Spirit of Women National Community Winner

Our National Community winner believes that if you see a need, you find the time. And the fact that she has found the time for so many, has earned her the love and respect of parents, children and civic leaders across her region.

Frances Mills-Yerger, a family therapist, feels love; trust and responsibility are the nucleus of her work. Her work in family therapy has assisted many families reach a new level of healthy lives. As a working mother, she was a role model and coach for many women challenged by the need to work outside the home and still provide the necessary guidance and growth experience for their children. Through the years, Franny discovered that helping teens develop into leaders was her passion. In 1999, she closed her private practice and devoted all of her time to the teens in her community.

This woman has learned the secret of helping teens to love, honor and nurture not only themselves, but others as well. For almost 22 years, Franny and her husband have hosted experiential, weeklong leadership workshops impacting 400 to 500 teens each summer. They have helped thousands of area youths avoid gangs, alcohol, violence teenage pregnancy and other disruptive actions, one teen at a time, by giving them the tools they need to make their own choices. Our national community winner helps teens to tackle conflict resolution, communication skills, social and leadership skills, and an overall realization of self.

Despite battling brain cancer in the early 90’s, balancing work and family, Franny has somehow been able to devote her summers to her non-profit organization. She says she’s not interested in fame or fortune, just seeing the effect her program has on the teens is reward enough for her.

Franny has become a personal heroine to everybody she has touched. To say that she has helped many is an understatement. Over 30 letters of recommendation and support poured in to support her Spirit of Women nomination. Some typed, many hand-written, all describing how this special woman had positively influenced their life.

Generous, magical, and nurturing describes Franny Mills-Yerger.