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Greetings! 
Wondering what the past year has brought to Youth Homes? Interested in getting an insider's view of life at a group home? Come join us for an exclusive tour of our unique East Bay Shelter (EBS) program. For youth removed from their homes, this shelter serves as a first responder in times of crisis.
In addition to this, 2014 will be the fourth summer of our unique onsite Organic Garden program at EBS, ensuring that our youth can learn hands on and gain life skills that will help them not just survive, but thrive!
When: Friday, May 2nd, 10:00 - 11:30 am.
Where: 2025 Sherman Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Consider joining us for this special event - snacks and coffee will be provided. Please RSVP to Leslie Harman if you are interested in joining us for this opportunity at (925) 933-2627, or email leslieh@youthhomes.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Amazing Mentorship
Lynn MacMichael and Howard Weamer are a very special couple; the type of people that instinctively think of others before themselves. Having spent time living in the Yosemite area, they know the power that nature holds and they understand the connection between traumatized youth and the healing of the outdoors. By the time they arrived at Youth Homes, their plan of action was clear - get troubled teens and adolescents outdoors and let the magic happen.
Fast forward eight years, where Lynn and Howard partner with Cherry Lane staff and residents through the Youth Homes Mentorship Program.
Activities with the house have included; trips to the Lafayette Reservoir, hiking, annual trips to Safari West, camping trips, river rafting, and much more including hosting kids and staff for swimming and BBQ's at their home.
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Pictured above: Howard and Lynn with their trusty dog, Louie.
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Lynn fondly remembers one particular outing to Sienna Ranch, a privately owned 21-acre ranch in Lafayette, CA. Home to many animals including chickens, goats, lamas, bunnies, a peacock, and several horses, the ranch is an oasis of serenity and calm in the middle of suburbia. During the visit, Lynn saw something ignite within one young resident and she and Howard encouraged the young girl to volunteer on Sundays caring for and feeding the animals. Another favorite escape spot is June Lake on the east side of the Sierras. Annual camping trips with the kids include boating, kayaking, fishing, camp fires, s'mores, and lots of laughs and fun. For Lynn and Howard, sharing these special moments is priceless.
"The kids are remarkable and always well behaved during the outings. We get more out of it than the kids do! Their resilience in the face of very difficult lives is awe inspiring and we feel like we have had such a blessed life, it would be crazy not to spread it around." - Lynn MacMichael
One of the greatest values of a mentor is the ability to see and bring out the best in our youth. Lynn and Howard inspire hope and encourage greatness and we think this is an amazing partnership!
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Community Giving
Youth Homes would like to introduce Bryan Martini, a Boy Scout in San Ramon with troop #888. Bryans' Eagle Scout Project this year was to choose a worthwhile non-profit agency and create a donation drive. Being a youth himself, Bryan was particularly interested in finding organization that supported youth and teenagers.
Working with his Boy Scout team, Bryan canvassed a large section of his surrounding neighborhood with letters introducing Youth Homes and a wish list of needed items. The collection bags were cheerfully decorated and Bryan asked that his neighbors place their donations near their front door, or where he could easily spot them from the street on collection day.
Bryan collected scores of helpful items which included new clothing, grocery items, games, school supplies, DVD's and more! One kind neighbor took the time to write a thoughtful letter commending Bryan and even included a $250 check toward his project!
This outpouring from the community reminds us that people really do care and want to help if given the opportunity.
Youth Homes would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Bryan and his parents Cheryl and David Martini and troop #888 for the tremendous effort put forth in making this Boy Scout project such a great success!
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Thrift Shop Grand Re-Open Success!
On March 6th, the Mayor of Pleasant Hill cut the red ribbon to officially mark the 20th anniversary and grand re-opening of the newly remodeled Youth Homes Auxiliary Thrift Shop. In addition to Mayor Tim Flaherty, other attendees included members of the Chamber of Commerce, Pleasant Hill business owners, Agency Executive Director Stuart McCullough, Auxiliary President Edie Henchey, Agency staff, Auxiliary members and various friends and family.
Make sure to stop by and check out the new layout! The store looks fabulous and great bargains are waiting to be found.
Youth Homes Auxiliary Thrift Shop
15B Vivian Drive
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 798-5561
Back to the Top
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Dear friends,
It is because of the amazing support we receive from YOU and our community that we are able to work with the best thinkers available to help us continue to improve treating traumatized foster 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. 
Click "Donate Online" if you would like to support the important work Youth Homes is doing.
Thank you for all you do.
Stuart McCullough
Executive Director
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"Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They're just braver 5 minutes longer."
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EBS Supervisor Felicia Martin & Program Director Kim Chilvers
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Volunteer Leslie Miller with Youth Homes Staff Laurel Pendleton
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Joel Rush, Clinical Supervisor for the Foster Care Program
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David and Bryan Martini
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The Thrift Shop Re-Open
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ED Stuart McCullough with EBS Clinical Supervisor Cynthia Williams
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