LARKIN STREET YOUTH SERVICES
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I've been a volunteer for years and Larkin Street is a very special part of my week. Although the stories of the clients would break your heart, the resilience and spirit of these kids is instead inspirational. Larkin takes kids with next to nothing and gives them a special gift: a future. It is a sad commentary on our society that even our children are disposable; Larkin Street steps in and changes that. The work here is so important and it is always a struggle to find resources; any donations of money, goods or time that folks can give are badly needed and deeply appreciated. Remmber, too, that this is not a program for local kids; the clients are from all over the country.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing kids get their education back on track and finding decent jobs; watching clients progress from shelter residents to independent citizens; watching young people from all walks of life find solace with each other and bonding in a community of care.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give the staff an extra day of rest; they deserve it.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the young clients. They find a way to be optimistic in front of serious and seeming insurmountable odds.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated, interesting, compassionate, smart, savvy and kind. The kind of people I would someday like to be.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Upgrade its facilities (which are quite basic), provide services to more young people (the need is staggering), possibly set up some college incentives for clients and conduct wider outreach.
Ways to make it better...
I had more time to give them than one evening each week.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Funding, funding, funding. Sources have dried up in this economy and money is always a challenge as it is. Also, staff burnout. Staff works so hard and the pay is small; it takes a lot out of people to tend to so much need all the time.
One thing I'd also say is that...
A lot of the time I come here exhausted after a week at work but I always leave feeling uplifted.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Larkin Street has a thoughtfully designed program, and highly skilled, hard working and caring staff. They and the volunteers who support them have an amazing record of helping homeless and at-risk kids rebuild their lives and and achieve their potential as self-sufficent, productive adults. The program really works. As a volunteer, I've worked with dozens of Larkin Street staff members and other volunteers. They are a diverse group of smart, good-heated, dedicated, generous and passionate people. I've helped prepare and serve meals and helped with events and fundraising to support Larkin Street's great work. Whatever my activity may be, I know that it's helping Larkin Street equip some of our most vulnerable young people with the spectrum of services they need to have positive options and a fair chance in life.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Young people who have earned high school diplomas and GEDs, secured career track jobs in fields that interest them, or entered college. Young people with HIV/AIDS who seemed to be at death's door when they first came to Larkin Street, but who had undetectable viral counts and seemed to be healthy and happy teenagers after proper care. Young people who have benefited from Larkin Street's program and then have given back to help others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Not change a thing.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Having a small part in helping to create better futures for thousands of young people.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Wonderfully caring, dedicated, smart and passionate about what they do. Larkin Street has a clear mission--empowering kids to leave the street for good. Everyone understands that and is on the same page.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
First, add more housing to serve homeless young people in San Francisco who still don't have a bed at night. It's hard for them to stabilize their lives if they don't know where they will eat and sleep. Second, serve as a resource center for service providers in other communities.
Ways to make it better...
I had invested more time working directly with the young people that Larkin Street serves.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Finding funds for the infrastructure to keep pace with Larkin Street's programs and ensure that they are sustainable--things like staff training and support, facilities and equipment, computer systems.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Check out Larkin Street's website, www.larkinstreetyouth.org.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
Larkin Street Youth Services consistently finds successful ways to support homeless teens and youth by giving them hope and tools to be independent. They're tops! 76% of the youth who complete Larkin Street's program leave the streets for good...
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
through the years over and over again. Larkin Street Youth Services consistently engages youth where they are and supports them in building skills, confidence and courage to make a new life off the streets.
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I learned about Larkin Street Youth Services while President of another not for profit. I subsequently became a donor, and was then asked to sit on the Board of Directors four years ago. Larkin Street serves a void for young people who end up on the streets of San Francisco. It provides housing, education, training for employment, social skills, medical support - it provides most of the services that we take for granted if we were raised in a loving household. These young people end up on the streets because many of been abused by someone in or associated with their families, and it is safer on the street that it was in their home. Our management and staff are tremendously supportive. Most of the staff is available to our young people 24/7. Our young people range in age from 12-24 and we provide temporary shelter, emergency care, short term and longer term housing, and arrange for apartments for those young people who are responsible for taking care of themselves. We work with a diverse group of young people and their success is an inspiration to all of us. Our Board is definitely an active one, and most of us sit on several committees. We have two major fundraisers annually that are just part of our fundraising to support our annual budget. Larkin Street is a tremendous model of how young people can rise above adversity, take control of their lives, and become productive members of our society.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
making the lives of thousands of young people improve significantly.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Try to raise more money to get more housing - it's essential, but San Francisco is such an expensive place to obtain housing for individuals who don't make lots of money.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I've become more aware of the problems of homelessness, sexual diversity, and the problems that young people go through today.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
always supportive. They are upbeat, but realistic. They sincerely care about our young people and it shows when the young people tell you about their experience and the staff who helped them through a problem in the past.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the way we deal with young people who end up on the street. We could obtain more housing, expand our reach to help more young people, and share our model with other cities/towns.
Ways to make it better...
I could interact with one or more of our young people on a consistent basis - but that's not how their lives work.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Finding and nuturing the next leaders for the organization. We have a great group, but it's a difficult job to constantly be a role model to young people and have a smile on your face.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I'm proud to be associated with LArkin Street. It's a grand organization, great kids, great staff, and a great board - I've enjoyed my last 4 years and look forward to supporting the organization for years to come.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I have been a donor at Larkin Street for many years and a year ago, joined the Board of this fabulous and well respected non-profit. Larkin Street has impressed me from so many perpectives...this non-profit is truly at the forefront investing in homeless and at risk youth, the most vulnerable segment ages 12-24, providing a critical safetynet of emergency, medical, education and employment and housing support when they most need it. The staff and Board are frankly outstanding; roll-up-your-sleeves hard working, networking and leveraging their many relationships with other non-profits (staff) and corporate connections (Board)on behalf of our youth. And the most impressive part of Larkin Street, its heart and soul, are our youth. They triumph against incredible odds and grow and blossom with a leg up from Larkin Street. It's frankly amazing to watch.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Total youth reached over past 25 years: 70,000+ Total beds for homeless youth (12-24 years old) in San Francisco: 274 or 85% of beds citiwide Annual hours contributed by volunteers annually: 18,000+ Percent of funds allocated directly to programs: 86% Number of nights kids were kept off the street due to Larkin Street: 62,429 in 2007 Percent of kids who have moved on to independence after participating in Larkin Street's full program: 76%
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Be so proud!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Seeing the youth succeed despite everything they have experienced in their lives prior to Larkin Street.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Smart, organized, professional and resourceful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Do more site visits to other youth services programs around the world, put on more conferences, trainings and webinars for other non profits.
Ways to make it better...
I could get more incredible resources for this amazing nonprofit! We need interactive ad agencies/web developers, PR mavericks, development whizzes, event brainiacs and business development gurus!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Visibility. We need more awareness for this incredible resource in San Francisco which serves as a valuable rolemodel for many youth service programs worldwide.
One thing I'd also say is that...
You need to come for a tour of Larkin Street. Call them now!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I had a wonderful time at Larkin Street! I stuffed mailers for an upcoming fundraising event, helped cook lunch for clients and organize their thrift shop. Larkin Street offers a lively and bright atmosphere filled with a passionate and welcoming staff. During the few hours that I spent volunteering I was able to witness the support and programs they offer to San Francisco youth in need. It was truly amazing and I highly recommend this volunteer program.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
During the day I volunteered I met a woman who just received her GED and was on her way to a potential Job interview!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The facility and staff offer a very inviting and positive atmosphere. You felt welcomed into their daily lives and part of the program. It was nice to witness them offering support to their clients.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Very nice and positive. You could tell that the staff was doing what they loved and making a difference in peoples lives.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Help the youth they service get off to a good start. Provide them the education and counseling they need to improve their lives.
Ways to make it better...
I had a wonderful experience
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Funding. They service a lot of youth and could used more money for the little things. Money for people to do laundry or go to a clinic and for the school programs they offer.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Everyone I met was so kind! They had employees that had gone through their system and where now working for the program. A lot of success stories!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
After reading about a Larkin Street Youth Services client in the paper, I decided to volunteer there on a weekly basis. It has been close to 16 years now and I see no stopping. I have been enriched by my experience of all the generous and giving people I have meet at LSYS. What could the youth have done without this place?
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
clients/youth moving on to productive/positive lives as adults.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
my contact and interaction with clients and staff. Wonderful people.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
SUPER!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
for the clients: provide more beds, education, other services. for staff: possible a pay raise?
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
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