The Relatives Family Update
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Fall has always been my favorite season. The crisp air, turning leaves, and golden light invite reflection and renewal (plus fewer crowds at my favorite escape: the beach!). It’s a season of change, both gentle and bold, and a reminder that transformation is not only possible, but beautiful. Just as nature turns the page, The Relatives does the same: we embrace change, nurture growth, and walk alongside young people as they begin their journeys forward.
We meet young people exactly where they are with compassion, dignity, and support. Whether they’re seeking shelter, stability, or someone to believe in them, we offer acceptance and hope. Change can be daunting, but it’s also the start of something powerful. Every day, we witness renewal: when a young adult sets a goal, accepts a job, or begins to imagine a future they hadn’t thought possible.
One of the most impactful ways we support this transformation is through case management at our On Ramp Resource Center. For many, a visit to our resource center is the first step toward independence. Our case managers help young adults navigate housing, employment, and education, offering guidance as they build the skills and confidence to thrive. This fall, we’re celebrating every young person who’s finding their way forward at The Relatives.
Sincerely,
Trish Hobson
Executive Director
Pictured: Snowy Peak House, interior
The walls of The Relatives’ have come alive with vibrant color and meaning, thanks to Michelle “Bunny” Gregory and her artist partners at Mural Ninjas and ArtPop Street Gallery.
Bunny’s murals, bursting with bold hues and layered symbolism, reflect the themes of support, love, and metamorphosis–echoing the journey of youth who arrive at The Relatives during some of the lowest moments in their lives. Each brushstroke tells a story of resilience and hope, transforming the space into a visual sanctuary that uplifts and inspires.
For Bunny, this project was deeply personal. As a child, she found refuge at The Relatives, and returning to paint its walls was a full-circle moment. “These murals evolved once I realized where I was painting,” she shared. “The Relatives is a part of me. I know what these kids are going through as I stayed at the Crisis Center with the support of the amazing staff at The Relatives.” Her lived experience infuses the artwork with authenticity and compassion, making the murals not just beautiful, but profoundly meaningful.
You can see Bunny’s work at On Ramp in the Wickham Family Lounge and the Sprock Family Teaching Kitchen, and at the Crisis Center in our newly renovated Snowy Peak House.
Pictured: On Ramp Resource Center’s Wickham Family Lounge
Pictured: On Ramp Resource Center’s Sprock Family Teaching Kitchen
Give the Gift of Presence
The holidays are a time for warmth, generosity, and connection; and there’s no better way to celebrate than by showing up for those in need. Here’s how you can make a meaningful impact this holiday season:
Sign Up to Stay Involved
• Create your Volunteer Profile to receive updates on seasonal needs, special events, and ways to lend a hand during the holidays and beyond
Simple Ways to Spread Cheer
• Deliver a hot meal to the Youth Crisis Center or On Ramp Resource Center
• Arrange for a fun, engaging activity for those staying at our Youth Crisis Center
Join One of Our Final 2025 Volunteer Orientations
• Our last virtual Volunteer Orientation of the season is on Wednesday, November 19th
• Our final in-person Meet The Relatives tour and volunteer orientation is Tuesday, December 2nd
Connect, get inspired, and discover how your time and talents can brighten someone’s day.
Questions? Please contact our volunteer engagement officer, Redia Baxter
As the seasons shift and temperatures drop, the youth and young adults we serve face more than just cold nights. The arrival of fall and winter brings serious health risks, increased vulnerability, and for many, a deeper sense of isolation.
Youth experiencing homelessness are up to twice as likely to develop chronic health conditions and five times more likely to delay care. What is a manageable cold for some can easily spiral into a health crisis when:
- You are inexperienced and navigating these challenges alone at a young age
- You are without safe and stable shelter
- You do not have access to healthcare and costs are unaffordable
At The Relatives, we strive to provide support and get our youth and young adults access to the resources they need. Three times a week, our Youth Engagement Specialists at On Ramp Resource Center offer assistance with Medicaid sign-ups. Our Residential Youth Specialists at the Youth Crisis Center are constantly opening the doors to youth in need of attention and ensuring the kids get the help they need.
Ensuring our youth have access to medical and dental care can cost an average of $64 a day. With consistent care, stable shelter, and community support, health outcomes improve, and youth begin to imagine new futures for themselves.
Together, let’s turn this season of sickness into a season of care—and a season of change into a season of renewal. Your support helps ensure that every young person has the resources they need, not just to stay safe, but to heal and grow.
Double Your Impact at No Extra Cost to You
Many corporations and businesses have a matching gifts program that will double, or even triple, your donation to The Relatives!
Take a few minutes to sign up for matching gifts, if your employer has a program. This extra money will change a life for youth in crisis.
Not sure where to start? Contact Shane Capps and we can help you find information about your employer’s matching program.
Is there anything better than warm bread straight out of the oven? We don’t think so!
Join us to kick off the holiday season with a Simply Sourdough Workshop led by Penny Health and hosted by The Relatives!
📅 Thursday, November 6
🕒 4:30PM – 6:30PM
📍 Sprock Family Teaching Kitchen at the On Ramp Resource Center
You’ll join with others to learn how to bake homemade sourdough bread from an expert. The workshop includes:
• Tasting freshly baked bread
• Hands-on experience mixing, kneading, and shaping dough
• Taking home your very own starter, dough to bake, and recipe card
All proceeds from the workshop go directly to The Relatives to support programs and operations of the On Ramp Resource Center and the Youth Crisis Center.
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