Submitted by Community Youth Services
For many, the homeless youth of Thurston County are a problem many want to sweep away. Community Youth Services, with the support of numerous local partners, intends to change that.
Opening its doors to the public for the first time on March 28, the Brighter Futures Youth Center is now a first stop for those youth: the dropouts, the homeless, the street youth in trouble.
“We hope all those in the neighborhood, the city and the area will drop in and see why these programs are a key step in ending homelessness,” said Charles Shelan, chief executive officer of the 44-year-old nationally accredited agency.
The free tour event is from 4 to 5:30 on Friday, March 28, at the new facility, 520 Pear Street NE. Four key CYS programs will now operate out of the facility. They are Rosie’s Place, a daytime drop-in center where youth can get nourishing meals, survival items and referrals to needed resources; the Young Adult Shelter (YAS), a new overnight facility offering up to 6 shelter beds to those 18 to 24 who quality; Street Outreach, which provides crisis intervention, counseling and referrals in the areas youth tend to congregate; and GRAVITY High School, which helps those who have dropped out get their GEDs and work.
The expansion became necessary as the other 15 programs run by CYS have maxed out the space at its main offices, 711 State Avenue NE. “We hope people realize that because of the array of programs we offer, we ARE keeping homeless youth from becoming homeless adults and helping them fulfill their goals for independence and success,” Shelan added. The building, built in 1992, adds some 7,000 square feet to the 21,400 square feet the agency has at its main building and Haven House, a residential shelter.
Derek Harris, director of program services, added it’s been part of Community Youth Services planning for some time. “Since the creation of Rosie’s Place in 2005, we’ve had a vision to have the program housed in its own location. We are seeing the fulfillment of that vision at the Brighter Futures Youth Center.”
The alternatives for street-dependent youth in Olympia are bleak. Most avoid programs that house them with the adult homeless because of that population’s frequent mental health issues. Doorways, parking lots and sidewalks are at times the only alternative available.
All of CYS’s 19 programs work in concert to get youth the tools they need to be independent, successful members of society, whether it be safety, a job, a hot meal, or someone knowledgeable and open to talk to, Harris said.
Those planning to attend are asked to send an email to CYSDEV@communityyouthservices.org . Interview possibilities include CYS participants, program directors and staff. Arrange by calling Barbara Wakefield, development coordinator, 918-7844. Photo opportunities are available at the event and beforehand by scheduling through Wakefield. Photos of the center are available by request.
