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 »
News
How The YALC Program Invests in Youth and Young Adults’ Futures
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 »
TNOYS’ 41st Annual Conference: Looking Ahead to the Bold Futures of Youth-Serving Systems
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 »
Member Spotlight: ACH Child and Family Services
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 »
YYA Spotlight: Kirsten’s Story of Resilience and the Importance of Youth Voice
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 »
YYA Spotlight: LaBraia Owens on Experiencing Homelessness in High School and Her Hopes for Change
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 »
Member Spotlight: Project Protect Our Children
In recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, TNOYS is proud to spotlight Project Protect Our Children and their amazing work in Texas. Denise Mears, Founder and Executive Director, answered a few questions about the work their organization is doing below. Project Protect Our Children is a 501c3 dedicated to preventing child sex trafficking, exploitation,… Read more »
Member Spotlight: Central Texas Youth Services
In recognition of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, TNOYS is proud to spotlight Central Texas Youth Services and uplift the fantastic work of this organization. Shellie Hassell, Executive Director, answered a few questions about the work their organization is doing below. Central Texas Youth Services works with the runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth in central… Read more »
TNOYS Teams Up with DFPS to Strengthen Youth-Adult Partnerships
This summer, TNOYS was excited to team up with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) on PEAKS (Physical and Environmental Activities for Knowledge and Skills) Adventure Camp and our Building Alliances with Youth to Reduce and Prevent Children without Placement (CWOP) training, two initiatives that aim to build stronger partnerships between Texas… Read more »
Celebrating 40 Years of Brilliance in Youth Services at TNOYS’ Annual Conference
Last month, TNOYS’ 40th Annual Conference on Services to Youth and Families in Houston brought together over 400 attendees of all ages and backgrounds for an energizing week of learning, networking, and fun. Our team was excited to host a wide variety of expert speakers and interactive workshops that empowered youth, young adults, and professionals… Read more »