TNOYS hosted our 39th Annual Conference for Services to Youth and Families both in-person in Houston as well as virtually last month. We were so excited to see how enthusiastically the 500+ attendees embraced this year’s theme of “Rise to Your Potential.” Inspired by a variety of expert speakers and interactive workshops, attendees of all… Read more »
Blog
Honoring the Victims in Uvalde
On the afternoon of Tuesday, May 24, a tragedy took place at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. 21 victims lost their lives during a tragic school shooting. With this crisis occurring during our 39th Annual Conference, our Chief Executive Officer, Fedora Galasso, led a moment of silence to open Day #2 to honor their… Read more »
Our Staff and YALC Picks for TNOYS’ 39th Annual Conference on Services to Youth and Families
TNOYS’ 39th Annual Conference on Services to Youth and Families is right around the corner, and our team is excited for the amazing sessions, speakers, and activities we have in store! There’s conference has distinct virtual and in-person formats. Join us virtually, in-person, or both! Join Us Virtually on May 11 to hear an inspiring… Read more »
TNOYS Launches Multi-City Listening Tour in Advance of the 88th Texas Legislative Session
TNOYS amplifies youth and provider voices as part of work to develop a youth-centered, cross-systems policy agenda. Austin – This week, Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) kicks off a multi-city listening tour to hear from youth, young adults, and youth-serving providers within seven system areas: housing & homelessness services, child welfare, juvenile justice, health and mental health, education,… Read more »
Youth Advocate Spotlight: Kedrick Spivey On What He Hopes to Change for CWOP-Designated Youth
TNOYS recently caught up with Kedrick Spivey to discuss a topic that has generated a fresh round of news coverage throughout Texas: the rise in foster youth being designated Children Without Placement (CWOP) because they have been placed in temporary emergency care in an unlicensed placement. CWOP is typically viewed as a last resort to… Read more »
TNOYS Relaunches the Statewide Collaborative on Youth Homelessness
In February, TNOYS was excited to relaunch the Statewide Collaborative on Youth Homelessness after a 2-year hiatus. The collaborative’s first meeting of 2022 welcomed more than 100 state agency leaders, service providers, and members of TNOYS’ Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC) to build alignment as we work to prevent and end youth homelessness in Texas…. Read more »
TNOYS’ Response to The Recent Letter to DFPS Regarding Gender-Affirming Care
TNOYS stands with trans and gender non-conforming youth as we respond to the recent letter to DFPS to have gender- affirming care investigated as child abuse. At a time when Texas is grappling with an acute foster care capacity crisis, this letter can only exacerbate the very real problems facing the system. In addition to… Read more »
End of Year Highlights: Reflecting on 2021
With 2021 drawing to a close, there is a lot for TNOYS and our member network to reflect on and celebrate. Through all of the year’s challenges and opportunities, we could not be more grateful for the many partners and youth who made a direct impact on TNOYS’ work. We’re excited to share some of… Read more »
How TNOYS Put Youth Engagement Into Action in 2021
2021 was a year of growth for TNOYS’ work to more meaningfully center and amplify the voices of youth and young adults (YYA). From listening sessions and focus groups to leadership development training, these efforts were guided by our Youth Engagement Roadmap — a new blueprint for how TNOYS can engage YYAs, learn directly from… Read more »
TNOYS Member Spotlight: Recognizing National Homeless Youth Awareness Month with SARAH
TNOYS member South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH) is leading the charge to ensure everyone has a place to call home. SARAH began as a group of nonprofit leaders to serve as the Continuum of Care (CoC) Board of Directors. Since 2015, when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designated… Read more »