The Relatives Family Update
Please ensure you scroll down to read all of the recent stories in this newsletter.
Bah Humbug!
Contrary to what Andy Williams says, it’s not the most wonderful time of the year. At least it isn’t for me, anyway. I’m leaning a bit on my inner Scrooge when I say the holidays always feel too rushed and too cluttered. I seem to spend the entire season hustling, bustling, and purchasing gifts for people who don’t really need anything.
But then I see the faces of the youth and young adults served by The Relatives and it’s all worth it.
It was worth it when the kids at the Crisis Center enjoyed the crafts, hot chocolate, and cookies at last weekend’s Caroling with The Relatives event. It was worth it when the On Ramp Resource Center hosted a holiday party for our young people featuring a talent show, games, prizes, and a special meal.
It’s Relatives, like you, shining your light on those we serve who make it all possible and, yes, worth it. Maybe Andy Williams is right, after all.
Happy Holidays!
Trish Hobson
Executive Director
P.S. If you would like to purchase a much-needed gift for a young person who truly needs it, then please consider shopping our Amazon Wishlist.
Light The Darkness Surrounding Youth In Crisis
You have a special opportunity to be a Beacon of Hope for the most vulnerable members of our community this holiday season.
Join us in lighting the darkness this holiday season by clicking below. There are so many ways you, your family, and your friends can be a Relative this holiday season.
A Home For The Holidays and Beyond
Wants vs. Needs. What’s the bare minimum I need to survive? What can I live without? That’s how Phoebe moved through her daily life as an unhoused young adult.
Lacking support from her family, Phoebe experienced homelessness on three separate occasions in one year. Feeling hopeless, ready to give up and accept that things would never be permanent or stable, Phoebe was in desperate need of a Relative.
Thanks to your support and The Relatives Housing Program, Phoebe has a home for the holidays and beyond.
But it hasn’t been easy. Phoebe is on the autism spectrum and change – even positive change – can be difficult for her to cope with. And it took her weeks to feel comfortable enough to leave her apartment without carrying everything she owned on her back.
“Having people help me when I was struggling,” says Phoebe, “was paramount to get me where I am today: Sitting in my own apartment.”
Today, Phoebe doesn’t feel as though she is just surviving. She feels as though she can start living.
Phoebe says her home has given her a strong foundation and the decorative touches she’s added bring “peace, familiarity in my new environment, and a sense of pride,” even if they aren’t strictly needs.
Easy as 1, 2, 3
Being a Relative to youth in crisis truly can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
1. Create your own volunteer profile so you can stay up to date with upcoming needs and opportunities.
2. Easy, impactful ways to make a difference include dropping off a meal at the Youth Crisis Center or On Ramp Resource Center, and helping keep our clothing donation closet organized.
3. Want to learn more? Register for a Volunteer Orientation; our first virtual orientation of 2025 is January 8th.
O Come All Ye Faithful
Our first-ever Faith Partners Day will be held Tuesday, January 28 from 8:30-10:00 AM in the Ally Activity Center (2221 Freedom Drive).
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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