For teens and their families everywhere, adolescence can be a difficult time. Many low-income youth face additional barriers, risks and pressures, making these years even more critical. Though challenging, adolescence presents a unique opportunity to change course and make choices that will lead to a more promising future and provide tools to overcome adversity.

We seek to empower young people to develop and maintain healthy relationships as well as promote their talents, ideas, leadership and health; to assist youth and their families in overcoming the obstacles they may encounter, which can include family concerns, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health challenges, teen pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexually transmitted infections, violence, social and economic inequities, and physical and sexual abuse; and to assist clients in navigating complex social welfare, educational and juvenile justice systems.

Adolescence is a transitional period of life when young people are forming their identity.  Imagine a future where all young people are accepted and integrated into our broader community.  Imagine the impact if we approached each and every youth with the understanding, compassion, and care.  Especially today, in a technical and political world that divides people into categories and predicts their outcomes based on predetermined views, we must continue to look for alternatives to inspire each individual.  We believe every youth should have the opportunity, and access to guidance, to construct a healthy self-image, to seek success, and to reach their full potential.

With your support, we can partner with teens and families to overcome adversity. Our services strengthen families and empower young people with services that promote safety in times of crisis, physical and emotional health and well-being, social justice in communities facing inequality, and educational success. When all youth succeed, the entire community is stronger.