A Closer Look at Journey Center's Shelter: Youth Program

Journey Center’s Emergency Shelter offers a warm, home-like atmosphere where families can feel comfortable and begin to feel safe. But... did you know... approximately 50% of Shelter clients are children who arrive with their parents?

Shelter offers youth programming designed to facilitate empowerment by guiding the youth residing in Shelter to recognize their strengths and process their experiences in a safe and respectful environment.

Journey Center’s Youth Program utilizes art expression and therapeutic play to assist young people with healing from the impact of trauma and domestic violence and address physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs.

To keep the youth and families engaged with each other and provide opportunities for relaxation, Shelter staff host family events and outings, family movie nights, holiday parties, a community garden, a talent show, and other fun activities. Youth also have access to homework help, academic enrichment, tutoring, and virtual school support, and they can participate in Family Groups and Youth Groups designed specially for the youth residing in the Shelter.

This Summer, Shelter’s Youth Program is facilitating “Tiny Summer Camps” for children in Shelter. Each “Tiny Summer Camp” is a 3-hour-long adventure that has varying themes like dinosaurs, sensory day, or different “Field Days”.

We are thankful for the work of our Youth Advocates; they play a vital role in Shelter, offering emotional support, guidance, and validation to the young people who walk through Shelter’s doors.