Real Change Happens Here.
We believe that investing in the health, education, and prosperity of young people is crucial to maintaining healthy communities. We are proud to be a part of several communities across multiple states, each in different phases of implementation; including Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, Tennessee, Illinois, Utah, NEW MEXICO AND MORE.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to equip transitional- age youth with peer-led programs delivered through drop-in centers and Residential services.
OUR PURPOSE
The purpose of Youth Rising™ (YR) is to change and improve young people's lives by empowering them to reach their full potential while becoming productive citizens in their community.
our VISION
Youth Rising™ began in 2011 in rural Oregon as an incubator project inspired by Founding CEO, Tasha Locks and a handful of youth. As we expand, YR envisions communities where youth and young adults transition successfully to adulthood with good mental health & well-being, safe and secure housing, and prepared to further their education and work experience.
our PROGRAMS
YR HOUSE
Independent Living Cooperatives: We will provide safe, secure, and low-barrier, co-op housing to homeless/precariously housed and struggling foster care, SED, and formerly justice-involved youth ages 14-24. Young residents will walk away with paid work experience, life skills, educational enhancement (GED, Diploma, re-entry, etc), rental history, and mental health support including harm reduction strategies
Youth Force
YouthForce is a workforce development program for youth and young adults with barriers to employment. This 10 week program connects businesses with YouthForce interns entering the work force. Internships are paid through the Youth Force program.
Drop-Ins
Youth Rising Drop-in Centers are fun, stigma-aware spaces for youth ages 11-21 . These spaces help create a sense of community, acceptance, and support for young people needing an affirming and positive place to connect with other young people.
Grit
The GRIT program aims to engage and support youth and young adults disengaged from school or who are coming out of the juvenile justice system and struggling academically. GRIT provides a nonjudgmental and supportive approach to help young people at risk of dropping out of high school find their way back to completing their education.
YRLI
YRLI is an innovative approach to promoting youth leadership and prosocial empowerment for youth 6th-12th grades. Our unique Youth Leadership program provides four (4) levels of involvement and is youth decided with adult guidance. All phases of the YRLI provide tools and supports on communication, successful networking, strategies for creating change, project and budget management, entrepreneurial skills, and the strategic prevention framework. .
CAMPUS CONNECT
All YR programs offer mental health support in a non-clinical setting using Youth Peer Advocates. Peer Advocates are young adults with lived experience in youth systems (foster care, mental health, juvenile justice, substance abuse treatment, etc.). Advocates develop 1:1 relationships with youth and empower them to set and meet life goals, access services, and improve the systems that serve them.
get INVOLVED
find a Program
If you are a youth looking for more information on our services offered and how to become involved, please reach out, we’d love to chat.
Volunteer
Real change happens here. If you are looking at donating time, reach out. we’re always looking for volunteers who are looking to make a real difference.
Make a Donation
We rely on donations, they allow us to connect with and empower young people to peer mentors, safe shelter, and so much more.
