A local nonprofit in Missoula, Youth Homes, is asking the community for help to try to give kids a break from the winter doldrums.
Youth Homes has 30 young people living in group homes locally, and they’re also working with another 100 youth who are in the family care program, along with kids that are aging out of the foster care system.
The holiday break from school can be difficult for these kids, because it’s often hard to find activities without school and without their friends. Trips and fees can be expensive, and these children are already facing challenges such as overcoming abuse, neglect, emotional trauma and substance use issues.
Amy Schaer, the CEO of Youth Homes, said they’re asking for community support to try to fill the holiday season with “new experiences and lasting memories for youth in their care.”
Youth Homes staff and family care participants are already working with the youth every day, helping them with homework and helping them get ready in the morning. But it’s the unique trips that build a special bond.
“The magic of kids starting to trust adults happens in those relationships,” she said.
But those trips cost money, above and beyond what the organization is contracted to do by the state funding it receives.
“Every kid deserves to feel safe, loved, and cherished during Christmastime, and our kids are no different,” Schaer said. “But taking a group of teenagers for a day of skiing or to the hot springs really adds up. We hope people will help us provide a fun winter break our kids need and deserve.”
For more information about how to provide holiday experiences for the kids at Youth Homes, visit youthhomesmt.org/holiday-memories.
With emergency shelters, therapeutic group homes, foster care, adoption services and counseling, Youth Homes has provided service for over 20,000 children and their families since 1971 in western Montana.
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