The Relatives Family Update

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The combination of a new year with the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s work always gives me a sense of hope. King once said that “only in the darkness can you see stars.” This quote has always resonated with me because of its inherent optimism. I would imagine it resonates with you, as well. Because, like me, you are a Relative to youth and young adults in crisis.

One young person I met recently was struggling through the darkness of substance abuse when she came to The Relatives and asked for our help. The Relatives helped Makayla find a transitional program and then obtain her driver’s license. Today, Makayla is maintaining her sobriety, living independently, and reaching for the stars.

Thanks to your support, The Relatives can look beyond the darkness and see the stars. I am proud to say we see the potential in every young person, like Makayla, who walks through our doors. We love them, we support them, and we accept them as their authentic selves. Whether it’s a child who has run away from home, or a young adult struggling to achieve independence, we never stop believing in their potential to be healthy, engaged members of our community.

Thank you for sharing this hope with me. Thank you for being a Relative.

Trish Hobson
Executive Director

5 Resolutions to Be A Relative in 2025

• Make A Difference: Provide a meal at the Youth Crisis Center or On Ramp Resource Center and make an immediate, positive impact in the lives of the young people we serve.

• Commit To A New Routine: Become a Hope Builder and support youth and young adults in crisis with a monthly gift.

• Give Back To The Community: Create your own volunteer profile and attend an online volunteer orientation to learn more about exciting opportunities available – there’s something for all levels of interest and engagement!

• Love Thy Neighbor: Attend Faith Partners Day on January 28th. Can’t attend? Please share this special opportunity with your faith community. RSVP by January 24th to Casey Field at cfield@therelatives.org

• Make New Friends: Come Meet The Relatives to learn more about our work and meet like-minded community members.

50 Years of Forming Family

As we close the chapter on our 50th Anniversary year, please join us in celebrating three remarkable people who formed a family at The Relatives thanks to your support:

Hitting The ‘Snooze’ On Generosity

When Lex came to The Relatives, they were living in their car, feeling hopeless, and struggling with their mental health. The Relatives helped Lex find an apartment, worked with them to create an annual budget for themselves, and gave them access to on-site counseling services.

Today, Lex is maintaining their own home, continuing to receive counseling services, and working at Snooze South End. Lex is so grateful to The Relatives they encouraged the managers of Snooze South End to support our work with youth in crisis.

On Friday December 6th, Snooze South End was kind enough to donate 10% of their sales to The Relatives. Relatives staff members, Redia Baxter and Nick Stewart joined Lex at Snooze South End to let patrons know they were eating for a good cause.

The Relatives is grateful to Snooze South End for their generosity and is proud of Lex and the amazing progress they have made!

This event is for faith leaders, mission & outreach teams, and congregation members. Please share this opportunity with representatives of your faith community.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Casey Field.

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