Are you interested in helping those who face the hardships of homelessness every day? Would you like to become a volunteer at any of the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers sites? If so, look at the descriptions of each of the center's volunteer programs and see if you think you might be interested in helping us help the youth of Des Moines.
Buchanan Opportunities
Lighthouse Opportunities
Street Outreach
Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact
Toni
Nicol at 515-265-1222 ext. 8405.
Dear Volunteers and Friends,
The Iowa Homeless Youth Centers has many opportunities for volunteers and donors! One activity in particular is the Adopt-A-Youth Program. The Adopt-A-Youth Program works with youth served by the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers, providing them with needed and wished-for items. It is people like you who help make each day a little better for the homeless youth and families that we serve. For your reference, the following is a breakdown of the approximate number and ages of the youth in each of the four program areas:
Volunteering never starts too early. IHYC has been blessed with two young people who at the age of 13 gave up their birthday presents to help IHYC. This is the first time Amanda Leach, left, and the second time that Bridget Carey, right, asked their friends to give to IHYC instead of receiving birthday presents. The items ranged from food, children’s books, toys, and blankets. The donated items will benefit the young people we serve in all three programs - Lighthouse, Street Outreach, and Buchanan.
Buchanan Transitional Living Center:
- serves up to nine young men and women, ages 16-22.
Lighthouse Transitional Living Center
- serves up to six pregnant or parenting young women, ages 16-26, and their infants or preschool-aged children.
After Care Program
- serves 26 men and woman who have aged-our of foster care and are transitioning to self-sufficiency.
Street Outreach Program
- serves dozens of homeless and runaway youth, ages 15-25, and their children.
There are many other projects beyond the Adopt-A-Youth program. Individuals, groups and businesses can help through arranging a donation drive, providing meals, preparing baked goods for the youth and families and by providing support through personal volunteering. Your gifts and activities may be their only source of joy for many of our youth. Please feel free to be creative in planning your activities; we serve many youth of differing interests and ages.
If you would like more information on how to get involved, do not hesitate to please call Toni Nicol 515-265-1222 ext. 8407. Again, thank you for thinking of us.
