Letter: 2020 goal to provide a safe place for South Lake Tahoe youth, teens and families

Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/02/2020 - 3:45pm

2018 – 2019 was a year of endings and new beginnings. Tahoe Youth & Family Services faced a lot of change. As we all know, change is hard but change can also be exciting. Both our staff and board are embracing the New Year with excitement and renewed energy.

The following are new programs that will be happening:
o Homeless program for youth 18 – 24 years in South Lake Tahoe, SLT

o Expanded SLT Host home program for youth under 18 including those youth who are involved with child welfare services, juvenile probation, and the McKinney Vento program.
o Additional funding for a new Mental Health licensed therapist in SLT.
o A volunteer program that encourages our community to get involved and make a difference.
o LGBTQ+ Teen group in Douglas County.
o New Website & Brochures.
o Creation of an Advisory Council.
o New Teen Assessment Tool that will provide quarterly data on their improvement & growth.

We ended this year with helping a teen change a negative holiday memory into a positive one. A holiday tradition of decorating the Christmas tree was not one filled with love and joy for him. Allowing this teen to help decorate the Tahoe Youth & Family Services Christmas tree with people who cared put a smile on his face and changed a negative memory into a positive one. We each have the power to make a difference in the lives of children and teens. A simple yet important tradition of decorating the Christmas tree now has a positive meaning and one that will replace the his negative experience.

Our goal for 2020 is to provide a safe place for youth, teens and families to seek services so they can have a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. We encourage and instill the power of hope and new beginnings with all those who walk through our doors. If you are feeling sad, discouraged or lost, call us. We can help!

(530) 541-2445 in South Lake Tahoe
(775) 782-4202 in Gardnerville

Karen S. Carey
Executive Director of Tahoe Youth & Family Services