Youth and Family Alternatives

Success Stories

John and the New Beginnings Shelter
"John" entered the New Beginnings Shelter at age 17. His mother did not know what to do with him as she saw him using drugs and failing in school. John entered the shelter with resistance, but also wanted to get away from his family. Once he arrived, he had a quick turnaround. John realized and understood the help and counseling he was receiving was because people cared about him. During the stay, John decided that he was going to update a video on drug prevention to present to future youth at the shelter. John and his mother have agreed to speak at YFA's upcoming Boots and Pearls Gala to talk about the progress they have made since becoming involved with New Beginnings Youth Shelter (one of three youth shelters YFA operates that make a difference for local youth).

New Beginnings Changed Mary's Life
"Mary" recently contacted the New Beginnings Shelter to say "hello" to the staff that helped her 4 years ago. Mary was a foster child who stayed at the Shelter for several months. Since then, Mary has started attending college. Mary believes that she received the care and inspiration needed to move past her trauma of living on and off with her abusive mother and has been able to create a better future for herself. Mary may also become a future speaker on YFA's behalf.

Thank you New Beginnings
New Beginnings is a shelter for homeless kids, court order kids and children like me in foster care. I’ve been in New Beginnings quite a few times and each time I learned something new and life changing. One thing I love about the shelter is Boots and Pearls ball. I’ve been two years in a row and it’s wonderful. The staff here helps you with your life problems. You can help in the kitchen making food, we go on outings to the movies and the aquarium. Being in foster care there’s always people in and out of your life, but at New Beginnings there’s always someone around to help and we can always come back and visit. The counselors here are wonderful. Everyday they invite you into their office and discuss anything you want to talk about. They help you find what you want to do in the future. I am glad to have the opportunity to be at New Beginnings.

It is the policy of Youth and Family Alternatives to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment, as well as equal opportunity for consumers and potential consumers in securing appropriate services as provided by Youth and Family Alternatives. No person is to be discriminated against in employment or services provided because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, co-occurring disorders, or sexual orientation and disabled veterans or veterans of the Vietnam era.