Youth Homes provides training for work and tools for life.  Executive Director Stuart McCullough is passionate about being prepared for any situation or emergency that involves staff and our youth.  Fueled by that passion, Youth Homes staff receives an unprecedented amount of training -- ranging from working with challenging youth to CPR certification to defensive driving and even financial planning.  "In the event of a major disaster, Youth Homes will likely be the first responder to the kids in our care and we must be prepared," declares Stuart. As a result, ALL staff participated in a training session put on by Nexis Preparedeness Systems. Brainstorming what to do during an earthquake and other natural disasters  helped tailor effective responses and every employee now is equipped with an emergency backpack filled with batteries, blankets, food and other essentials.

"We must be skilled in issues that affect the kids that come through our doors," states Stuart.  An increased number of our client referrals are part of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning (LGTBQ) population.  Statistics show that these youth are more prone to homelessness, sexual exploitation and drug abuse than other foster youth. Youth Homes is a leader among agencies in helping this group and we are partnering with County staff to develop a program to better support these clients.

As role models for our youth, Stuart believes that our employees should also be skilled at planning for their own futures. Youth Homes arranged for a Certified Financial Planner from Mutual of America to speak to every staff member on basic money management issues -- ways to save money, improve credit scores and determine retirement needs.

Being prepared for life and your future- a goal Youth Homes strives to live up to each day.