Friends of Youth

As a mission-centered agency, our highest priority is being accessible to our youth.

Friends of Youth Emergency Shelters, Drop-In and Residential facilities are open to clients. All facilities are closed to the public until further notice. Learn More

A Message from CEO, Paul Lwali

The recent death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers has enraged many and led to an outcry across the country. Before George it was Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Botham Jean, Eric Garner, Philando Castile, Michael Brown, Sandra Bland, Laquan McDonald, all at the hands of law enforcement. As an agency committed to becoming an Anti-Racist multicultural organization, we can’t and won’t be silent.

Friends of Youth opposes all forms of racism, and will actively work with others in our sector and communities large and small to eliminate all forms of oppression. We recognize that the total power of authentic youth voice cannot fully be harnessed until ALL systems of oppression are dismantled. As we struggle to support our clients with their own pain and trauma, I ask that we lean on each other and learn from these events that we cannot be SILENT about these “uncomfortable truths”. Let us be the change we want to see in the world.

~Paul Lwali, President and CEO

Anti-Racism Resources

Friends of Youth COVID-19 Update

The health, safety, and welfare of our Friends of Youth community, clients, and staff is of paramount importance. We are closely monitoring the evolving landscape and following all federal, state, and county guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus.

We appreciate the outpouring of kindness and support from the community. While we may be unsure of what the next weeks will bring, there is one thing of which we are certain—we’ll get by with help from our friends.

Learn More About our COVID-19 Response

How You Can Support Youth During the Crisis

Click here for more resources.

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