A New Hope Social Services - Post Falls

In January 2006 Erin Yinger opened A New Hope Social Services with the goal of bringing new and innovative services to North Idaho. The social services agency is dedicated to helping clients increase independence and self-reliance in coping with mental illness through community partnerships and collaboration.

 

Yinger began her mental health career in residential youth treatment in Spokane while attending Whitworth College where she earned degrees in psychology and sociology. She also completed her master’s degree in Community Agency Counseling (M.A.) and is a licensed professional counselor (LPC).

 

Yinger first came to the Idaho Small Business Development Center in Post Falls in September 2005 for assistance in finalizing her business plan, development of a three-year financial plan and research on specific demographic data. She successfully obtained an initial line of credit to begin her new business in Coeur d’Alene.

 

By diligently following and managing her business plan, Yinger successfully expanded her client base to 73 clients in 10 months. Through planned and disciplined screening and hiring practices she has hired 15 full-time employees, providing competitive compensation packages, employee training and incentive programs.  Along with the increased client load and staffing, her business has also expanded its current facilities.This year she plans to hire eight more employees and expects gross revenues of $625,000.

 

A New Hope Social Services hopes to unite community members in effective treatment and interventions with the mentally ill through community education and collaboration to reduce the financial resources utilized by this population and to increase the effectiveness of community interventions.

 

Yinger plans to expand service to meet the unique needs of the community. Planned new service areas include: housing options for the mental health population to promote a least restrictive care environment and reduce the disruptive cycle of hospitalization that many mentally ill individuals encounter; a comprehensive children’s program; and a chemical dependency program.

SBDCs are a program supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.  SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities.