2023: One Enriching Year
Youth Homes continues to prioritize enrichment because we know how critical it is for youth healing. It is a known fact that youth learn through play, and this year we’ve watched our clients express themselves, learn social skills, explore their passions, and realize just how capable they are through the enrichment opportunities they’ve had with Youth Homes.
“It is critical for youth to find that ‘something’ that gives them a break from the day-to-day challenges of their lives” -Ronnie Mabou, Director of Compliance and Training
In early 2023, our TBS crew implemented monthly art therapy days and movie days. On art days, youth from all services are invited to learn different creative methods to practice self-soothing and expression. We are continuously impressed by the beautiful creations made by these young art enthusiasts and the way attendance continues to grow. Movie days bring clients together for a film and snacks followed by a lesson on emotions or mental health.
On a similar creative topic, our thrift shop neighbor, I Heart Art, continues to be so generous with their space and supplies for our youth to enjoy. Every few months, our clients use their beautiful art studio to paint, make pottery, and let their imaginations run wild. It warms our hearts for our young people to have this creative space and these supportive people to teach them how to develop new talents.
One of our fabulous clinicians, owner of 2 Girls One Plant in Walnut Creek, opened her space for us to create Kokedama while teaching youth about plant joy and care. Our clients had so much fun, one even asked us, "Did you pick this store especially for me? It has everything I love!".
The latter half of 2023 brought some incredible outdoor adventures for our youth full of many firsts and life skills learned. If you were following along during our fall fundraising campaign, Community Cares, you heard all about boating and fishing on the San Francisco Bay, mountain biking through China Camp State Park, and kayaking in Tomales Bay. The way these trips brought our youth out of their shells, encouraged them to learn new skills, form new friendships, and create new goals for their futures gives us tremendous hope that enrichment is working, and is one of our greatest tools in youth healing.
“Janell* discovered she likes handling fish, and wants to work in a fish market. Darius* asked captain Adam how he could become a deckhand on a charter boat.” -Gabe Kaplan, Community Service Clinician
On top of all these amazing days, clients continue to enjoy our gardening program, cooking classes led by Alamo Women’s Club, zoo, beach, and museum trips, and so much more. Thanks to your generosity, 2023 was arguably the most enriching year yet for the young people of Youth Homes. Your continued support shows us how much you believe in the youth we serve and our mission to advocate for them as they heal and grow.
*Names changed to protect client privacy
