there for others in a deep and compassionate way [… YES’] mission deeply resonates with my personal values and professional purpose.” Youth experiencing homelessness often face complex and unique health challenges, and many go years without seeing a healthcare provider. In many cases, mental health practitioners like Shylia serve as their first point of contact with the healthcare system—a role she approaches with empathy and intention.
“I have a deep passion for making a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” she shared. “At YES, I saw an opportunity to help provide safety and stability to individuals who truly need it.”
YES is proud to have Shylia as part of the team and looks forward to the positive impact she will make on the lives of the youth it serves. Youth Emergency Services (YES) is the only organization in Omaha with the sole mission of helping homeless and at-risk youth. YES provides critically needed resources and support to youth who are experiencing homelessness or near-homelessness. Through a variety of programs and services, YES empowers youth to become selfsufficient and confident, with the skills needed to transition successfully into adulthood.