Blog

How The TNOYS AmeriCorps Program Plans to Support Texan Youth and Young Adults with Lived Experiences to Achieve Job Readiness and Improve Outcomes in Adulthood

TNOYS has launched its first-ever AmeriCorps program aimed at scaling youth-adult partnerships with young people with lived experiences within the seven social service systems that TNOYS works in which include homelessness, foster care, juvenile justice, mental health, education, workforce, and victim services. The program will provide young adults with lived expertise with professional development and… Read more »

Exploring the Road to Impact During TEHCY 2021

During the first week of August, TNOYS once again partnered with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to host the Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) Program Summit, which convened more than 1,000 youth-serving professionals from across Texas. Guided by the theme The Road to Impact, the summit’s 42 workshops and three dynamic keynote… Read more »

Celebrating Pride Month with TNOYS Member Organizations

In celebration of Pride Month this June, TNOYS is proud to spotlight just a few of our members whose work is making a positive impact in LGBTQIA+ communities. Youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ are often overrepresented among the populations our members serve. In fact, data show that LGBTQIA+ youth are 120% more likely to experience… Read more »

2021 TEHCY Program Summit – Sneak Peek

We at TNOYS along with TEA are finalizing details of the 2021 TEHCY Program Summit, and we’re excited to share a sneak peek of some of the amazing workshops and speakers we have lined up! Held on August 3rd & 5th, the TEHCY Program Summit empowers Texas’ education professionals to understand the needs of students experiencing homelessness and… Read more »

TNOYS’ 38th Annual Conference Reminds Youth and Professionals That They Are “Rooted In Power”

In June, TNOYS’ 38th Annual Conference on Services to Youth and Families virtually convened more than 500 youth and family services stakeholders from across Texas. The Annual Conference once again provided the opportunity to re-energize while exploring relevant issues that impact Texas’ youth and families. We at TNOYS know how COVID-19 has impacted youth and… Read more »

How We Can All Build More Inclusive Services for APIA Young People

TNOYS prides itself on its commitment to equity and inclusion. As Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Heritage Month celebrations continue, we’re calling on youth-serving providers and advocates to elevate and understand the varied experiences of youth and young people in this community.  Supports and services are never one size fits all, especially when it… Read more »

Youth Take the Lead on Projects to Improve Transition-Age Services

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 »

Explore Activities and Workshops for Youth at TNOYS’ Annual Conference

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 »

Youth Advocate Spotlight: Exzaniel Ocon

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 »

Staff Picks at TNOYS’ 38th Annual Conference

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 »