Youth In Need

Programs: Head start - a comprehensive child and family development program for income-eligible families with children from birth to age five as well as expectant parents in various counties. During 2017, the head start program served 3,203 children and family members. Over 90% of children met or exceeded developmental goals (physical, cognitive, social and emotional) necessary to be ready for success in kindergarten and beyond.

counseling services - services are offered in school, home/office settings for youth ages 3-21 and their families. Priority is given to victims of violence/abuse, juvenile law offenders, youth experiencing school failure, symptoms of severe emotional disturbance, and those experiencing severe chronic conflict unable to secure professional counseling with insurance. Counseling consists of 1) problem assessments/crisis intervention consultations, 2) brief, solution- focused family therapy, 3) on-going individual/group therapy when brief therapy has not sufficiently resolved issues, and 4) planning/linking with other community services as indicated in the service plan. During 2017, 4,527 youth and family members were served. Over 80% of children and youth improved their school engagement and performance.

transitional living program (tlp) - youth in need provides homeless youth ages 16-21 an opportunity to learn independent-living skills and work to complete their education and become self-sufficient community members by participating in the transitional living program. Youth in need provides these services to youth living in our group home, scattered-site apartments or supported apartments program in maplewood, mo. During 2017, 97 youth participated in the transitional living program. Over 90% of participants increased their knowledge of essential life skills and were on track to independence and self-sufficiency.