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 […]
Meeting needs, one backpack at a time! Read Full Article »
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™
Thank you for supporting YOS through Target Circle! Read Full Article »
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
September Staff Spotlight – Samantha Mistar Read Full Article »
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
Mateo’s Mental Health Journey at YOS Read Full Article »
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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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
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
Anger to Empowerment: Jessica’s Healing Process with YOS Read Full Article »
Before his involvement with YOS, Levi struggled with making constructive life choices. He had left school, was not listening to his mother, and got involved in drug dealing. This path led to his arrest and time in a juvenile detention center. At YOS, Levi found the support and motivation he needed to change his trajectory.
Levi – Juvenile Justice & Detention Read Full Article »
At 14, Jamal faced challenges with behavior, often finding himself in conflicts and altercations at school. His difficulties in managing his emotions and actions, particularly in relation to problem sexual behavior (PSB) incidents, were escalating. Recognizing the need for intervention, Jamal was directed to the YOS MST-PSB counseling services. Over an eight-month period, Jamal, alongside
Jamal – MST-PSB Counseling Services Read Full Article »