Our mission ...

to provide emergency shelter, short term housing and support services for homeless youth in a safe and nurturing environment.  Through such service, Avenues seeks to help youth achieve their personal goals and find a positive transition into young adulthood.

Avenues recognizes the importance of providing supportive services that empower youth and provide them with the chance to continue their natural emotional development.

Nutrition, Health and Shelter 

• 24 hour emergency and short term housing, nutritious meals, clothing closet
• Health assessment, medication management and health education
• Mental health assessment, counseling and treatment referrals
• Case management services to address housing, education and employment needs and assist with community connections 

Supportive Relationships 

• Culturally diverse, caring and supportive staff and volunteers who provide one-on-one and group support
• Community and faith-based organizations whose volunteers provide parent and grandparent mentors
• Pet therapy program
• Internship program with diverse university students who provide educational 

Meaningful Opportunities for Involvement 

• Weekly resident meetings where youth identify and plan weekly menus, house culture and activities
• Youth representation in hiring  processes, building renovations and program needs assessments
• Staff and youth monthly volunteer community volunteer activities
• Youth and staff work cooperatively on youths’ non-traditional personal goals 

Challenging and Engaging Activities 

• Recreation center with video games, pool, ping pong and exercise equipment
• Field trips to participate in sports, special events or visit museums or other entertainment experiences
• Movie and Book groups to promote discussions on issues important to youth
• Professional artist residencies in mediums like photography, spoken word and mural art 

Personal Safety 

• Safe and secure living environment
• No tolerance policy and practice regarding discrimination, violence or harassment
• Peer conflict resolution process
• Life skills development focusing on social skills, personnal communication and relationship building