The Relatives Family Update
Please ensure you scroll down to read all of the recent stories in this newsletter.
At The Relatives, we celebrate Pride by staying true to our core value of providing acceptance in place of rejection. Through this long-held belief, The Relatives continues to be a safe place for youth and young adults who have run away, been abandoned, or face hardship and vulnerable conditions. This month, take a look at an open letter written by one of our case managers to our community of vulnerable and homeless youth and young adults.
Hello and Welcome,
Can I borrow some of your time? I want to share with you a place that can change your life. Take a tour with me as I explain the wonders of On Ramp at The Relatives. We offer a variety of services. From housing to employment. From warm meals to clothes. Whatever the need, we will provide and do what we can to accommodate you on your journey – wherever that may be.
We are currently serving nearly 1,000 youth and young adults, and here at The Relatives, we believe in inclusivity. Acceptance is a core value that guides our work. No matter your background, you become one of us the moment you walk through our doors and begin working with our staff. We are committed to guiding you across the finish line. You will not be overlooked because of the color of your skin, your zip code, your income or housing status, or your gender identity or sexual orientation. You are the priority, and your life is valuable.
So, if you’re feeling lost and unsure of your next move, need support, or simply need someone to talk with, remember, this is a safe place where you’re always welcome.
Thank you for joining me on this journey – I hope to see you soon.
Again, welcome to The Relatives, where here is home.
Richard S.
Case Manager
The Relatives
As you can see, our case managers are some of the most remarkable people working in youth development. We are proud to serve youth and young adults of all stripes and offer relief in place of despair, acceptance in place of rejection, and empowerment in place of helplessness.
During the hot summer months, The Relatives expects to see as much as a 50% increase in the number of youth and young adults we serve on a daily basis.
When you’re homeless, you have nowhere to go to escape the heat. Read more about this and what The Relatives is doing to help youth escape the brutal heat this summer.
Your gift can help sustain our programs and provide a safe, cool, and welcoming space to youth in our community. On top of that, all gifts made by June 26 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by our friends at Hobson Builders! Can you help provide relief this summer?
First Steps Towards A New Future
When a runaway or homeless youth first arrives at the Youth Crisis Center, they are often scared, uncertain, and carrying the weight of trauma. The intake process is designed to meet them with empathy, not judgment. Staff members begin with a brief but meaningful interview, gently learning about the youth’s background, immediate needs, and emotional state. This first interaction is crucial—it sets the tone for trust and progression. Every question is asked with care, ensuring the young person feels seen, heard, and safe.
At the heart of this process is a commitment to unconditional acceptance. Regardless of a youth’s circumstances—whether they’ve fled an unsafe home, aged out of foster care, or are navigating identity struggles—each intake team ensures they are met with dignity.
“We don’t just ask questions,” says Essence Hodgdon, Residential Youth Care Specialist, “we truly listen. We avoid having mechanical interactions and instead turn the process into a conversation. I see myself as a safe person who is dedicated to supporting youth through an extremely hard chapter of their lives. Any unfaltering support and reassurance I can provide during the initial intake is the foundation for the relationship with them throughout their stay at the Crisis Center.”
This philosophy of care transforms the intake from a procedural step into a powerful moment of connection. It’s where healing begins. Essence adds, “The child I meet at the front door for an intake is a completely different child when it comes time to hug them goodbye. It’s an honor to witness the impact this program has on our clients from start to end.”
The Youth Crisis Center’s intake process is more than paperwork—it’s a promise that every youth who walks through the door will be met with compassion, respect, and the unwavering belief that they matter.
Make a Difference This Summer—Volunteer!
Summer is a season of sunshine, swimming pools, and popsicles—but for many young people in crisis, it can also be the most difficult time of year. At The Relatives, both our Youth Crisis Center and On Ramp Resource Center experience a significant increase in youth seeking safety, support, and stability during the summer months.
At On Ramp, the heat drives our young adults inside where they not only find relief from the sun but also support and opportunities for growth.
With school out, our Youth Crisis Center becomes a true 24/7 home for its residents. That means we need daytime activity leaders, lunch and dinner providers, and snack donations more than ever.
You can help make that happen. Whether you lead a craft, serve a meal, or simply spend time with a young person who needs a listening ear, your presence matters. Let’s make this summer one to remember for all the right reasons.
Click here to explore volunteer opportunities and sign up today.
Ideas for your own activity/Questions? Please contact volunteer coordinator Redia Baxter
We are pleased to share our 2024 Family Report that details the impact you have made on the programs and services The Relatives provides to the youth and young adults in our community.
It all started with a promise in 1974 to assist our community’s most vulnerable individuals. Your support helps to fulfill that promise by amplifying and expanding our impact every year.
Thank you for being a Relative!
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