YMCA Youth & Family Services

46% of homeless people in Minnesota are age 21 or younger.

That's why we work to create connections between youth and caring adults and community resources, build skills for success and instill hope for the future.

WE HELP YOUNG PEOPLE THRIVE THROUGH MAJOR LIFE CHALLENGES.

The YMCA provides critical support for vulnerable youth who are in foster care, homeless or unstably housed, in the juvenile justice system, or experiencing violence or disconnection from their school or community. The Y helps these young people overcome barriers, achieve self-sufficiency, and successfully transition to adulthood by connecting them to caring adults and vital community resources.

The Y uses a strengths-based approach, building on the innate assets of each young person. We do not label or judge youth on the basis of background, experience, choices, or behaviors. Instead, we recognize the adverse experiences and trauma that many have faced and instill our Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility as we help them grow in health and independence.

Youth receive holistic life coaching and access to advocacy and resources, including food, clothing and housing. We support their academic efforts, boost their job readiness skills, and provide them with enriching activities, from YMCA memberships to camps to wilderness trips.

“This program helped me find my purpose and take my lowest expectations and turn them into my greatest accomplishments. I have learned that I am a strong, bold, driven, and understanding young woman who is passionate about the work that we do at the Y.”

 —Youth consultant and former program participant