A long-standing Mt. Lebanon community resource is getting a fresh face in its leadership, though one familiar with its mission.

For more than 50 years, Uptown Mt. Lebanon-based Outreach Teen & Family Services has offered counseling and educational programs that are professional, nonjudgmental, confidential, and accessible, according to its website. The agency works to ensure local children, teens, and families have the resources they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Outreach operates on a fee-for-service basis but provides subsidies to ensure no one is turned away.

Barb Saunders, a member of Outreach’s board since 2024, became executive director on March 16. Her career has focused entirely on mental health services, from intensive day treatment to overseeing school-based programs. She replaces Mary Birks, who retired last year after serving as executive director since 2014.

“Our goal is to provide affordable, accessible counseling to anyone in the community who needs it,” Saunders said. “We strive to ensure no one is turned away. The warmth and dedication I’ve seen from staff and board members drew me to this position.”

Saunders called Outreach a “hidden gem” and aims to increase its visibility. Outreach offers programs such as the Teens Tap In podcast and student assessments through the Rapid Adolescent Prevention Screening (RAAPS), which identifies at-risk students who could benefit from counseling. Additional training and workshops further support families and youth across the community.

Founded in Mt. Lebanon in 1974, Outreach originally focused on preventing juvenile delinquency and supporting teens at risk due to unsafe behaviors in local parks and schools. By the 1980s, it expanded to include caregivers, strengthening family communication and bonds.

“It’s important to impact not just youth but their environment—school, home, and community,” Saunders said. “In 1981, Outreach became a private nonprofit, adding professional members to the board. Since then, the committed team has focused on strengthening the agency, fundraising, and increasing visibility.”

In addition to its Uptown Mt. Lebanon office on Washington Road, Outreach has an office in Bethel Park and two counselors co-located in the Chartiers-Houston School District. Proceeds from the 2026 Annual Connections Gala, scheduled for May 8 at the Senator John Heinz History Center, will help continue subsidized counseling for families who might otherwise lack access to mental health services.

“With the positive and accepting culture at Outreach, we want to expand further into the community and schools,” Saunders said. “The first step is conducting a needs assessment to ensure we’re headed in the right direction. I’m proud to serve and look forward to expanding Outreach’s impactful programs.”

For more information, visit https://outreachteen.org.