YouthCare opened the Orion Center in 1984. At the time, it was one of the first programs in the nation to receive a federal grant enabling six agencies working with runaway and homeless youth to co-locate in one building. These multiple partners created a constellation of services—thus, the name Orion. Located on the corner of Denny and Stewart, the Orion Center serves as a safe and welcoming place for young people ages 12-24 throughout the day.
Orion’s engagement services include:
- Warm meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Hygiene supplies such as showers, laundry, clothing, and lockers
- Afternoon drop-in services with activities such as tutoring, yoga, art, cooking, and classes
- Case managers who work with young people to reduce barriers and set goals for long-term housing and stability
- Onsite clinic run by Kaiser Permanente
- Onsite mental health and chemical dependency counseling offered through Ryther Center for Children & Youth