Youth Outreach Services

From Obligation to Opportunity: YOS Celebrates Redeploy Graduation

This February, Youth Outreach Services (YOS) proudly celebrated the graduation of participants in our Redeploy Program—an inspiring milestone that highlights the power of second chances and a supportive community. The Redeploy program offers youth involved in the justice system an alternative to incarceration. It is designed to provide structure, guidance, and meaningful opportunities for growth—support that helps […]

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Teenager with curly hair wearing a light tie-dye hoodie sits on a bed in a casual bedroom, resting their chin on their hands and looking at the camera. A red guitar and posters are visible in the background.

Against the Odds: How Support and Determination Helped Josiah Graduate

Success Stories

In October 2024, “Josiah” (not his real name), a high school senior, was at imminent risk of expulsion—jeopardizing his ability to graduate. After receiving a final disciplinary warning and signing a behavioral contract, even one additional infraction could have resulted in removal from school. Past negative experiences in junior high had eroded his trust in

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February Staff Spotlight – Kerri Tolliver

Success Stories, YOS Staff Highlights

“When you care this much, it’s easier to stay positive.” Meet Kerri Toliver, one of our incredible Outreach Counselors at Youth Outreach Services. In just over two years at YOS, Kerri has already built strong, meaningful connections with the young people she serves, their families, and the colleagues she works alongside. Kerri is part of our Comprehensive Community-Based

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A smiling girl wearing traditional clothing stands outdoors holding a notebook and backpack, with a yellow school bus and colorful buildings in the background.

Meeting needs, one backpack at a time!

General, Success Stories

Feed the Children, a leading nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood hunger, partnered with Endeavor Health to provide Youth Outreach Services (YOS) with more than 140 backpacks for the young people we serve. Each backpack was thoughtfully filled with essential school supplies and hygiene items—practical tools that help youth feel supported, prepared, and ready to succeed

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Thank you for supporting YOS through Target Circle!

Fundraisers, General, Success Stories

This winter, Youth Outreach Services (YOS) was honored to be selected as a featured nonprofit in the Target Circle™ Community Giving campaign. Through this initiative, Target guests had the opportunity to redeem their Circle points by voting for participating organizations—allowing community members to directly influence how Target allocates charitable funds. Being included in Target Circle™

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September Staff Spotlight – Samantha Mistar

General, Success Stories, YOS Staff Highlights

Building Pathways, Not Just Programs. As the Youth Intervention Pathways (YIP) Program Manager, Samantha Mistar is a passionate advocate whose personal commitment is helping transform a pilot program into a powerful, community-rooted force for change. Since joining YOS in May 2023, Samantha and her team have been at the forefront of building the YIP program, a voluntary service that

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A young woman with brown hair tied back, wearing a white bathrobe, looks thoughtfully out of a window with a soft, contemplative expression. Natural light illuminates her face.

Alicia’s struggle with anxiety and depression

Success Stories

At first glance, Alicia seems like any other teenager. She loves painting her nails, spending time with friends, and dreams of becoming a nurse. But her bright smile and big personality mask a powerful story of survival, strength, and transformation. Alicia experienced her first panic attack at just eight years old. By 17, she was

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A person with short dark hair sits against a brick wall, wearing a white shirt and denim overalls. They have rainbow face paint across their cheeks and a small rainbow patch on their shirt, resting their chin on their hand.

Anger to Empowerment: Jessica’s Healing Process with YOS

Success Stories

When Jessica first came to Youth Outreach Services (YOS), she didn’t want to be there. Dressed in baggy jeans and a tank top, a gang tattoo visible on her neck, her expression made it clear—she was angry, closed off, and unwilling to trust. Referred for court-mandated community service after a violent altercation that resulted in

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Surviving to Thriving: Chris’s Journey -Homeless Youth & Transitional Living Program (TLP)

Success Stories

When Christopher S. entered the child welfare system, he had already faced more adversity than most people experience in a lifetime. After losing his father and being separated from his mother due to incarceration, Chris moved through several placements—first an adoptive family, then to a relative’s home, and finally a group home. His journey eventually

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