Street Youth Ministry of Austin

SYM does great work meeting clients where they are, serving them and helping them make and achieve their goals.

This organization really helps people without all the administative waste. People that just need a lift inti a better situatiin and not just a suck on the system. Way to go SYM!

I donate both money and in kind items needed by the clients of Street Youth Ministry. They are meeting the needs of unhoused youth in the City f Austin. I receive regular communication about the activities going on at the center, their areas of outreach and updates on my contributions.
I believe they are a well run organization and make a valuable contribution to an underserved population.

SYM helps homeless youth in Austin TX. Very low overhead, almost all donations go directly to supporting their clients.

We have known the founder, Terry, since this organization started and my husband was an active volunteer when we lived in Austin. We have also been donors for many years and continue to be as we see that this program has a significant impact on the youth it serves as well as the community. We consider it a privilege to be able to provide financial support.

SYM truly cares about helping the young people living on the streets find a way to improve their circumstances. While meeting some immediate needs such as food and clothing, they also provide opportunities and guidance to help the youth learn new skills which will can lead to an improved, stable life. I love reading their newsletter and learning of those whose lives have been significantly improved because they found SYM.

I began working w this nonprofit several years ago when our home group at church would hold a wash day for their clients. We would bring the quarters, detergent and a meal - the clients did their own laundry and were grateful for the meal and dessert. It was obvious how Terry was called to bless this group of people who have very different needs than the adult homeless population. Terry and his crew are dedicated, determined and faithful. I am part of their prayer team and I am blessed to see all the success stories!!

I deliver excess clothing to SYM on an almost weekly basis, from another non-profit in cedar park. The folks at SYM are extremely grateful and polite. SYM is doing great work helping young adults find housing, maintain a job, get an education, reconnect with family, etc. it shows in my interaction with them.

I have been a volunteer and donor for Street Youth Ministry since 2018. Terry Cole and his staff run a very well-organized nonprofit - on a shoestring budget. There is a reason why they are a Platinum rated non-profit - for transparency, communication, accountability to donors, demonstrated progress and genuine love for this special population. In addition to life skills, food, camping bags, self care needs, they assist with documentation, finding temporary housing and progressing to permanent. They get grants for medical and dental assistance. They show loving discipline. The clients earn points or credits that can be used for different things. They celebrate achievements. They have a computer room for the clients to use for registering for classes, updating documentation or other needs.

Their website provides information on ways to help and specific needs. The staff are a joy to work with. Another thing to note about this organization is that they keep meticulous record-keeping of hours volunteered, monetary and in-kind donations. My granddaughters have enjoyed helping me with making sandwiches, assembling food bags, etc.. and this gives them an opportunity to serve and log their own volunteer hours.

I have toured their new location and it is impressive, clean and safe. I encourage anyone to learn more about this deserving, Platinum rated nonprofit, and the different ways you can support them.

My favorite thing about SYM is that they KNOW each client and accept them exactly where they are in life. SYM helps clients determine the next step for their lives vs telling them what they need to do next. SYM provides a welcoming & safe space for clients to relax, be accepted, get supplies they need, feed their souls through groups and events and more. I am honored to support SYM every time I get to be with them and their clients in person, the relationships are beautiful to see and each staff member has a gift knowing what to say when to clients.

I started working with Street Youth Ministry when they had a computer lab at my church, University Presbyterian Church Austin. The Street Youth Ministry staff had laptops for the Street Youth to use to apply for jobs or to apply to a school or request help with educational expenses. There were discussion groups, Bible study groups and discussions about substance abuse issues, treatment and sober housing.
That had to stop with the Pandemic but I continued to help at the Drop In with meals served through the gate and discussions in the computer labs.
As Pandemic restrictions eased,we started a Wednesday family meal at University Presbyterian Church and we gathered for a meal and had discussion about members progress in job or education endeavors. There are parents of young children in the Street Youth Ministry population and discussions about parenting and receiving care and support services were informative.
This is a very good program that is successful in helping homeless youth to get jobs, advance with educational goals and learn about substance abuse, treatment and sober living.
I have seen former clients of this program out in the community,employed and making progress with their lives.

My husband and I have been supporters of Street Youth Ministry of Austin since 2015 through volunteering our time, contributing food and supplies several times a month, and through monthly monetary contributions. We have been inspired and touched by how Terry and his staff have impacted the lives of these young people in Central Texas. Through this ministry, the youth are able to regain stability and a sense of community; to have access to much needed referrals and supplies (i.e., food and clothing); and the friendship of and caring by staff and volunteers who want the very best for them. I will never forget the day when I met a young man at one of the breakfast and fellowship sessions whose body was badly bruised. He shared that he was "grateful to be alive." Come to find out, just a couple days before, he nearly lost his life after some thugs had thrown him in a dumpster after he passed out and a garbage truck nearly crushed him the next morning. I thought it was significant that he came to heal at the facilities of the Austin Street Youth ministry.

As a volunteer, I had an impactful and valuable learning experience that encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and develop useful people skills. I participated in art classes and game nights for community connection and assisted in providing resources to clients during the Sunshine store hours. I had a great experience with the staff, always learned something new from the clients, and genuinely enjoyed the time I spent contributing to my community.

My family has been a monthly supporter of SYM for many years. We have been so impressed with the remarkable variety of physical, mental, and spiritual services that this amazing organization offers to
unhoused young persons. We appreciate the opportunity to help SYM change and renew lives!

I don't live in Austin, but I saw the SYM newsletter. Wow, how impressive! This is what every community in the U.S. needs. Thank you for making miracles for the Kingdom!

As a minister, teacher, and advocate for those who are unhoused, I am quite critical of traditional "homeless ministries" that often fall short of comprehensive care for the unhoused. Not so with Street Youth Ministry of Austin. They have a rare combination of compassion, accountability, empowerment, and drive to help unhoused folks acquire the tools they need to move their lives in a positive direction. They are led by driven, selfless volunteers who truly care about each and every person they meet, and commit to caring for them long-term. I encourage anyone reading this to reach out to the SYM team and get involved in a real ministry. If you hear people complain about the "homeless problem" in Austin, do something about it - you'll see the "problem" is actually just regular people who had been dealt a bad hand in life. Try it - you may help change a life and impact your own life as well.

I worked there for two summers as an internship. While there, I got an in-depth view of what each client was going through, with every milestone being a rightful cause for celebration. I was treated as an equal and not just an intern, no matter the length of my time working there, I was treated with respect and felt included in all events that I took part in.

Giving hope to Austin's street youth continues to be a major gift of this organization to countless clients over many years. We love you, Terry!

Street Youth Ministry is unique. Street youth receive meals and clothing, but also community, guidance, and training in a fun, loving environment. Together the street youth and staff enjoy art projects, karaoke, men's and women's groups, Bible studies, training, and setting goals for housing and employment. Families are formed and families are reunited as part of the process of healing, maturing, and learning to include others for personal support. All this is done with an open invitation but with safe boundaries for all. How did this organization survive and even thrive during Covid? It did because Street Youth Ministry has great leadership, staff, and volunteers and it uniquely provides care for the street youth living in downtown Austin. 

The most devastating experience for a young person is the loss of family. This often leads to homelessness and loss of identity and purpose. Street Youth Ministry(SYMin) steps in when family steps away. SYMin provides unconditional love, guidance, redirection, and focus on self- improvement and self-love with the intent on helping young street-dependent youth find purpose and establish a positive life plan. This is a one-of-a-kind organization with a clear mission and stellar leadership.

Street Youth Ministry serves one of Austin's most overlooked homeless populations and does it with love and care!

I love Street Youth Ministry! I currently help them with their communications strategy. Watching all the team members working so well together in order to support young homeless, has been so inspiring! Everyone at this nonprofit is devoted to making a real difference.

Wonderful organization and staff - led and fueled by the people they serve! An amazing, honest group.

A very good program that can point to lots of successes with young people who are homeless. SYM sends detailed confirmation of in-kind or financial donations and keeps supporters updated with needs and progress. The prayer list is wonderful.

The nonprofit is doing a great job of providing resources to homeless youth in the area. They also provide advise to how to get out of such a situation. The only thing is the operation is somewhat disorganized and inefficient.

SYM is innovative and persistent in ministering to young adults who are street dependent. They have persevered through the pandemic and increased number of clients served.

It is doing well. It could use more donations.

Terry told me once that Jesus loved people hard. He said that receiving that awesome love was hard. Terry wrote of a young person who once came to the ministry very angry and full of despair. The young man said he did not believe God loved him. Terry told him that he may not have experienced the love of God based on how people had treated him in the past. He suggested he see all the ways that people were showing him God’s Love now. The meals that had been prepared, the staff who showed up, the clothing people brought were signs of care, that God did indeed love him. The young man started crying as he truly heard what Terry had told him. Street Youth Ministry staff love people hard. They give and call people to their highest potential, whether we know it or not at the time. Clients, volunteers or staff all receive that hard Love, just by being in this space. This nonprofit transforms anyone involved, from client, to donor, to staff.

SYM is one of our very favorite NP organizations in all of central Texas. We were with Terry in Cuba 2006 when Terry strongly expressed his Calling to minister to the street youth of Austin. It was a God-tug that deepened daily in Terry. He would talk about this Calling when rehearsing in the Tenor section of our Church Choir. Soon thereafter SYM began to take shape. What a Heart for giving and what a GIFT SYM has become to those youth in need. Discernment always, Judgment never -- Terry led, others joined in, the Heart of this fine group grows stronger daily. Sure, recovery is bumpy, but so is life. It is such a joy to read the stories of those who break free of street misery and build productive lives. Always, yes always, God's hand is clearly present in the work of Street Youth Ministry.

As I came to call Austin home over the past few years, Street Youth Ministry quickly became one of my favorite places in the city. The staff at SYM strikes a careful balance between supporting young adults with practical needs, guidance counseling, and creative activities and events. From playing games and singing karaoke at game night and talent night to deep, authentic conversations, I've loved getting to know the clients and team at SYM. Above all, the team is loving to everyone; they create a safe space for both comfort and growth for clients, as well as anyone else who engages with them.

Never doubt that a small group of caring, innovative individuals can change the world. The Street Youth Ministry (SYMin) of Austin is a special place filled with extraordinary people working passionately each and every day to support young adults to believe in themselves and to find their place in today’s world. SYMin provides a positive and nurturing environment which affords that the potential of the young adults they serve ultimately emerges. The pandemic brought unique challenges that were overcome by staff through the implementation of creative and safe practices. SYMin is a beacon of light for those who are served, as well as for their volunteers. My husband and I are blessed to support this dedicated group in the implementation of their mission to know, love and serve young adults who are street-dependent.

Street youth ministry is a wonderful organization led by people who truly love the youth they serve. These folks go out and meet clients where they are, physically, emotionally and mentally every day. They listen, encourage and offer help to any who are ready to accept it. I’m most impressed by their ability to connect with youth, which is reflected in their success. Kids don’t just come in for hand-outs, they come back for conversation, game nights, bible study and community. I like supporting SYM because I know they really make a difference for the youth they serve.

SYM of Austin does great work with young people on the streets in need. I volunteered with the organization years ago when living in Austin and my husband and I continue to support them as donors from another state because we believe in the work that Terry and his staff are doing. I love reading the success stories of young people that SYM has helped to leave the streets.

I love volunteering at this non profit because they are reaching a very specific population that is widely underserved. Street youth ministries is a really genuine place and the clients can feel that. Great place to be a part of.

SYM is such an amazing place. Street dependent youth can find safety, acceptance, and connection here. The staff and volunteers truly care about the youth that drop in. Whether it’s getting clean clothes or a warm meal, locating housing, finding a job, improving communication, modifying behavior, or tackling sobriety - help and hope can be found here.

I absolutely love volunteering and being a part of this non-profit because loving like Jesus is exactly what’s happening here every day. Our clients matter and they have value and worth and they feel that here. It’s where life change is happening through the grace of God. It really is amazing!

This place really helps the young people out with lots of different services and a safe place to help them with trying to learn how to get a job and start planning for a future and the food and staff is awesome thank you God for a place and people that care and love like this

Street Youth Ministry in Austin is truly impacting our city in an amazing way. As a volunteer I have been able to see first hand how SYM's goal, to know, love and serve Austin's street youth, happens daily. Clients of the drop in center can get clothing, a hot meal, shower, and more importantly have a safe community where they know they are loved. I highly recommend volunteering and financially supporting Street Youth Ministry! They're doing great work in our city!

SYM serves it clients with love, care and respect. The clients are challenged and coached to take on whatever the world brings. Each client is treated as a unique individual. SYM can improve the lives of more street youth with more funding and extending their reach into more of Austin and surrounding areas.

On a corner in the basement of an old church building, in the heart of a large downtown community, is a small organization that exudes a powerful message of love to very vulnerable street-dependent young adults. Armed with spiritual tools, the small staff energetically delivers daily activities, meals, prayer times, guidance counseling, talent building, daily living support, job coaching and community building. Here is a place where few hands make a mighty impact, over and over and over again. Come and see, and you, too, will be transformed.

I volunteer at Street Youth ministry. I find it both rewarding and challenging at times.

The staff and the work they do stay an inspiration to me and remind me of how God shows love through people like them that are willing to invest so much heart and time to see others experience life in a better way!

I am always amazed at the way SYM continues to serve it's community year after year, bringing new ideas and positive achievements on a rather small budget. Their heart for their clients is undeniable and Terry has built a team that shares his vision and serves with love. SYM plans their budgets well without a lot of overhead and keep the money flowing where it should to meet their goals. I love the way they share the achievements of the clients on a regular basis because it makes me feel that my donations, though small, really do help make a difference. I no longer live in Texas, but I am happy to be a Prayer Partner and monthly donor and believe this is a vital service to the Austin community. May God continue to bless this wonderful organization.

The staff is amazing and I look forward to volunteering every time!! They really help the homeless community and you can tell the difference they are making.

We have seen Street Youth Ministry go above and beyond to assist and provide for their clients not only to meet the physical needs, but also the spiritual and mental needs. Many success stories come from this amazing ministry!

The Street Youth Ministries is an amazing organization with great programs that gives hope to the youth. I am proud to be part of this family as a volunteer.

I’ve known the founder for over 10 years and see the heart and significant time that Terry puts into SYM. In recent years it has grown with the addition of a leased facility, the drop-in, which would have likely disappeared without SYM’s willingness to stretch to keep it open and make it a more central meeting space for the ministry. I’ve seen the results year-in and year-out, teens and young adults making step-by-step changes as a direct result of SYM’s friendly, Christian counsel. They regularly take organic food donations that would otherwise have gone to waste and provide nutritious and tasty meals at events for clients.

I haven't been there but I follow them on FB. I work Public transit. I talk to people young kids -street youth. I think everyone of them have told me about this place..that's why I started following them. The kids have said Positive stuff!

This street youth outreach has helped many youth in need; food, clothes, vouchers, showers, laundry. I'm very thankful for the love they show our street youth.

The SYM is my place on Friday!!!! I love seeing billy, terry, dee, and Rosie!!!! They help me with kitchen essentials, cleaning supplies, and clothes! I do on fridays because it’s support group day and I just need to vent about my week and I get great advice from friends!!!

I have volunteered with this organization. They do great work with street-dependent youth. With the support of SYM, many have gotten off the street, stopped destructive habits, gone back to school. It’s good stuff.

Awesome ministry, meets clients where they are with tender loving compassion. Rebuilding a shattered identity, restoring dignity and re-establishing hope in humanity. We are connected in suffering and united in healing. Blessing in all you do.

I love these guys. The donors are unbelievably generous, and the clients are equally appreciative. We have been witness to so many amazing transformations already this year; I cannot wait to see what God has in order. A year ago we didn't know if we were up to the challenge but not only did we meet expectations we blew it out of the water. With community partners, we can compliment the service we already offered, such as immunizations, Yellow Bike, and a real sense of caring. God has his hands all over this ministry - it is difficult to put into words.

Volunteering for Street Youth Ministry of Austin has been a life-changing experience. The way this ministry deals with clients is inspiring, humbling, and motivating. Attending to these clients in a personal level have enriched and fulfilled my life in ways I didn't expect. I realize I can do more for them, and always find myself looking forward to the next time to be of service. Witnessing the passion Mr. Terri places in every single relationship he builds with his clients, with genuine dignifying care and respect, and incredible patience, I've humbled myself and widened my scope in matters of life in which most people would choose to look the other way. The welcoming ambiance has a strong feeling of family and camaraderie. Clients spontaneously find a much needed peaceful and safe place that has been set up strategically to reach them at the stage of personal, emotional, and spiritual development they are and scaffold them to higher levels of personal growth without being pushed or coerced. They start wanting to learn more, seeking and finding that spiritual connection that anchors their sense of being, the realization that their lives are worthy and that they can find ways to achieve their dreams. Possibilities can be in their hands. Clients learn skills they have been missing and yearning to acquire, and they move eventually towards a life with more independence and healthier choices. Clients are the ones who then start helping each other, mentoring each other, and finding that light at the end of the tunnel that brings them hope and sense of value they had been lacking. Being part of this process, even a few hours per week brings to my belt an experience impossible to get in any other field.

I work here. I learn so much from our clients. We listen to them. They know what will help the most. We take their ideas and find ways to bring them into being. We are really in partnership with our clients in making the world just a little bit better--maybe making our neighborhood a whole lot better.

I have had the privilege of volunteering at Street Youth Ministry and I do not regret any of the 30 hours of service I have done here. Each and every time I was astounded by the amount of appreciation I received from the clients and the workers alike. The place has a homey feel about it, and you can tell that the clients are definitely at ease here. I myself am at ease here. Volunteering for Street Youth Ministry has deeply impacted my life by showing me that there more to the street youth than the fact that they are homeless; it has shown me that they are intelligent beings with goals and motivation. I have loved this organization and everyone included in it deeply.

During the time I volunteered I noticed how much everyone cares for each other and the role we can all have on the homeless youth. The environment that's created is very positive and it encourages the youth to drop in and hang out . This is a very positive place to volunteer in and I would recommend it to anyone in the area looking to make a positive influence.

During the time I spent volunteering at the Youth Street Ministry in Austin, I saw so many of the ways they are able to help the homeless youth in the city. I got to spend time with some of the clients and learn their stories and even see some of the progress they are making every day. My time at the ministry was a blessing to me and I am sure that it has been a blessing to every client who has spent time there too.

Love volunteering with this organization with such welcoming people. It has been such a great experience working with them

Street Youth Ministry does so much for the homeless in Austin, Terry has a big soul, God Bless Terry and his mission for the homeless !!!

SYM does a great job of taking contributions, and applying them directly to where they can do the most good.

An example. Rather than just giving books to homeless students, they ask those who get aid to "pay it forward" and help give a tiny amount to future students. Participation is excellent, and it really helps foster a stronger feeling of community and cooperation among the street youth.

SYM is thoughtful, effective, and innovative.

We have been involved with Street Youth Ministry for several years, making sandwiches, and clothing donations and have been watching the dedication that Terry Cole has for the street youth in Austin, TX. We get regular newsletters and emails and prayer requests that are evidence of the great labor of love and faith that defines this organization. We would love for him to have even more support to do this important and life-changing ministry in Austin.

SYM works with homeless street youth by talking/listening to them, helping them get IDs, finding jobs, providing meals, summer time movies in a safe environment. Giving financially to SYM is an easy way to help since I am not close enough volunteer. It is Christian faith based, but don't let that turn you off as the benefits to the youth outweigh your hesitancy. They help these youth go to college with textbook scholarships, celebrate accomplishments in the lives of the youth like getting off and staying off alcohol and drugs. I am impressed with SYM, it's volunteers and the street youth themselves for what they are doing.

I have volunteered with Terry Cole and Street Youth Ministey for the Monday morning prayer time, and also have seen him with the youth he's brought to our church for Wednesday night dinner. Terry is able to handle difficult clients with a calm demeanor which reinforces the rules for participation in a way that allows the client to make the choice and be responsible for their own behavior. Terry tirelessly works to help his clients improve their personal situation through obtaining IDs, finding jobs, enrolling in college, and other ways to improve their financial situation. However, I believe he respectfully strives to demonstrate that his faith in Jesus Christ is what motivates his actions, and thereby guides his clients into reconciling their personal relationships and accepting responsibility for their behavior as the primary step towards a fruitful life in a stable environment. I wholeheartedly support Terry and am grateful to be one of the prayer partners who receive specific prayers for rotating clients on a regular basis.

SYM is an amazing organization. I first heard of it while still residing in Houston & my son was on the streets of Austin. After I moved to Smithville last summer, I contacted Terry on FB. He later invited me to volunteer & witness the awesome work this ministry does for the street youth of Austin. God Bless SYM ♡

Street Youth Ministry of Austin is an outstanding organization and a great model for other organizations to use in providing services to street dependent individuals. I first became aware of this ministry when my son was street dependent in Austin and received services. That is when I first became a donor, hoping to help others like my son. I have walked the drag on Friday and seen first hand the awesome interaction between clients and volunteers and the difference this organization makes to lives of those in need. Sometimes a pair of socks, a meal, a pair of shoes, a bottle of water, or just someone to listen and care can make a big impact on a persons life. This ministry not only helps with immediate needs but with the long term by providing support for moving from street dependent to housing and a church community. I love this group!!!!!

Terry and his team of interns and army of volunteers have done so much to show real love to the street youth (and some not so young) homeless on Austin's drag. The practical help they give that is much needed is done hand in hand with genuine care and interest in their lives. They seem to be continually thinking of ways to be more effective, more accountable, more helpful to the people they serve and the volunteers who donate to SYM. I can say without a doubt this is one of the best, most honest and truly God centered ministries I have ever worked with and look forward to reading the updates they send about clients and their needs.

Wow. This organization truly changes lives. Talk about faith in action!

I am truly amazed at the success stories of Austin Street Youth, most clients are 17-23 years of age. For many Street youth this will be the last chance to receive the love and structure needed to become productive members of society. It is so hard to write this, knowing of all the organisations presently available, yet finding out how many children fell through the cracks. This program is what bruised, battered, broken and abandoned on the wrong side of life need, a good Samaritan to pick them up.

I volunteered one day in the summer and love the work Street Youth Ministry is doing. I've been getting email updates for a couple of years and it's beautiful to see the stories of kids on the street not only getting basic needs taken care of at SYM, but also genuinely being changed by the preaching of the gospel. They also send out emails with prayer requests from their clients.

SYM meets young homeless people where they are with encouragement, practical helps, and inspirational activities.

I am continually amazed at the impact SYM has on the lives of the street dependent youth in Austin and the success of it's clients in getting off the streets and staying off. The number of clients who are now attending college and working shows the positive impact of SYM's efforts to support these young people. I have met many of these young people and sometimes can't believe the transformation when they leave the streets and re-enter the education system or workplaces.