A New Year. A New YouthCare.

Dear friends,

As we begin the new year, YouthCare is moving forward with a renewed sense of focus and momentum. Across the organization, teams are strengthening programs, deepening collaboration, and laying a solid foundation for the work ahead in service of young people experiencing homelessness. 

We are grateful for the partnership and trust of our funders. Your support makes this progress possible and helps ensure that young people continue to receive the care, stability, and opportunity they deserve.

In community,

Marty Hartman
Interim CEO, YouthCare

P.S. Consider volunteering at our shelters this year! Whether it’s sharing a meal, mentoring, or running a donation drive, your presence builds community and belonging. We can’t do this without you! Reach out to our volunteer department at volunteer@youth​care.org.

YouthBuild: A Workforce Development Program Where Success is Achievable

For Victor, stability is about creating a safe future for his family. As a father and husband, he joined YouthCare’s YouthBuild program to earn his high school diploma, gain industry certifications, and build a career in the trades.

Midway through the program, Victor unexpectedly lost housing, a challenge that could have derailed his progress. With support from his Client Success Navigator, he navigated housing applications, budgeting, and long-term planning while continuing to meet the demands of a full-time program. Today, Victor is on track to graduate with college credits and job-ready skills, a reflection of both his determination and the comprehensive support YouthBuild provides.

Your donations help young people like Victor gain valuable skills that help them reach their full potential.

Thank you for helping us ensure all young people have the chance to thrive.

YouthBuild is a six-month workforce development program that combines education, hands-on training, and individualized support to help young adults build lasting stability. That support comes to life in stories like Victor’s. 

Through a combination of classroom learning, hands-on training, and individualized support, YouthBuild helps participants work toward their GED, gain job readiness and construction skills, and prepare for long-term employment or post-secondary pathways all while getting paid a $50/day stipend. The program is built to support young adults ages 18 – 24 who are motivated to make a change and need structure, stability, and guidance to reach their goals.

On January 21, Victor will be among 31 young adults graduating from YouthCare’s YouthBuild program. These graduates have committed to a rigorous, full-time schedule, balancing daily GED classes with hands-on construction training. Their resilience and dedication reflect what is possible when young people are supported with structure, opportunity, and care. We look forward to celebrating this milestone.

These students are not only job-ready; they are life-ready. Each of them has faced and overcome significant barriers to reach this point, and their growth, resilience, and drive have been truly inspiring.

The Holidays Were Bright!

We would like to thank all of the fabulous donors who came together this past December to make sure that our young people had a very special holiday!

  • MCG Health
  • Cambia Health Foundation
  • Mirabella
  • U Village
  • Westlake Dance Center
  • East Shore Unitarian Church
  • David Daniels + friends
  • Sarah Schnierer
  • Hannah Duff
  • Annie Findlay
  • Jason Porter
  • Joanne Frasene
  • Angela Zimmerman
  • Robin Keller
  • Cornuto Pizzeria
  • 4Culture
  • St. Bernadette Parish and School
  •  Holiday Stockings for Homeless Children
  • Meredith Lohr & Family
  • Lane Staples
  • Lizzy Maddock
  • Port of Peri Peri
  • Wallingford United Methodist Church

And everyone who donated a gift through our Amazon Wish List. Thank you!

Ways to Get Involved 

Are you interested in getting involved with YouthCare? We have an array of opportunities for individuals to large groups, from serving meals at our Orion Center to organizing in-kind donations. Visit our website to learn more or reach out to our volunteer department HERE.