Welcome!!
to
Youth Empowerment Shelter

Welcome to all who are are in need of a safe place to be for a short time while more permanent arrangements are explored.  We are a family-like community who live together and work toward the good for everyone in the household.  Our motto, 'Safety and Courtesy,' applies to everyone, and is supported by a Collaborative Positive Youth Development model which seeks to advance the best potentials of each individual.

Services Offered

  • Shelter - physical and emotional safety
  • Accommodations
  • Meals 3+ per day
  • Family mediation & restoration options
  • House-community of trained , supportive adults and cooperative, like-minded peers
  • Assistance addressing problems
  • Community service referrals
  • Life skills training
  • Mentor relationships with supportive adults
  • Educational assistance
  • Option of spiritual guidance
  • Optional transition to long term living arrangements
  • Services to non-resident youth
STAFF ARE SPECIFICALLY TRAINED TO SERVE OUR YOUTH
​
Y.E.S. staff are qualified, trained individuals with a passion to provide youth in crisis a physically and emotionally safe environment in which they will have the opportunity to address the issues they are facing.

Executive Director 
  • Manages development
  • Networks with community agencies
  • Oversees program 
  • Liaisons with the Board of Directors
Bookkeeper 
  • Banks income and pays bills
  • Keeps records of financial transactions
  • Researches and advises about financial matters
  • Makes state and federal financial reports
  • Creates and maintains annual operating budget 

​Program Coordinator
  • Conducts intakes
  • Sets program goals and objectives
  • Designs overall program components (PYD, etc.)
  • Oversees the maintenance of client records, reports, data, etc.
  • Facilitates shelter community supportive spirit​
  • Develops a plan for contact with runaway and homeless youth NOT in the shelter
  • Trains and coordinates new staff

House Parent
  • Facilitates Background Checks
  • Oversees scheduling, supervision of youth
  • Plans and arranges provisions for meals
  • Oversees housekeeping
  • Grounds and building maintenance
  • Coordinates activities and transportation

Night-Time Attendant 
  • Awake staffing
  • Checks beds, provides care when needed
  • Some light housekeeping
  • Office assistance (filing, copying, etc.)
  • Awakens youth, assists with breakfast, prepares for school.​

​Youth Advisor
  • Participates with intakes
  • Develops relationships with youth, assists them in setting goals and designing a plan
  • Facilitates and encourages implementation of the youth's plan
  • Coordinates volunteers:
    • Tutors
    • Instructors (music, crafts, etc)
    • Activity directors
    • Individual mentors
​

POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

 Positive Youth Development Components involves
activities focused on improving outcomes for youth:
PYD is a comprehensive framework outlining the supports all young people need to be successful.  Runaway and homeless youth programs that embrace this developmental model provide ongoing and intentional opportunities for young people to participate in meaningful activities.  A variety of opportunities that have real life application are available for youth to design, implement, and evaluate the types of services they receive to best meet their needs.  The program environment is caring and supportive, has high expectations, and offers youth the chance to develop positive relationships and connections with adults, peers, and the larger community.  Positive Youth Development  views youth as "resources" who have much to offer rather than
as "problems" that need to be treated or fixed.
http://youth.gov/youth-topics/positive-youth-development
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FROM THE RESIDENTS

Nick's Story

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​      When I was about 6 or 7 years old I was living with my grandma and my five brothers and sisters, together with my dad and his girlfriend.  It was pretty crowded and crazy and I didn’t feel like I was a part of any of it.  I didn’t even make it to school most days. 
     And then Grandma was diagnosed with cancer and all the attention went to her.  When my dad’s girlfriend left after Grandma moved to Arizona we had to move out of the house.  My dad took me to stay with a friend of mine who lived in Cascade Locks, but they only let me stay for a few days. 
      I didn’t even know where my dad was, so then I was homeless and went and lived under the bridge for a few months.  I tried to get a job so I could buy food and get a place to live, but there weren’t many jobs available. 
​     Then, finally a friend’s mom heard about Youth Empowerment Shelter and helped me get in.  Now I’m going to school daily and trying my best to make a successful life.  I even have a beautiful, talented girlfriend.  I’m happy for the first time in my life.  I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere if it weren’t for that friend and the Y.E.S. house.
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​Photo by Liz and Krystal