Taking a Stand -
Avenues Youth Testifies to the Legislature
Good morning everyone, thank you for allowing me to speak with you. It's really an honor for me to speak on an issue so close to my heart. My name is Yuleski and right now I stay at Avenues for Homeless Youth.
I was at my mother's house before getting into Avenues. My family had been going through a lot of rough things. My oldest brother has been experiencing a lot since he took on the responsibility of trying to provide for the whole family. My mother had been stressed out, not having the income she used to because of the economy and the emotional stress of losing a child to the prison system. My mother has also been a constant mediator between my father and me, and she just couldn't handle all of the pressure she was facing. Therefore, she asked me to leave. I became homeless.
I didn't know where I was going to end up or how I was going to end up there. I had called every shelter in the Twin Cities and there was not one bed open. I began couch hopping with no money. The only way I could get around was to go to the drop in center at Youth Link and get bus tokens... when I had no food I knew I could go to Project Solo... and when it seemed I had lost all hope I went to my counselor at The Bridge for Youth. Had it not been for these many different programs, I can honestly say there might have been one less person in the world. Instead, I am one more who made it through, one more who will have a success story.
I hope that you all will continue to support these programs so that other youth have a way through, a light to look for at the end of whatever tunnel they might be in, a success story of their own to place under their feet as a solid foundation for their character.
When I was lacking in resources, funds and hope, I looked to these programs. Now these programs are looking to you. Instead of turning your backs on the countless youth who so desperately need programs like these, you are here.
Thank you.
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Yuleski
A Youth at Avenues
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Highlighted Youth Profile: Yuleski
Yuleski's testimony to the Minnesota Legislature regarding support for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act is featured above.
What is something you like about Avenues?
I like that Avenues provides me with a place to sleep. The setup of Avenues is to try and make it feel like less of a shelter and more like a community. I appreciate the effort, it is genuine.
You have been involved in talking to legislators about the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. What is something about that you want everyone to know?
It seems to me that a lot of people don't understand why people would push this subject a second, third or fourth time after help has already been given. I would like people to know that homelessness will continue to be brought to the forefront because it is a continuous problem. Everyone deserves a home.
Do you have a favorite saying or quote?
Yes, I have two favorite quotes.
"Common sense is not always common."
"I am always ready to learn, although I do not like being taught."
What is something about yourself that not many people would know?
Although it may seem like I am very outgoing, I am actually a shy person. My way of dealing with my shyness is to counteract it by being open and telling jokes.
Join Yuleski in urging your legislators to support The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.
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| How You Can Help
Matching Contributions
Did you know that 65% of companies match an employee contribution to charity? This is the simplest way for Avenues to receive more funding.
When you contribute to Avenues for Homeless Youth, please see if your company will match the amount you donate. Look on the provided link below for a partial list of companies who participate. Or contact your human resource department. Companies will usually provide a form that can easily be sent with your donation.
Doubling your generous contribution will help Avenues continue providing for our homeless youth.
Matching Contribution Companies
If you have more questions about matching contributions, contact Heather Rist -- heather@avenuesforyouth.org or 612-522-1690.
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| Thanks!
Thank you to our supporters during the month of February!
Organizations -- ATK, Edina Realty Foundation, Edina Realty Downtown Minneapolis, Macy's Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Salon D. Pugh and United Health Group
Individuals -- Tim Baldoni, Laura and David Clements, Jean Johnson, Kaitlin Johnson, Joan Kennedy, Tim and Roberta O'hara, Amanda Roe, Connell and Eve Smith, Stephanie Thompson and Marcus Waterbury and Jacqueline White
In-Kind Donations -- Don Brewer and Tom Mootz, RAZR Marketing employees
Volunteers -- Don Brewer, Roxann Collin, Leann Cozad, Jeanne Enrooth, Jenna Krings, Barbara Kuenne, Duane and Jan Nelson, Gene Miller, Gloria Peck, Avenues Board of Directors, GLBT Host Home Advisory Council
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News/Updates
Mental Health Services Added at Avenues
With the goal of reducing obstacles so more homeless youth will seek mental health services, Avenues has added a mental health component to the supportive services offered to youth. Adding this service to the in-house programs at Avenues has made it easier for our youth to seek professional help.
According to Wilder Research (2006) -
- 54 percent of homeless youth reported some type of mental health problem
- 33 percent of homeless youth had been told by a doctor or nurse, within the previous two years, that they had a serious mental health problem
- 24 percent of homeless youth reported needing to see a health professional about a current mental health problem
Since the counseling service started earlier this year we are seeing youth take advantage of it and expect it to grow. We thank Pediatric Home Services for providing the financial support to launch this service.GLBT Host Home Rollerskating Event: Queer Skate
Come show off your moves while supporting the GLBT Host Home Program and Rainbow Families.
Bring your friends, family and co-workers to the Roller Garden!
Price: $6/adult, $5/child
When: Saturday, March 21
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Roller Garden
5622 W. Lake Street
Saint Louis Park, MN
GLBT Host
Home Program seeks hosts
The GLBT Host Home Program is looking for people interested in becoming hosts. For more information contact, Raquel (Rocki) Simoes, 612-522-1690 or hosthome@avenuesforyouth.org
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Immediate Wish List
- Sweatpants (men/women)
- Backpacks
- New Tupperwear (or similar)
- Target gift cards
- $10 bus passes
View Our Full Wish List |
| About Us
Avenues for Homeless Youth provides shelter and transitional housing with 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.
At its North Minneapolis house, Avenues has 15 short-term beds and 1 emergency bed for youth ages 16 to 21. Youth receive basic needs and 24 x 7 caring of Avenues staff. While at Avenues, all youth work with case managers to pursue their individual goals of education, employment, housing, mental health and physical wellness.
Avenues also operates the GLBT Host Home Program, a community-based program that provides safe, supportive homes for homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth.
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