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 […]

My time at YOS has been truly transformative. When I first arrived, I was carrying the heavy burden of my past, struggling with self-harm, substance abuse, and overwhelming anxiety. The scars on my arms were a constant reminder of the pain I carried within. But now, I stand here, free from those struggles, a testament

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

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