TNOYS’ Annual Conference is the event for youth , young adults, and the professionals who serve them to connect and grow!  For over four decades, this conference has brought together people who care about improving the youth-serving systems (child welfare, homelessness services, etc.) that impact young people’s lives. What’s more, TNOYS’ conference is unique because… Read more »

TNOYS, our members, and youth and young adult partners have been hard at work this legislative session advocating for our 16 policy and budget priorities. We’re proud to champion an agenda that was shaped by over 350 youth, young adults, and providers. Below are some highlights from our work towards systems-change: Leaders in TNOYS’ Network… Read more »

Texas is home to an estimated 500,000 “Opportunity Youth and Young Adults” (OYYA), defined as young people aged 16–26 who are neither enrolled in school nor employed. While many OYYA have experienced systems involvement, unstable living conditions, and trauma, their experiences with disconnection are far from uniform. Each OYYA has a unique story that speaks… Read more »

The 89th Texas Legislative Session kicks off in January, and TNOYS has been hard at work building a policy agenda that reflects the real needs and challenges that Texas youth, young adults (YYA), and the providers who serve them face every day. Throughout 2024, our team powered multiple initiatives to listen to and learn from… Read more »

Anaya, who lives in Houston, Texas, first became involved with TNOYS after attending a TNOYS-led youth and young adult (YYA) listening session at our member Covenant House. After seeing first hand how TNOYS centers YYA voices, Anaya felt that the Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC) offered a unique opportunity to make a difference for young… Read more »

Through TNOYS’ youth engagement roadmap, young people who have lived the issues have a range of opportunities to have their voices heard in our work, from individual listening sessions to paid work-based learning programs where we invest in them as leaders.  Our flagship program is the 12-month Young Adult Leadership Council. Each October, the YALC… Read more »

Last month, TNOYS was thrilled to welcome youth, young adults, and professionals from across systems to our 41st Annual Conference for Services to Youth and Families! Over 550 attendees joined us in Houston for a week packed with inspiring keynotes, workshops, and sessions that enthusiastically embraced this year’s theme of “Bright Stars, Bold Futures.” We… Read more »

In recognition of National Foster Care Month, TNOYS is spotlighting ACH Child and Family Services – a Fort Worth-based nonprofit agency that brings needed resources and skills to children and families struggling with life’s challenges. Through a Continuum of Care comprising 15 programs and services, ACH is dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and treatment of… Read more »

Kirsten is from Abilene, TX. She currently serves as a member of the YALC and is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Her lived experience includes involvement with CPS. She has worked closely with outreach organizations such as BCFS that help youth with their transition out of the foster care system.  Kirsten has a… Read more »

LaBraia Owens is a member of TNOYS’ Young Adult Leadership Council and a double major in business computer information systems and economics at the University of North Texas.  From a young age, LaBraia has been academically and leadership driven. She describes herself as motivated in building up herself and others, and she is dedicated to… Read more »