Posts By: Sondra Lehmann

TNOYS’ work is guided by youth-adult partnership, which is a shift in thinking that challenges us to look at youth differently and include their voices and input into plans, strategies, and services to support them. In celebration of Foster Care Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reflecting on our partnerships with young people… Read more »

One of the things that makes TNOYS’ annual conference unique is that both youth and professionals are welcome to attend, putting the power of youth-adult partnership into action.  From workshops led by members of our Youth Adult Leadership Council (YALC) to virtual hangout rooms during the lunch breaks, this year’s event features many opportunities for… Read more »

TNOYS’ Youth Adult Leadership Council (YALC) is a nine-month leadership development program for youth and young adults between the ages of 16 to 25 who have experience with foster care, homelessness, and systems-involvement, and who have a demonstrated interest in or potential for leadership or advocacy. TNOYS recently spoke with Exzaniel Ocon, a 20-year-old YALC… Read more »

TNOYS’ Annual Conference is right around the corner, and our team is looking forward to all the fun and learning that’s in store! Guided by the theme Rooted in Power, this year’s conference spotlights equity and inclusion and youth-adult partnership throughout our 50+ workshops and sessions. Our team is excited for sessions such as the… Read more »

It has been almost one year since TNOYS committed to redoubling our efforts to combat racism and inequity. As we reflect on the past 12 months, we’re reminded of the urgency and importance of this work for our organization and across youth-serving systems. Events such as the pandemic and the winter storm have shone a… Read more »

TNOYS is excited to offer new resources to help youth-serving providers put diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best practices into action. Our team has heard time and again that DEI training and leadership development are top priorities for youth-serving providers. In fact, a 2020 survey of our member network showed that DEI and leadership development… Read more »

TNOYS has long held the belief that youth-adult partnership in policy advocacy is an equity issue. For policies and laws that concern youth and young adults to create meaningful change, it is imperative to center their voices and amplify their expertise.  Our team has put this value into action by partnering with youth and young… Read more »

By Brenda Woolley Brenda Woolley is a member of TNOYS’ Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC). The YALC is a 9-month training program that empowers youth who have experienced homelessness or systems involvement to be advocates and storytellers in their community. During the 87th Texas Legislative Session, Brenda testified before the Human Services Committee on behalf… Read more »

Last week’s historic winter storm was devastating for Texas communities who are still facing major challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, youth-serving organizations have truly stepped up to connect youth and young adults with critical needs such as shelter, food, and drinkable water.  We’ve heard countless stories of how youth-serving… Read more »

This year brought new challenges for many of us. Young people faced great obstacles, and organizations had to do more with less to meet growing needs. 2020 also shined a light on the profound inequities and gaps within systems, especially the racial inequities that are felt daily by young people of color. At TNOYS, we… Read more »