A Young Person in Crisis and a Team Who Didn’t Stop Showing Up

Before Jared* came to Youth Homes, his world had become very small. At just 10 years old, he had already been removed from two schools because of physical aggression and behavioral challenges connected to his autism. He struggled to regulate his emotions, often reacting with tantrums, whining, and aggression toward even the adults trying to help him.

At one point, Jared wasn’t ready for therapy at all - the trust simply wasn’t there yet.

But families don’t stop needing support when things get hard. That’s why Youth Homes continued showing up. Through our Intensive Home-Based Services (IHBS), Jared and his family received consistent, hands-on support right where they needed it most. His Youth Homes therapist and IHBS provider became a critical team for Jared and his family - helping create stability, build trust, and support both Jared and his brother, who is also autistic. Today, Jared is back in therapy, no longer physically aggressive, engaging with his community, and beginning to simply be a kid again. Recently, he started playing piano at his local rec center - something that may have felt impossible just months ago.

This is why community matters. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and it rarely happens alone. It happens when young people and families have access to consistent care, trusted adults, and opportunities to reconnect with the world around them.

"Home" isn't confined to the space you live in; it’s the places, people, and moments that make you feel safe enough to heal and grow. Until May 22nd, we invite you to partner with us as we reimagine what it means to provide opportunity, stability, and care for the youth who need it most.

There’s only 2 weeks left to support Sparking Hope: The Next Sixty, and every dollar helps create brighter futures for the young people we serve. Click here to learn more and support.

*Name and identifying details changed to protect client privacy