Beck retiring as YYFAP’s executive director after 10 years, board hopes for replacement in March

By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews.com

After 10 years as executive director of the Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program, Alice Beck is retiring and moving to Astoria.

“A little piece of my heart breaks to leave, but the time is right,” she said, noting that her husband, Kevin Beck, is also retiring from his post as manager of the Carl Washburn Memorial State Park north of Florence. The two will move to a home they own in Astoria, and look forward to being closer to their daughter and grandson in Vancouver.

The Becks moved to south Lincoln County from Astoria 10 years ago when Kevin Beck accepted his position with Oregon State Parks and Recreation.

Under Alice Beck’s direction, YYFAP, historically operating out of The Commons in pre-pandemic times, notched several landmarks: it became a certified childcare center, began a summer camp and water safety program, and increased special events, such as the annual “Breakfast with Santa”, Valentine dance and “Families Together” literacy dinners.

The group, which serves south Lincoln County, ceased in-person operations last March when Oregon’s first pandemic shutdown orders were issued. It shifted its pre-school classroom activities to online.

“I love Yachats, south Lincoln County, the wild Pacific Ocean and all the friends who feel like family now,” Beck said. “I know that the next chapter for YYFAP will be a good one, and that the board of directors will find somebody wonderful to fill my shoes.”

Board president Tracy Crews experienced firsthand the value of YYFAP seven years ago, when she became a recently divorced, working, single mother.

“The after-school program was absolutely critical to my son and my ability to work,” said Crews, who is the marine education manager at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. When her son, now 14, “aged out” of the program, he returned as an after-school volunteer “because he loved it so much.”

“What a positive influence Alice has been,” Crews said. “She’s always cheerful and approachable, obviously loves children, and has done so much to provide a safe educational environment for them.”

The board has begun its search for Beck’s replacement — and would welcome the community’s help.

“We’d love to have someone local who has experience working with kids, supervising staff, fundraising and grant-writing,” she said.

The goal is to have a new executive director in place before Beck departs at the end of March. Those interested in the job — or who know of a potential candidate — may contact Crews via email at tracy.crews@oregonstate.edu