This past Saturday was one giant labor of love from Youth Homes’ staff, volunteers, and larger community. It is not extremely often that we have the opportunity to all gather in person, hug each other, enjoy a meal and laugh together – but this weekend was one of those opportunities, and we are so grateful for it!

On the first Friday of March, we gathered together with friends and family of Youth Homes, team members, board members, and a few brand new faces for our Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament fundraiser.

While maintaining safe and upkept spaces is a critical aspect of our youth's wellbeing, their trauma response behaviors can often lead to them being destructive to the houses and anything in them - this is a challenge.

At the heart of Youth Homes programming is the insistence that our youth deserve to thrive, not just survive, as part of their growth and healing.

A difficult truth about the youth in our programs is that the holidays have not always been “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Since February, our incredible transition-age youth team in collaboration with our community outreach coordinator have planned monthly events for our TAY youth to gather, socialize, and grow in different ways than what they practice in their therapeutic environment.

In 2022, we have seen individuals, groups, businesses, organizations, and others still show up for our young people. The way everyone brought their own unique talents and resources together for one mission continues to demonstrate that This Community Cares - this is the magic of our community.

This past month, a fence installation project at Cherry Lane spurred a new and exciting partnership with the hardworking team at Rebuilding Together East Bay North.

Here at Youth Homes, we are grateful to our generous corporate partners that make our impactful initiatives possible. This month our gratitude goes to Pacific Service Credit Union, who went the extra mile to join hands with us to give underserved youth and their families support they need. 

Each month TAY youth and their counselors gather in beautiful places to connect with nature and with each other. Together the youth have enjoyed yoga, art, pet therapy, chocolate tasting, and most recently a trip to Lafayette Reservoir.

Family Pathways, led by Clinical Director, Nikki Heeren provides specialty mental health services that include Intensive Care Coordination (ICC), Intensive Home-Based Services (IHBS), and Individual and Family Therapy for foster youth and their families.

With the help of our supportive staff, dedicated volunteer professionals, and devoted community members, our Family Pathways Program has had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of foster children, adolescents, and their families.

In the fall of 2021 Youth Homes proudly launched our Welcome Home campaign as an initiative to restore the organization’s four residential foster homes. We invited sponsors, donors, and community members to make a difference in the lives of our community’s underserved youth. We’ve kept tabs on our progress and we’re excited to share what has been fulfilled so far.

The Youth Homes Therapeutic Behavioral Service program is an intensive family-based program that focuses on emphasizing the family’s strengths and abilities while building skills to help reduce negative behaviors. Kevin, one of the behavioral specialists, works closely with youth to ensure his clients meet their goals.

Picture this - A counselor and resident are battling over an intense match of foosball. Two kids are on the couch singing into a karaoke machine. Another two youths are having an energetic game of Pop Shot with counselors while two other staff look on, cheering loudly. There is laughing and jostling; a "Game On" light blinks in the background. 

It is truly a pleasure to announce the appointment of Tim Byrd as our new Chief Executive Officer for Youth Homes.