NEPA Youth Shelter

Mission

The NEPA Youth Shelter provides high quality services to youth ages 14 to 24 in northeastern Pennsylvania, meeting young people where they’re at. We value safety, inclusion, diversity, empowerment, social justice, and advocacy as we help youth with basic needs, social opportunities, educational and vocational skills, housing, and mental health. We are welcoming to housed and unhoused youth from all backgrounds and especially affirming to the LGBTQ+ community.

Vision 

All youth who enter our doors will receive the assistance they need to succeed, in order to create a safer, more resilient, and more connected community.

The NEPA Youth Shelter currently runs three programs:

Our Housing Program is for 18-21 year old young adults who are homeless and have no other support system. We provide an apartment and utilities. We give them a monthly allowance for groceries. We ensure that they get and protect their personal documents. If the client is a high school student, we ensure they are registered and attend classes. We also coach them on job skills and encourage them to work part time while they complete high school. We assist them with post-secondary school options and guide them in the direction they want to go. We will help them apply for college, trade school or obtain full-time employment. The contract period is one year. We own an apartment building and can use donations to help make it amazing! 

Our After School Drop-In Teen Center is a place for all teens ages 14 through high school graduation looking for a safe space to hang out and have some fun! We provide essentials such as food, clothing, and bathrooms, as well as services such as educational support, group activities and learning opportunities. We encourage our teens to pursue their talents and interests with an art room, a studio to record and edit music and video content, and a dedicated game room. 

Our Mental Wellness Program is a calm, safe space where teens can relax and take a break from stress.  Our program has resources such as teaching healthy coping strategies that include art, journaling, mindfulness, and conversation. Our staff not only ensures to provide an environment where each teen is heard, encouraged and supported without judgement but they also can provide referrals to professional mental health services when needed. 

Thank you so much on behalf of our teens, volunteers, staff and board!