Transitional Youth works to bring hope and healthy transformation to at-risk youth in Oregon and Washington. They believe relationship is key to discipleship and begins with a meal, a conversation, and unconditional high regard.
It’s estimated there are 500 homeless youth in downtown Portland alone. There are hundreds more across the metro area and even more aging out of foster care and other youth agencies.
The reasons behind these kinds of family dynamic breakdowns are complex; from drug addiction, generational poverty and gang involvement, mental health issues, increased costs of living and cuts in support services.
Transitional Youth is committed to making a difference.
Although we would delight being efficient in all aspects, we are limited. We have limited knowledge, resources and abilities to be able to do what Transitional Youth does.
Local Outreach: TY reaches the homeless youth across the metropolitan area with the love of God and practical necessities for survival. Outreach starts with a meal and builds into a relationship honoring their value and offering hope for a life beyond the streets.
Housing: TY provides housing for males and females. A home for young men give opportunities to develop self-sufficiency skills while pursuing education and career paths. Another home provides a haven for young mothers and their babies, who have been displaced and are in need of support and services necessary for a new healthy start that leads to life and parenting skills, as well as education and vocational training. Another home for girls working with rescued horses in job skills training as well as exploring entrepreneurial endeavors.
Mentoring: Mentor relationships inspire growth, resilience and hope with the goal of transforming generations through the power of friendship. By partnering with local churches to identify and train adult volunteers and then match them to children who want a mentor.
Braking Cycles: A non-profit coffee and bicycle repair shop, established to celebrate what makes Portland most beautiful, raise awareness in what is darkest, and utilize the tools at hand to create a healthy opportunity for the marginalized youth. Barking Cycles provides an apprecticeship program to learn job skills in a professional and safe environment.
There are a variety of ways for individuals and Grow Groups to serve to bring hope and healthy transformation. Their are plenty of opportunities to serve: prayer, outreach, be a mentor, provide respite, sponsor a youth, tutor, provide transportation, teach life skills, provide arts and crafts, use your handyman skills, provide recreational activities...