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Kids come to us with sad stories; that’s for sure. But, stories can be changed—with some care, attention, love, ambition, with support from friends. This is, after all, the place where hope lives and grows. And, many days, it grows mighty tall. It grows right through the roof into a real education, a real future and a real life full of possibilities.

Where hope
lives and grows

Success Stories

• Milestones
• Measures of Success

Reggie

From a lonely childhood to a lifetime of friends and family...

For most of his childhood, Reggie had no adult figure or role model. Born to a mother struggling with drug addiction who passed away when he was 10, Reggie was taken in by his grandmother. Reggie was often left to fend for himself and care for his younger siblings. His grandmother abandoned him at age 16 and Reggie was sent to Youth Homes. At Youth Homes until age 18, Reggie states "I learned to cultivate positive leadership skills by setting a good example for my peers at Pryor and then at Cherry Lane." He fondly remembers his time here and still keeps in touch with several staff members. Reggie is specifically thankful for the therapy and mentoring he received from his Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) worker from Youth Homes. Reggie has a strong connection with his Youth Homes AfterCare coach, receiving guidance and support in the struggles of every day life. Reggie holds down two jobs- as a Computer Accessories Salesman at Fry's Electronics and as a Sales Representative at Costco, with plans to attend night school and get his GED. One day he hopes to open up his own business and because of Youth Homes, he feels he has the capability to make that happen.

Zach

From timid student to an active environmental conservationist...

When he was just a baby, Zach and his older sister were removed from their home due to extreme neglect. At two years of age, he was adopted by a couple who already had 10 children of their own. After several years in this family, however, Zach was again uprooted from his home due to allegations of abuse and was place with Youth Homes. At first, Zach was extremely anxious and couldn't bear to go to school most days. Over time, Zach formed a close bond with staff who worked closely with him to overcome his fears and apprehensions. Through their warm support and encouragement, Zach became more comfortable, eventually landing jobs at Lunardi's and Safeway. It was through the Youth Homes' Mentoring Program, that Zach discovered his love of the outdoors. Two of our mentors took some of the residents to Tahoe and Zach fell in love with hiking and camping. Upon emancipating at age 18 and with the help of Youth Homes and those two special mentors, Zach joined the California Conservation Corp. For a boy who couldn't stand to go to school most days, Zach has come full circle. Thanks to Youth Homes, Zach not only plans to return to school and hopefully attend Humboldt State, but he has the confidence to go out at 5 AM each morning and fight forest fires near the California redwoods!

Daniella

From multiple placements to creating a forever home...

Daniella came from a family who believed in corporal punishment- at age 15 she was removed from her home after being severely beaten. From age 15-17, Daniella was moved from more than ten group and foster homes and was finally placed with Youth Homes in her late teens. Following a brief stay in Cherry Lane, Daniella stayed the longest at Anderson House. It was here that she formed a close bond with the staff and was eventually broken of her suicidal thoughts and tendencies. With the help of Youth Homes, Daniella opened her first checking account and worked with the Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) to take classes such as etiquette. Although she struggled with her goals in life, she was constantly supported and praised and eventually summoned the courage to take PSAT and SAT courses. At Andersen, she learned that good behavior was rewarded and constantly did her chores to earn allowance. She remembers while it was not always easy to sit with the other girls at dinner, it was always comforting to know they would be together at the same time every night. It was nice to have something that was constant. Upon emancipating at age 18, Daniella attended a Samuel Merritt's partner program at St. Mary's College of California and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Liberals Arts degree. She was a part of the last graduating class to have a joint degree, double major. Daniella now lives with her daughter, Kya, and works at the Kaiser in Vallejo. She hopes to one day buy a house in Green Valley in Fairfield.