Mission Statement
Oasis for Youth opens the door to housing, employment, education, and wellness for youth facing homelessness in the suburbs. Tools for stability and opportunities to thrive are provided through individualized case management, onsite supportive services and connections to housing and community resources.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
Served 215 youth, who made 2,019 visits to the Resource Center in 2015.
Started a project with the Mall of America to serve their young employees with supports to help them maintain employment.
Increased staff to provide more supports for young people.
Increased revenue by 73% in order to provide mission-critical services.
Expanded outreach services and became members of the Streetworks Collaborative.
Focused on volunteer training and staff development, with over 830 drop-in volunteer hours in 2015.
Current Goals
GOAL 1: Strengthen and expand the programs of Oasis for Youth to support youth experiencing homelessness as they transition into early adulthood.
A. Strategy: Define and explore housing options for suburban youth experiencing homelessness beyond scattered site program. Respond to opportunities.
B. Strategy: Assist disconnected youth with finding and maintaining employment.
C. Strategy: Work with community partnerships to provide alternative pathways for youth to achieve educational and vocational goals.
D. Strategy: Expand programming and services (Independent Living Skills, wellness and health related)
E. Strategy: Expand drop-in hours of operation and usage.
F. Strategy: Improve volunteer experience and competency.
G. Strategy: Deliver on Mall of America program promise.
Community or Constituency Served
Youth ages 16-24 experiencing homelessness or who are precariously housed.
Geographic Area Served
Efforts are focused in southern Hennepin County, especially Edina, Richfield and Bloomington, although no youth needing help are turned away.
