Roshauna Loggins wanted to be a Youth Homes counselor because she wanted to help kids. She recalls being in elementary school and having friends that were foster kids. She never forgot about them and their struggles even when she applied at Youth Homes. Now Roshauna works at our Cherry Lane facility and has been employed with Youth Homes for the past four years. Although the training programs that are mandatory for all Youth Homes employees are extremely effective, Roshauna knows that she is most useful because she cares about the kids. As she related to us in a recent interview;
"It was shocking to me at first, learning about the history and abuse of some of the kids. You would never know by looking at them, the extent of what they have been through. It is difficult to have this knowledge before meeting them. Now I wait to read their files because I want to see them with fresh eyes and connect with them as a person first - not a client. I want them to know they have value and that they are no different from other teenagers, they just have a little more to deal with."
Many of the kids that come to Youth Homes have low self-esteem. One of the ways Roshauna helps is by doing the girls hair and nails - giving them these small luxuries makes them feel good about themselves. When asked what challenges her the most Roshauna said that many times the kids will have a disagreement with a parent or family member which can cause them to become depressed. This is difficult to watch. Family members don't always support the youth properly and these situations can cause the kids to become hurt and angry, acting out. Roshauna just tries to give them reasonable space but does not allow them to isolate for too long.
Because Roshauna is soft-hearted it can be difficult when our kids move on, but we think creating positive attachments to the kids is a wonderful thing. Roshauna also commented that it goes with the territory and is part of caring about the kids. She overcomes this by knowing she is making a difference in their lives.
Youth Homes would like to congratulate Roshauna on making a difference in the lives of the youth we serve.
We are proud of such a caring and committed staff that make up the true heart of Youth Homes.
Memoriam to Joanne Taylor
Joanne Taylor was the heart and soul of the Youth Homes Auxiliary for four decades; this extraordinary dedication was recognized in 2012 with the creation of the Joanne Taylor Scholarship Fund. Seven young women were delighted to be the first recipients of scholarships which will further their education - a natural fit for Joanne, a former schoolteacher.
Joanne with current Auxiliary President Sandra Abram.
On the verge of retirement in the 1970's, Joanne heard about the work of a local youth agency from a good friend. It was a discussion that would change the course of Joanne's life and the future of Youth Homes. Little did she know when she joined the Auxiliary in 1978, she would be president three times, treasurer for even longer and would serve over 12 years on the Youth Homes Board of Directors. Her lifelong achievement was seeing the formation of the thrift shop. To this former schoolteacher, it was all about the kids. There was nothing closer to her heart than that. We had the opportunity to interview and feature Joanne in one of our recent publications - click here to read more.
2013 Event Benefactor Opportunities
Youth Homes is currently accepting event sponsorships for our fifth annual 2013 gala celebration, Hearts for Hope. The gala will be held at the beautiful Diablo Country Club on Saturday, October 19, 2013. If you or your company would like to learn more about becoming a benefactor, please contact the Youth Homes office at (925) 933-2627 or email laurelp@youthhomes.org.
Click here to view and print a complete list of sponsorship benefits.
Youth Homes Auxiliary "Derby Day"
The Annual Auxiliary Fashion Show is coming soon. You can look forward to games, lunch and fabulous fashions!
Saturday, May 4th, 2013 - 11:A.M.
Crow Canyon Country Club 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville, CA. To reserve your seat, ($45.00) mail check to: Reservations/Fashion Show c/o YH Thrift Shop 15C Vivian Drive Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
It is because of the amazing support we receive from our community that we are able to work with the best thinkers available to help us to continue getting better at treating severely traumatized children and adolescents. If you are reading this, you are one of our supporters. You are a caring person who gives of themselves. You are a representative of the best of our culture; people who are committed to the common good. Thank you for all you do.
