Support At-Risk Youth in Skagit County.
David, a local 17-year-old youth who had been on his own and couch surfing for more than two years. Upon learning about the Skagit Y’s Sedro-Woolley Rec Center through friends, he came in seeking help. David identified that he needed a phone to get a job. Later, he opened up about legal trouble he and his friends were facing. Local Y Outreach staff supported David in obtaining a phone, locating safe and stable housing with a trusted adult, re-enrolling in school, contacting a free attorney, and finding a job. He's also getting a driver’s license and staff have helped him get health insurance so he can get much needed glasses. Many of David’s friends have since also stopped by the Rec Center, where we’ve provided them with food, clothing, and hygiene products.
As a charitable nonprofit, the Skagit Valley Family YMCA’s programs and services provide comprehensive support that nurtures and uplifts youth like David through the various stages of growing up. Some youth need temporary or emergency shelter, meals after school, safe places to study and socialize, or substance abuse prevention resources. Others need affordable childcare and access to healthy living programs. The Skagit Y aims to provide resources for all young people living in Skagit County in their journey to adulthood.
Here are some services the Skagit Y provides to youth in need:
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Temporary, emergency shelter
- The Oasis Youth Shelter is a free emergency shelter for 13 to 17-year-olds facing housing insecurity or homelessness. Teens have a safe place to spend the night, receive individualized case management, and are served hot meals. Oasis is the only shelter serving this age group in Skagit County.
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Mobile outreach to at-risk youth
- Outreach staff provide assistance with transportation, identification documents, education, and finding employment for youth around Skagit County. They can provide one-on-one case management and resource connections to young people experiencing housing insecurity. We conduct this mobile outreach service in partnership with Northwest Youth Services, allowing us to collectively serve youth ages 12-24 around Skagit County.
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Safe places to study, play, relax, and socialize
- The Sedro-Woolley Rec Center is a free drop-in space for seventh through twelfth graders from around Skagit County. The space has comfy couches, activities like ping pong and an Xbox, and partners like Mount Baker Planned Parenthood, Skagit Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, and Central Skagit Library host workshops and activity days each month for interested youth. Clothing, hygiene, and school supplies are available to youth as needed.
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