Center for Youth

Provides free, confidential, and accessible services to youth ages 12 to 21. Services include counseling intervention, street outreach, transitional living program, emergency shelter services for runaway and homeless youth ages 12 to 18, student support services, job readiness programs for in- and out-of-school youth, after-school program at East High School, prevention education workshops and groups, youth development, and volunteer opportunities. Alternative to Suspension programs at several RCSD elementary and high schools.

Wish List

All of the following items should be new, or like-new.

backpacks, cinch bags (especially needed)
gift cards: Tops, Wegmans, Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart
gloves, hats, scarves (new)
hair care products and accessories (new)
hygiene items for male and female youth (deodorant especially needed)
laundry detergent (powdered) and quarters for laundromat
school supplies: 3-ring binders, notebooks, pencils, pens, calculators
sleeping bags (new)
socks and underwear (new) for teens, all sizes
We are registered at Target under Targetlists. (first name: Center - last name: Youth)

Volunteers Needed

Host Homes: singles and couples to provide food, support, and temporary emergency shelter for a runaway or homeless teen, age 12 to 18, who is receiving counseling from The Center for Youth. Training and support provided. Average stay is 2 to 14 nights.

Phone Counselor: provide counseling, information, and referrals Mondays through Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. Volunteer once a week or twice a month. On-site training and supervision provided by CYS counselor.

Safe Place Responders: volunteers respond (in pairs) to youth who have accessed Safe Places sites and possibly transfer them to emergency shelter.

Teen Court: teen volunteers (ages 16-21) to assist with Teen Court responsibilities (jurors, youth lawyers: prosecution and defense counsel).

Call for additional volunteer opportunities.