WHEELING, W.Va. – Youth Services System, Inc. (YSS), 14th annual Wheeling SleepOut event will be held on November 7th from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Market Plaza in downtown Wheeling.
This signature event continues a tradition of raising funds to support YSS’s Transitional Living Program (TLP), which assists youth ages 17 to 21 experiencing homelessness, who have aged out of the system of care, or otherwise find themselves without shelter or support. In the 2025 fiscal year, TLP served 102 youth and young adults. Last year, the Wheeling SleepOut raised over $42,500, all thanks to the support of community members, businesses, and staff members of YSS.
“The annual YSS Wheeling SleepOut is one of Youth Services’ most important fundraisers of the year,” said Ron Klug, YSS Emeritus Board Member. “It supports the YSS Transitional Living Program. This program helps youth who have already experienced more than their share of life’s difficulties and sadness in their early years. In many cases, the Transitional Living Program prevents future homeless situations.”
November marks National Runaway and Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, a time when communities nationwide shine a light on this urgent issue. Each year, organizations across the country host SleepOut events to raise awareness and support. YSS participates by raising awareness of the issue through our Transitional Living Program, which includes fundraising and building structures out of cardboard.
This year’s Boxed-In Design Contest is back with a new theme: Sports! Teams are invited to build creative, livable box structures inspired by their favorite sport, team, or game while raising funds through this peer-to-peer fundraising event. A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on creativity, livability, and overall design. Judging begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m., featuring prizes for Top Team, Top Fundraiser, and participant door prizes. The Top Team prize is $1,000 in gift cards. The Top Fundraiser prize includes two tickets to the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins football game in Pittsburgh on December 15th at 8:15 p.m. or a two-night weekday stay at Oglebay Resort. Gather your teammates, get building, and make an impact!
This year’s Wheeling SleepOut is proud to introduce the new Pam Jeffers Trophy. Pam Jeffers, Program Director of McCrary Center, is approaching an incredible 35 years of service with YSS. In recognition of her unwavering compassion, tireless advocacy, and deep commitment to youth in crisis, the Pam Jeffers Trophy has been created in her honor. Pam has dedicated her life to helping young people who might otherwise be living on the streets, in dangerous situations, or struggling to make ends meet. More than just a symbol, the trophy reflects Pam’s spirit – her constant willingness to say “yes…yes…and yes again,” echoing the words of YSS Founder, Ron Mulholland. This new “traveling trophy” will be awarded each year to the team that raises the most funds in support of our mission.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with YSS for 35 years. Having this trophy named after me is truly an honor,” said Pam Jeffers. “Over the years, I’ve met so many incredible young people who have taught me so many things. Despite facing homelessness and the uncertainty of where they would sleep at night, they continue to show remarkable resilience by getting up each morning to attend school or go to work. We not only assist them in finding a suitable living environment, but we are able to build positive relationships and become family to them.”
Jill Eddy, CEO of YSS, said, “The YSS SleepOut is an event that we look forward to each year. It brings together passionate, innovative, and competitive minds. It’s a wonderful teambuilding event where proceeds benefit a good cause. I couldn’t be more proud to have a trophy named after Pam Jeffers. In the 25 years that I’ve worked with Pam, she has always been one to say, “How can I help?” Her dedication and passion for those we serve is truly admirable. She is a constant role model who sets an example and reminds others why we’re really here.”
A Dine-to-Donate will be held on October 30th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Texas Roadhouse in the Highlands. Those who dine in can show a physical or digital copy of the fundraiser flyer to their server, and a percentage of their check will be donated to YSS for the Wheeling SleepOut.
Sponsors for this year’s Wheeling SleepOut include Save-A-Life Sponsor – JPMorganChase, Visionary Sponsors – Cornerstone Group and Gompers Pharmacy, and Awareness Sponsors – Align HR and the Wheeling Board of Realtors. YSS extends its sincere gratitude to these generous partners for their continued commitment to helping youth in crisis.
To register for the event or donate, visit wheelingsleepout.org. For more information or questions about the event, contact Tammy Kruse at tkruse@ysswv.com or (304) 233-9627.
