Cherry Lane and Residential Program FAQ

Youth Homes has decided to close the residential program at Cherry Lane for the foreseeable future. For many years, Cherry Lane has served as a safe home for foster youth in need and remains one of the last historic residential homes in Contra Costa County. Together, we have worked tirelessly to keep its doors open by annually bridging financial gaps through reimbursed services, generous community donations, and thrift shop funding.  

  • While Cherry Lane has been a vital part of our history, shifts in the foster care system and youth services landscape make running a 24/7, year-round residential home increasingly difficult to sustain. 

    In 2024, Presumptive Transfers, which had allowed STRTPs to admit out-of-county youth, were no longer permitted, significantly impacting the sustainability of Cherry Lane. 

    In 2026, the STRTP funding will change to “Tiered rate structure” funding framework that consists of three tiers, developed by the state department based on a statistical analysis of the IP-CANS assessment of foster children, making it more challenging to secure the necessary funding needed to offer residential treatment.   

    Additionally, the state will require all STRTPs to provide High-Fidelity Wraparound services to STRTP youth for a six-month period after discharge.  

  • Youth Homes is working closely with Contra Costa County and partner agencies to ensure every young person at Cherry Lane has a safe, supportive, and stable transition. No youth will be left without proper care or services. 

  • While Cherry Lane will no longer operate as an STRTP, Youth Homes is committed to ensuring the property continues to support underserved youth, young adults, and the broader community. We are currently exploring the following possibilities: 

    • Enrichment Service Opportunities: Using the space for youth-focused activities, workshops, and experiences that foster growth, confidence, and connection. 

    • Volunteer Development: Creating a place where volunteers can train and collaborate in support of our mission. 

    • Community Organization Partnerships: Partnering with local organizations to ensure Cherry Lane remains a place of care, support, and positive impact. 

    • Services TBD: Youth Homes is assessing unmet needs in our community to determine how Cherry Lane could be adapted for future services. 

  • Youth Homes remains fully committed to our mission and will continue offering a full scope of services, including: 

    These services are expanding and will continue to be central to our work. 

    • Community partners can stay connected with us to ensure smooth youth transitions and collaborate on future projects. 

    • Funders and donors can continue to support Youth Homes’ work by investing in our Enrichment and Community-Based mental health services. 

    • Community members can help by sharing our message, volunteering, or contributing to programs that give youth new opportunities to thrive. 

  • District 1 Supervisor: John Gioia
    Email: John_Gioia@bos.cccounty.us
    Physical Address: 11780 San Pablo Avenue Suite D El Cerrito, CA 94530 
    Phone: 510-942-2220
    Fax: 510-374-3429 

    District 2 Supervisor: Candace Andersen 
    Email: supervisorandersen@bos.cccounty.us
    Physical Address: 309 Diablo Road Danville, CA 94526 
    Phone:925-655-2300
    Fax: 925-820-3785 

    District 3 Supervisor: Diane Burgis 
    Email: supervisor_burgis@bos.cccounty.us
    Physical Address: 3361 Walnut Boulevard Suite 140 Brentwood, CA 94513 
    Phone: 925-655-2330 

    District 4 Supervisor: Ken Carlson 
    Email: SupervisorCarlson@bos.cccounty.us
    Physical Address: 2255 Contra Costa Blvd. Suite 202 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 
    Phone: (925) 655-2350 
    Fax: (925) 646-5202 

    District 5 Supervisor: Shanelle Scales-Preston
    Email: bos5@bos.cccounty.us
    Physical Address: 190 E 4th Street Pittsburg, CA 94565
    Phone: 925-608-4200
    Fax: 925-608-4209

    Pittsburg Office Physical Address: 190 E 4th Street Pittsburg, CA 94565 
    Phone: 925-608-4200
    Fax: 925-608-4209 

    Martinez Office Physical Address: 1025 Escobar Street Martinez, CA 94553
    Phone:925-608-4200
    Fax: 925-608-4209 

  • Tim Byrd, CEO 
    Phone: 925.933.2627 
    Email: timb@youthhomes.org

    If you are interested in policy changes and advocating for youth, visit the CA Alliance website for more information. 

  • It will continue to support the organization as a whole and go towards our other services.