TNOYS and our members are proud to have led many statewide efforts here in Texas to combat youth homelessness, from conducting the Youth Count! Texas survey to launching Texas’ Statewide Workgroup for Youth Homelessness. But it’s critical that we are also plugged in to efforts at the national level, to ensure that we stay abreast of and can influence policies being made at the federal level that impact young people experiencing homelessness. That’s why TNOYS has collaborated with the National Network for Youth (NN4Y) since its inception. It’s also why we are excited to announce that TNOYS’ Executive Director, Christine Gendron, is now taking a leading role with NN4Y as a new member of its Board of Directors.
NN4Y is a public education and policy advocacy organization, which has been dedicated to the prevention and eradication of youth homelessness for over 40 years. Based in Washington, D.C., the organization has been a leader in advocating on behalf of homeless youth and was the architect of the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA). NN4Y also studies and promotes best practices in addressing youth homelessness and disseminates information to promote public education on the issue.
As a member of NN4Y, TNOYS benefits from information, insight, and analysis from NN4Y experts on federal policy developments that will affect our members’ work to support young people who are homeless or at risk. As a board member of the organization, Christine will be able to help ensure the perspectives of Texas youth and providers are represented at the national level through the organization.
“TNOYS’ relationship with NN4Y has exposed us to new ideas and insights on youth homelessness efforts in Washington, D.C. and across the country,” said Christine. “Deepening our collaboration with them through my involvement with the NN4Y Board of Directors will help us stay even more plugged in.”
NN4Y has over 300 member and affiliate organizations that provide prevention services and respond to runaways and youth experiencing homelessness and human trafficking. Members receive benefits such as discounted COA, policy alerts, networking opportunities, access to members-only webinars, and more. TNOYS encourages our members and other interested organizations and individuals to learn more about NN4Y and consider joining as members.