The Same Old Story...
The Same Old Story...
The Same Old Story...
They are the forgotten children of poverty, neglect and abuse, born into a hostile reality that is unimaginable to most of us. They are trapped by lack of education, surrounded with crime. They are demoralized by emotional and mental trauma, victimized by sexual deviance, violence and human trafficking. Or they are the distressed young people from good homes who have lost their way because of psychological anguish, addiction or unwise decisions.
Youth Opportunity Foundation is dedicated to the truth: The fate of these children is not cast at birth, nor dictated by mistakes. All children deserve a chance, a right to security and safety. Adolescent mental health, addiction, victimization, and behavioral challenges should not be life sentences. Through innovative therapies, advocacy, education and workforce development, we can break this tragic cycle of lives lost before they start.
We are writing new endings to the same old story, endings that ripple through communities as children break free of their prisons of hopelessness to become ambassadors of independence, emissaries for the rewards of work, and representatives of the possibilities for all. Dramatic change is possible through the transformative power of individual resolve and personal accountability. Their journey begins with treatment and opportunity.
Dr. Marylou Erbland, clinical director at The Center for Success and Independence in Houston, specializes in rehabilitating victims of human trafficking. She and her team have achieved unprecedented outcomes with innovative therapies based on Dialetical Behavioral Therapy. Dr Erbland’s work, in partnership with Harris County, the Governor of Texas, and private payers, demonstrates the efficacy of specialized trauma-focused care.
A partnership between residential rehabilitation facilities and business owners in Evart, Michigan provides at-risk young people with internships, training and jobs.
YoungLife – Having a relationship with a trusted mentor may be the most important asset for a troubled teen successfully transitioning to adulthood. With this in mind, YOF has partnered with YoungLife International and Youth Opportunity to establish “clubs” at YO campuses to begin this important relational development process. (October, 2017)
In partnership with Ivy Tech, one of the largest community colleges in the country, Youth Opportunity Foundation is providing grants to online classes for qualified students over 18. (March, 2018)
The Hope Center – Human trafficking ensnares 300,000 U.S. children, under 18, annually. YOF was introduced to The Hope Center Indy as a unique shelter for women desperate to break free from this enslavement. Given that this nightmare has robbed many of their childhood, YOF has enthusiastically partnered with The Hope Center to support education, mentoring, jobs and treatment, as appropriate, in this mission. (June, 2018)
BI project – In an ongoing search for improved clinical treatment programs for “at-risk” youth, YOF has partnered with Youth Opportunity and Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana to create a “first of it’s kind” screening protocol and treatment program for troubled teens assigned to residential treatment programs suspected of having a traumatic brain injury. (August, 2018)
Collaboration to Combat the Effects of Human Trafficking – Believing that age indiscriminately separates “victim” from “prostitute”, YOF has engineered a collaboration between The Hope Center Indy and YO affiliate TCSI, Houston to share experiences and expertise in attacking human trafficking from all angles. (November, 2018)
CreateAbility – YOF announces a partnership with CreateAbility, Inc.. Also a Carmel based firm, CreateAbility is focused on using technology to eliminate barriers, promote independence and self-empowerment. We believe that through this relationship we can enhance the effectiveness and availability of secondary and post-secondary education for troubled teens. (December, 2019)
InStep – Substance abuse has long been an ever-present threat to developing youth; the opioid crisis has added urgency to efforts to control and eliminate this scourge. Youth Opportunity Foundation joined InStep Indy, a local public-private partnership, focused on a coordinated solution(s) to substance abuse disorder. YOF is determined to represent at-risk youth through the efforts of this group focused on prevention through education and protection for vulnerable youth victimized through the addiction of their parents. (February, 2019)
Megan Ward – YOF Announces Megan Ward Scholarship. Based on the incredible generosity of YOF donors, a scholarship for post-secondary education for victims of human trafficking has been established to assist in their rehabilitation and community re-entry. (March, 2019)
Opportunity Means Connection. Connection Means Community.
We speak for the children who have no voice. In legal, educational, and medical challenges, at-risk young people sometimes just need someone to understand them, take their side, and help them find the right road. We listen. Then we connect our clients and their families with organizations that can guide their journey to physical and mental health, and to the gratifying successes that are possible with guidance.
We speak for the children who have no voice. In legal, educational, and medical challenges, at-risk young people sometimes just need someone to understand them, take their side, and help them find the right road. We listen. Then we connect our clients and their families with organizations that can guide their journey to physical and mental health, and to the gratifying successes that are possible with guidance.
70% of all children in the juvenile justice or psychiatric treatment systems have diagnosable mental health or substance abuse issues. Many have physical challenges. Many are under-educated. While at-risk children share many characteristics, each of them has individual requirements for treatment and rehabilitation. We partner with innovative professional organizations to fund medical and psychiatric treatment, and applied research.
70% of all children in the juvenile justice or psychiatric treatment systems have diagnosable mental health or substance abuse issues. Many have physical challenges. Many are under-educated. While at-risk children share many characteristics, each of them has individual requirements for treatment and rehabilitation. We partner with innovative professional organizations to fund medical and psychiatric treatment, and applied research.
Many available jobs require postsecondary education. Future jobs in evolving industries will require specialized training. In conjunction with educational institutions, we provide grants, support, and mentoring for young people to finish high school and pursue the education or training that will give them a head start in life. Enlightenment is contagious; knowledge seeks to expand. Once on the road to success, a young person can journey anywhere.
Many available jobs require postsecondary education. Future jobs in evolving industries will require specialized training. In conjunction with educational institutions, we provide grants, support, and mentoring for young people to finish high school and pursue the education or training that will give them a head start in life. Enlightenment is contagious; knowledge seeks to expand. Once on the road to success, a young person can journey anywhere.
Employers need reliable dedicated employees. Sometimes a second chance leads to extraordinary motivation and focus. And there will always be a need for the "non-transferrable", locally based, service-oriented jobs in construction, repair, and maintenance. Imagine young entrepreneurs improving their communities with skilled service businesses. This is the ripple effect we work to begin; the partnerships we seek to cultivate.
Employers need reliable dedicated employees. Sometimes a second chance leads to extraordinary motivation and focus. And there will always be a need for the "non-transferrable", locally based, service-oriented jobs in construction, repair, and maintenance. Imagine young entrepreneurs improving their communities with skilled service businesses. This is the ripple effect we work to begin; the partnerships we seek to cultivate.