YouthCare is excited to share our new Mission, Vision, and Values statements. The last time these guiding statements were edited was 2010. Much has changed for YouthCare, the young people we serve, and our community since that time. We’ve enhanced our strength, our tenacity, and our commitment to providing consistently excellent services, as well as openly naming and working to dismantle the institutional barriers and injustices that impact the youth we serve. We are not done with our work—but we are proud to officially put these updates into the fabric of our organization, our daily actions, and our decisions.

A team comprised of YouthCare Board members and staff developed the new statements and then sought feedback from more than 50 YouthCare team members as well as young people currently accessing services. An important part of the process involved youth sharing how YouthCare has shown up for them and how the organization can continue to advocate for their needs. Their feedback was a crucial part of developing these new statements. As we embark upon this next era of our work with homeless youth, we look forward to having these values guide our way.

Mission

YouthCare works to end youth homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential.

Vision 

YouthCare envisions a community where no young person experiences homelessness, all young people have the opportunity to thrive, and the systems that oppress them are dismantled.

Values

Safety: All young people deserve a secure, stable, and healthy environment.

Respect: We center our work in compassion and dignity for others and the belief that all young people should be valued.

Empowerment: We promote a culture that encourages staff and youth to develop their own strengths, and that champions their growth and successes.

Dependability: We are unwavering in our commitment to young people and can be trusted to provide consistent, high quality, and sustainable care.

Social Justice: To end youth homelessness we must name and actively work to dismantle those systems that have created injustices for people of color, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities.

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion: We embrace diversity, assure fair treatment, and provide equitable access to opportunities.

Leadership: We lead and advocate for changes that benefit young people by leveraging the collective power and influence of our youth, staff, board, and partners.

Collaboration: We can achieve more for young people by collaborating with and learning from partners and inspiring the community to take action.