At just 19 years old, Stephanie Gonzalez is already marching toward a future filled with possibility—one that not long ago felt far from reach.

Today, Stephanie is a student at Northern Arizona University and a member of the NAU Marching Band’s color guard, the performers whose flags and movement bring visual storytelling to life on the field. Last May, she auditioned for the band knowing they had been invited to perform in one of the most iconic events in the world: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“I really wanted to get in—especially when I found out they were going to do the Macy’s Parade,” Stephanie said. “I’ve been doing color guard since my sophomore year of high school, so this felt like such a big opportunity.”

Opening the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Stephanie and the NAU Marching Band didn’t just participate in the parade—they opened it, a surprise the band learned about just one week before the event.

“Finding out we were opening the parade was a shock for all of us,” she said. “It made the experience even more exciting.”

Marching through the streets of New York City was unforgettable.

“We marched for about an hour, but it felt like five minutes,” Stephanie shared. “Watching people cheer us on—seeing people watching from the tops of buildings—it was unbelievable.”

Beyond the performance, the band had time to explore the city together.

“We ate a lot of pizza, went to Chinatown, and even had a Thanksgiving dinner cruise through the New York Harbor, where we saw the Statue of Liberty after the parade,” she said. “It was really beautiful.”

Community Through Music

For Stephanie, marching band has always meant more than performing.

“I love being part of a community,” she said. “It’s how I made most of my friends in high school, and now in college.”

That sense of belonging helped her push through demanding practices. The band practiced three times a week for three hours at a time, often in cold Flagstaff weather.

“It was physically exhausting,” she said. “College choreography involves a lot more movement and dance. But struggling along my friends kept me going. We kept reminding ourselves: “We’re going to be in New York, performing on TV!”

A Path Shaped by Resilience

Before college, Stephanie spent several months in HYC’s Hatcher Transitional Living Program.

“Those few months were really good,” she said. “I worked while I was there and made really good friends. I still miss my roommate.”

More than just a place to stay, Hatcher helped prepare her for independence.

“It taught me how to live with someone else, to not be afraid of having a roommate, how to collaborate, keep a shared space clean, and still be responsible for myself,” Stephanie said. “That helped a lot when I got to college.”

Before coming to HYC, Stephanie made the difficult decision to leave an unsafe home environment.

“My parents weren’t very supportive, and it was a really violent place,” she said. “HYC became my home after that.”

Looking Ahead

Stephanie is majoring in Modern Languages with an emphasis in Japanese—a passion she’s had since childhood.

“I’ve always loved learning languages,” she said. “Besides English and Spanish, I’ve studied French and Korean, and now Japanese.”

Her major requires her to study abroad, something she’s eagerly anticipating.

“Most likely I’ll go to Japan,” she said. “Maybe South Korea. Outside the U.S., I’ve only been to Mexico, so I’m really excited.”

A Message for Other Youth

For youth who are experiencing homelessness, who have just arrived at Hatcher like she did, or are unsure of what their next steps may be, Stephanie offers encouragement:

“I know it’s really scary at first,” she said. “I was scared my first few days. It takes time to adjust, but if you keep the mindset that everything is going to be okay, you’ll be fine. You’ll do great things if you stay dedicated and keep a strong mind.”

That strength, she says, comes from thinking about her younger siblings.

“Knowing they might look up to me pushes me to do something with my life,” Stephanie shared. “I want them to be proud of me.”

When she thinks about the future, Stephanie sees multiple paths opening in front of her.

“I’d love to teach abroad, work as a translator, or even become a flight attendant,” she said. “Anything that allows me to use language, travel, and connect with people.”

For Stephanie, those possibilities represent more than career options—they represent freedom, stability, and a life she once wasn’t sure was possible.

When Julie first walked into HYC in 2010, there was no job description waiting for her. There wasn’t even a clear sense of what her role would be. What there was—though she didn’t fully realize it at the time—was the beginning of something foundational.

Julie came to HYC after being laid off from her job with an elementary school district, along with much of the district’s office staff. For months, she struggled to find work. Then, almost unexpectedly, a former colleague told her about a friend starting a new organization focused on helping homeless teens.

At the time, Julie didn’t have a long-term vision for what the role would become. What she had was lived experience. When she turned 18, Julie left home and spent a period living out of her car. Though she later rebuilt her relationship with her parents, she never forgot what it felt like to be unaccompanied—and how much it mattered when friends and family stepped in to help her navigate her way back.

“I was so grateful for the family and friends who helped me when I was on my own,” Julie says. “I wanted to be that for the youth who found themselves in the same situation I had been in.”

Becoming the First Youth Coach

Julie became HYC’s very first youth coach, though at the time, no one was calling it that yet.

“There was no structure at all,” she remembers. “Larry didn’t give me a job description or instructions.”

Everything was new for everyone. For days, Julie spent time at her desk waiting, unsure where to begin, while Larry was equally focused on building something entirely from the ground up. Eventually, on a day when Larry was out of the office, Julie decided to take initiative and began introducing herself at local schools. Later, she and Larry laughed about how those first steps unfolded—both, learning in real time what the work would become.

What kept her coming back? Faith and commitment. She believed in what Larry was trying to build, even if it didn’t yet have shape or systems.

“It was really scary,” Julie admits. “I hadn’t gotten a job offer in so long. I remember thinking, ‘I might not have a job next week.’ It felt like a gamble—but at the same time, I knew it was good.”

It was a gamble she was willing to take, because the youth already mattered to her.

“Just a Mom Wanting to Help”

In the early days, Julie introduced herself simply as “just a mom wanting to help.”

She had no formal training in youth work, no degree, and no roadmap. As she began meeting students and hearing their stories, she realized she needed to learn quickly. Over the summer, she enrolled in a community college course on violence and abuse. She earned a 98%—and encouragement from her professor to keep going. That fall, she started college classes while working full-time. Everything she learned in the classroom, she brought back to HYC.

“I started taking classes because a student was being abused, and I didn’t know how to help them,” she says. “I just wanted to get better at what I was doing.”

At the same time, the work quickly became all-consuming and deeply personal. In those early days, outreach looked very different than it does now. Julie was given a cell phone. That number was printed in newspapers, placed on cards, and distributed through school counselors. Youth began calling her directly—sometimes in the middle of the night.

“If I got a call, I would go,” she says. “I missed a lot of my kids’ school events. Sometimes I’d go out alone to pick up youth. Occasionally, I brought them home until we could find a safer place.”

With few established systems in place, responding often meant making difficult decisions in real time while prioritizing safety and stability for the youth. She remembers one night returning home at 3 a.m. after helping a student secure immediate shelter. It was one of many moments that made the weight of the work real, as she was one person trying to show up for young people in crisis while also being a mom to young children at home.

Not every student trusted her right away. Some never did. Others slowly opened up—once they realized she was truly there for them.

Some calls were especially hard. She recalls two siblings whose mother and her boyfriend abandoned them at a gas station on their way to Las Vegas. Somehow, the youth made it back and found HYC. Moments like that stayed with her.

Building Something from Small Acts

HYC’s work was guided entirely by the needs that surfaced. Starting with the Agua Fria School District, Julie responded to whatever students needed—school supplies, hygiene items, or even a safe place to stay. Larry worked with rotary clubs, churches, businesses, and individual donors to gather resources, while Julie stayed on the front lines, making sure youth knew help was available. With few people aware of HYC yet, every call, every connection, and every small act made a real difference.

In the beginning, HYC served about 40 students a year. There were no formal case notes, no databases, no systems. Julie began creating files simply to help her remember each youth’s story. Those files eventually evolved into formal case notes, DAP notes, and later, HMIS.

Fundraising was just as grassroots. Julie would meet with youth in the morning, then spend afternoons driving from hotel to hotel asking for free rooms or discounts. She visited restaurants asking for gift certificates, stores asking for products, and businesses willing to help in any way they could.

“I thought it was kind of cool,” she says. “To come back and show all the things I was able to get.”

Julie laughs when she remembers a connection to her own upbringing: “I didn’t think about this at the time, but my mom kind of did the same thing when I was young! She wrote letters for the homeless through our church and even asked for things like Disneyland passes. I started making a lot of connections too—for instance, if we had students who needed something for prom, I would have a contact!”

Over time, these efforts grew into a network of supporters, helping lay the foundation for the programs and partnerships that support HYC’s work today.

Watching Youth Thrive

Julie’s long hours and hard moments were always grounded in the same hope: that the youth she worked with would one day find stability, confidence, and a future of their own. She lights up when she talks about the youth who went on to thrive.

Christina, who once whispered when she spoke and barely made eye contact, was eventually placed in a host home that adopted her. Years later, Julie stood at her wedding, watching a young woman who once struggled to speak now surrounded by love.

Another youth, who couldn’t enroll in school because his parents were out of state, dreamed of becoming a paramedic. Julie helped him navigate registration, enroll in West-MEC, and eventually share his story at an HYC breakfast. Members of the Goodyear Fire Department happened to be in the room that day. They heard his speech and later offered him a job.

“That success isn’t about me,” Julie says. “That comes from the students themselves. A lot of times, they just needed a little hope to get started.”

The Mission Continues

Fifteen years later, HYC looks very different. There are systems, staff, structure, and balance. But at its heart, Julie sees the same mission she stepped into all those years ago—helping youth navigate challenges, find their voice, and imagine a future they once thought impossible.

When asked what advice she’d give to someone stepping into this role today, she says, “Don’t get discouraged. Some days are really heavy. But there are success stories. Don’t let the hard days take them away.”

As HYC celebrates 15 years, Julie’s story reminds us of the courage, care, and small acts that built the foundation for everything that followed.

At Homeless Youth Connection (HYC), youth coaches do far more than guide — they remove barriers, offer stability, and build trust with young people navigating some of life’s most challenging circumstances. There’s no “typical day.” One moment, a youth coach might be checking in at a high school; the next they’re helping a young person gather vital documents, find safe housing, or get to a doctor’s appointment.

“It’s about meeting youth where they’re at,” says John, a former teacher and principal who has served as a youth coach for six years. “You can’t help them move forward until you understand their world.”

Every youth comes with unique challenges. Some need help securing vital documents like a birth certificate or ID so they can apply for jobs or enroll in college or trade school after high school. Others need guidance with healthcare, transportation, or basic needs like food and clothing. And sometimes, what they need most is simply someone to listen.

That commitment often means going far — literally. Francis, another youth coach, regularly drives across the Valley to meet students where they are. “Sometimes that means dropping off a gift card at Pizza Hut because that’s where they work or driving out to the outskirts of town where some youth live and seeing how far they travel to go to school. Other times, it’s looking for them in the college dorms or stopping by after they get home from work. I find myself adjusting to their schedules — whatever it takes to show up and let them know they matter.”

The work comes with challenges, too, especially when needs are beyond a youth’s control. “The hardest part is not always being able to meet their needs. For example, some really want to go to driving school but don’t have a car or someone to teach them,” she explains. “Others want to work but can’t because they don’t have the documents they need — and sometimes, if they’re not 18 and an unaccompanied youth, they can’t even get those without a parent’s consent.”

Still, the impact often shows up in stories that stay with the coaches — like a youth Francis coached last year. “Her parents struggled with addiction, and she was living with her great aunt and sometimes her grandma,” Francis recalls. “She was a straight-A student, worked at Jamba Juice, but was so afraid to leave for college, even after earning a full-ride scholarship to NAU. It took me months to convince her that she could do it. I told her Flagstaff was artsy and that she needed a new scenery. She’d get panic attacks, but she went. Seeing her living in Flagstaff now, becoming friends with her roommate, and sharing photos of her dorm has been really rewarding. Even recently, she sent me a long message thanking me for never giving up on her.”

For both John and Francis, the impact is deeply personal. “There’s a connection when a youth begins to trust you,” John explains. “They know you’re in their corner.”

It’s this willingness to go the extra mile that helps youth begin to believe in themselves. When they arrive at HYC, many youth are uncertain about their future or unsure who they can rely on. By showing up consistently, even when life is unpredictable, youth coaches provide the stability and trust that become the first steps toward independence. Youth coaches are often the bridge between crisis and stability, helping youth access resources and rebuild a sense of hope and belonging.

“Many people assume the youth we serve are just bad kids who don’t want to follow rules or live at home,” Francis says. “But that’s a stigma. When you get to know a teen, you see how capable and resilient they really are.” That resilience shows up in small victories: passing a difficult class, getting their first job, or celebrating a high school graduation. Each step is a testament not only to the youth’s determination but also to the steady encouragement of the coaches supporting them.

“This work has given me a greater awareness of resilience and what it means to be human,” John reflects. “My purpose is to serve by helping these young people navigate challenges and achieve what they might not have thought possible.” Francis adds, “You don’t just see transformation in their lives — it changes you, too.”

In the end, the impact can’t always be measured by numbers or outcomes — it’s in the moments of connection, trust, and possibility that emerge along the way. “When you step back and see where a youth started and where they are now, knowing you had a part in helping them realize their potential, that’s what makes it all worth it,” John says.

When Larry Cervarich picked up a local newspaper in 2006, he didn’t know that moment would change the course of his life — and the lives of thousands of youth across Arizona.

“I read an article about youth experiencing homelessness in the West Valley View,” he recalled. “I set it down, but a week later I picked it up again. Something in me said, ‘You’ve got to do something.’”

Larry had business experience — from running a bakery to catering across Portland and Washington — but nonprofits were a new world. Still, he was ready to take the first step. A friend from Rotary gave him a nudge he’d never forget:

“What are you doing here? GO do something,” the friend said. Larry laughs recalling it now, but that moment sparked what would become Homeless Youth Connection (HYC).

What started with one man, a Rotary Club, and a car wash that raised $500 has now grown into an organization dedicated to helping youth stay in school, graduate, and build bright futures.

Lessons from the Youth

For Larry, the greatest lessons have come directly from the youth he’s met.

“I’ve seen so many stories of the hurt they’ve gone through, and yet they still go to school every day.  I didn’t realize at the time that school was their lifeline. It’s their social world, their connection to hope. Otherwise, they’d be alone. At first, I was focused on getting youth through high school, but I quickly learned they wanted to go beyond — to college, careers, and stable homes.”

That understanding fueled his drive to build HYC, step by step. At first, he walked into an Avondale high school, where a counselor doubted his intentions. She wasn’t sure he was serious about helping, but she shared stories about the youth she worked with and the challenges they faced. Soon, his church and local community members filled an entire lobby with donations—over $4,000 worth. True to his word, he returned to the school and followed through on his commitment, surprising the counselor.

“I’ll never forget the school counselor’s face,” Larry said. “She told me, ‘I thought you were just another person who wanted a story.’ But I promised her, ‘We’ll be back. This isn’t a one-time thing.’”

A Life Guided by Passion

That passion has guided him through many chapters of life. Beyond HYC, Larry has founded other nonprofits that reflect his heart for service — Meals of Joy, started in 2014 to bring meals to senior citizens, and more recently, Just Ask Outreach, extending his mission to even more members of the community.

“You really need passion and love to help people,” Larry said. “I could probably write a book about all the twists and turns,” he joked. “But the first page would just say: RUN. Because unless you have passion, you won’t make it in the nonprofit world.”

And passion is exactly what has carried him. Larry has seen youth walk through heartbreak and abuse, but also into healing and success. He remembers one youth in particular, who opened his shirt to reveal cigarette burns from an abusive parent.

“He could have given up. But with HYC’s support, he graduated, built a career, started a family. That’s the kind of transformation that keeps me going.”

Celebrating Larry

Fifteen years later, Larry remains the heart of the mission. Even at 86, Larry still brings humor and warmth to everything he does. He jokes about being teased for “never retiring,” and when asked about birthday treats, he lights up:

“Carrot cake. It has to be moist. Albertsons or Costco might just do it best — I think it must be the cream cheese frosting.”

Larry also treasures the gifts that can’t be wrapped.

“My dad was the biggest gift of my life. As old as I am, I still get teary-eyed wishing he was here today. We had the best bond.”

Looking ahead, Larry is excited for moments both personal and professional. In a few weeks, he’ll visit his son, Marc, in Tacoma — a birthday celebration he’s eagerly anticipating. Beyond that, he looks forward to seeing the continued growth and impact of the nonprofits he has poured his heart into.

With the holidays approaching, Larry hopes the youth HYC serves feel seen, celebrated, and supported.

“At Christmas time, you don’t want to be alone. You want to be around a tree, with family, with love,” he said. “That’s what so many of these youth are missing.”

It’s this hope that drives HYC’s Holiday Magic each year — ensuring no youth is forgotten during the season. By providing a holiday meal or adopting a youth, our community can bring joy and connection to those who need it most.

Larry’s journey is a reminder that change often begins with a single step — a choice to act, and a willingness to serve. From reading a newspaper to founding HYC, he shows what’s possible when passion meets action. Today, thousands of youth have brighter futures because he chose to “go do something.”

“You know there’s something that needs to get done but you have got to do it,” he said. “Sure, you might trip, but you get back up and do it.”

It’s that humble, joyful heart that makes celebrating Larry’s birthday a celebration for us all.

In honor of Larry’s birthday, join us in spreading joy to HYC youth this holiday season — whether with a gift card, adopting a youth, or a simple act of support. Together, we can create the kind of joy and love Larry has spent his life sharing.

For youth experiencing homelessness, just keeping up in school can be a daily challenge. Having essential tools—like a scientific or graphing calculator—can make a huge difference in classes like calculus, statistics, and chemistry.

Earlier this year, Francis, one of our HYC youth coaches, met Katherine*, a high school student who needed a graphing calculator. We didn’t have the exact model she requested, but thanks to a generous donation, we were able to provide another calculator from our stock. That small act changed everything: Katherine could keep up in class, feel more confident in her abilities, and stay on track to graduate.

Victoria, another youth coach, recently shared more examples of how calculators have helped students:

• “Breanna* is taking a business statistics class, which requires a more specific type of calculator as opposed to her phone calculator.”
• “Corey* is majoring in Bio sciences and is taking challenging math and science classes that require in-depth formulas. Despite facing housing challenges, Corey is determined to keep up with his classes. I delivered a calculator to him the same day I gave him his laptop, and he was relieved to have it before classes started—it gave him one less barrier to staying on track.”

Last school year, a Back-to-School drive helped put calculators in the hands of students who needed them most. But, with the new school year underway, the demand for these essential tools is higher than ever, and many students still face barriers to accessing the supplies they need to be successful in school.

Act Now — Give a Student the Tools to Succeed
For our youth, a scientific or graphic calculator isn’t just a tool—it’s a steppingstone to opportunity, independence, and hope. A single calculator can make a world of difference for a youth experiencing homelessness. Your support helps youth gain confidence, stay on track in class, and take one more step toward their dreams. Visit our Amazon Wishlist to donate a calculator today—every contribution shows youth that someone believes in their potential.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

Transforming Lives from the Inside Out: Penrose Academy + HYC

At Homeless Youth Connection (HYC), we believe the best partnerships are built on more than donations—they’re rooted in heart, connection, and a shared commitment to youth. That’s why we’re so grateful to highlight Penrose Academy, a beauty school in Scottsdale that’s making a real difference in the lives of the youth we serve.

What began with a prom donation request in 2022 has grown into a meaningful partnership built on respect, dignity, and care. The Penrose team said it best: “We weren’t just looking for a cause. We wanted to build a connection that meant something. That’s what we found with HYC.”

Since then, Penrose students and staff have stood beside HYC youth through hygiene drives, fundraising events, and personal care donations—offering more than supplies, but respect and hope. Their Wander + Wonder events, which have raised the highest donation totals in Penrose history, are a beautiful example of what can happen when creativity meets compassion.

“A simple haircut or moment of genuine attention can do more than change how someone looks. It can change how they feel.”

For many at Penrose, the mission feels personal. Many students are close in age to the youth HYC serves. Some have lived through housing instability themselves or have helped friends who have.

“Whether it was experiencing homelessness, couch-surfing, or supporting a friend through it, the reality of youth homelessness isn’t abstract here. It’s close to home,” the team shared.

This partnership has helped Penrose students turn past struggles into purpose. It’s given them the opportunity not only to give—but to heal. In the beauty industry, transformation is often seen on the outside. But Penrose knows the most powerful changes happen within.

 “Confidence is built when we feel good about ourselves,” they told us. “For teens facing instability or homelessness, believing in themselves can be the difference between giving up and stepping into their future.”

Penrose reminds HYC youth they are seen, valued, and worthy of a bright future. And the partnership has changed Penrose too—shifting the focus from ‘What career can I build?’ to ‘How can I make a difference?’

“We’re cultivating skilled artists, but more importantly, we’re helping shape thoughtful, empathetic, and empowered human beings.”

To other businesses considering becoming an HYC sponsor or partner, Penrose offers this simple encouragement: “Say yes. Even if you think your contribution is small, it matters. It’s not about checking a box—it’s about showing up, being human, and joining something bigger than yourself.”

To the entire team at Penrose Academy: we are endlessly grateful. Thank you for reminding us all that care, confidence, and community go hand in hand—and that transformation begins when we show up for each other.

Interested in partnering with HYC or becoming a sponsor? Contact Robin Telle atrtelle@hycaz.org.

For youth experiencing homelessness, summer isn’t just a break from school — it’s a break from routine, support, and regular meals. The long, hot days can bring more than discomfort; They can bring uncertainty. Food insecurity doesn’t just cause hunger, it chips away at a young person’s sense of safety, belonging, and stability.

That’s why simple items like snacks and gift cards aren’t just helpful — they’re essential. At HYC, we know that nutrition = stability. Granola bars, fruit cups, protein snacks, and shelf-stable items do more than just fill a gap. These simple items send a message that someone cares.

And while snacks meet an urgent need, gift cards go even further. Gift cards for groceries and on-the-go meal options give youth something they rarely experience: the dignity of choice. Being able to pick out their own food decisions or grab a quick bite on a hard day helps restore a sense of autonomy and control — two things often lost in crisis.

This isn’t just about food. It’s about wellness. For young people experiencing homelessness, consistent access to food is more than a basic need. It’s a key part of recovery. When a young person doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from, their body stays in survival mode.

Food insecurity takes a deep emotional toll — it creates shame, anxiety, and a constant undercurrent of fear. As 412 Food Rescue puts it, that stress compounds trauma and makes it harder to heal. Summer can deepen this challenge. When school is out, many youth lose their most reliable source of meals and hydration. Food and water aren’t just physical needs, they’re emotional care.

June is PTSD Awareness Month — and it’s important to recognize that many youth we serve are also living with the effects of trauma. And meeting basic needs like food is one way we begin to rebuild a sense of trust and safety.

When youth are nourished, they’re more likely to focus, rest, and engage in programs that support their long-term wellbeing.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
We’re collecting:
• Shelf-stable snacks – individual trail mix, granola bars, fruit cups, protein bars, and other grab-and-go items
• Gift Cards – for groceries and on-the-go meal options ($10–$25 preferred)

WHERE to GIVE
1. Check out our Amazon Wish-List
2. Drop-off by appointment: Tuesday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our administrative office. Please contact us at 602-847-4300, ext. 106 to schedule a time.
3. Gift cards: In-person drop-off of gift cards is preferred when possible, to ensure safe receipt, but they may also be mailed. Please contact us at 602-847-4300, ext. 106.

Your donation might seem small, but it could be the most comforting part of someone’s day, especially during the summer months when youth lose access to school meals. Thank you for standing with youth experiencing homelessness this summer.

JUNE 2025 — How Much Do Nonprofits Rely on Federal Funding? A Lot. Here’s Why It Matters:

Nonprofits don’t just do good, they get things done. From helping families find affordable childcare, to supporting veterans and tackling homelessness, nonprofits deliver critical services across the country and here in Arizona. But who helps them do it? 
The government.

Federal, state, and local governments often team up with nonprofits through grants and contracts. Think of it as a tag-team effort: the federal government gives money to state and local agencies, who then work with nonprofits to put that funding into action — on the ground, where it matters most.

Over the years, as the government downsized, it handed more responsibility to nonprofits, and nonprofits stepped up. They’ve become the go-to partners for delivering social services the government can’t — or won’t — provide on its own.

This partnership gives nonprofits a steady stream of funding, helping them keep their doors open, their staff employed, and their communities supported. But there’s a catch: everything depends on policy and budgets. A change in administration or a shift in priorities can put that funding — and the vital services it supports — at risk.

So, what happens if those federal funds disappear?

When federal funding dries up, nonprofits don’t just tighten their belts, they’re forced to lay off staff and scale back services, leaving vulnerable communities without the help they rely on. And it doesn’t stop there. With fewer people employed in the nonprofit sector, the broader economy takes a hit, too. Nonprofits employ more than 12 million people across the United States.

Bottom line: Federal funding isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Without it, millions lose access to life-changing support, and the nonprofits that power our social safety net are left without the resources to continue.

How can you help?

Your voice matters! Contact your Arizona representatives and let them know how important federal funding is to Arizona nonprofits. Need a sample letter or email to send? We’re happy to help. Contact us at: info@hycaz.org.

US Senators–Arizona:
 https://www.senate.gov/states/
AZ/intro.htm

US Representatives–Arizona:
 https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Please consider donating to support youth experiencing homelessness who rely on the services HYC provides: https://hycaz.org/donations

In conclusion, cuts to federal funding are already affecting nonprofits’ ability to serve. The road ahead is exceptionally uncertain, but with determination, creativity, and most importantly, the support of people like you, we can keep pushing forward even in the face of uncertainty.

Homeless Youth Connection (HYC) has received a $600,000 multi-year grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to support HYC’s Empowering Youth For The Future (EYFTF) program, with $100,000 of the grant being allocated to enhance and expand a multi-purpose space for in-kind donations, volunteer work and staff functions. Construction will begin later this year on our Sunnyslope facility.

Nationally, of youth experiencing homelessness, 87% are more likely to drop out of school than their stably housed peers. These students are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing poverty, unemployment, chronic homelessness, and poor health. One of HYC’s top preventative measures, the EYFTF program, works to intervene before homeless youth drop out by providing assistance with academics, health, housing, hygiene, employment and independent living to enable success.

“Youth facing homelessness are incredibly vulnerable and have an uphill battle without the right support,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Homeless Youth Connection helps ensure that, despite a rough start, these kids can still have a shot at a bright and promising future.”

The EYFTF program aims to provide meaningful resources that encourage young people to finish high school and plan for post-secondary education. Each youth is paired with a youth coach to identify their strengths and goals and establish a personalized action plan to attain those goals. They connect weekly, both virtually and in person to discuss their progress. Through this authentic engagement, youth develop a sense of safety, structure, belonging, self-worth and social contribution.

“This year, we had 123 individuals graduate and 15 seniors continuing their education with summer school or an additional senior semester,” said Dana Bailey, co-chief executive officer, HYC. “These youth have worked so hard to complete high school and create a more stable future for themselves. We’re so proud of their hard work and couldn’t do it without support from organizations like The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.”

An integral part of the program is HYC’s strong relationships with host families to provide stable housing, food, transportation and all-around, at-home care and support throughout the youth’s academic journey. This allows each HYC youth to build stronger relationships and interpersonal skills, experience stability in their home life and learn positive life skills that lead to full independence.

“Homeless Youth Connection goes beyond meeting the basic needs of the young people they serve by addressing them holistically and setting a course toward achieving their dreams. Everyone deserves hope for a brighter future, and HYC helps young people experiencing homelessness maintain that hope as they overcome great adversity,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

During the 2023-2024 school year, HYC served more than 600 youth in Maricopa County and 21 youth in Coconino County. HYC provides academic support and housing, along with employment, career development and financial literacy services.

The recent grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will support our growth and ensure HYC has resources to help youth experiencing homelessness complete their education and have a chance at a healthy, successful future.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation sees the value in HYC’s vision and understands the urgent needs of our community. They’re not just providing funds, they’re investing in the future of our youth and entrusting us to guide them toward a sustainable future. We thank you!

About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers support to nonprofit organizations successfully working to empower, educate, nurture and nourish people during what is often the darkest time of their lives. Founded in 2012 by philanthropists and business leaders Bob and Renee Parsons to provide hope and life-changing assistance to the country’s most vulnerable populations, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers critical funding at critical times to those in need. The Foundation’s giving is driven by the core belief that all people – regardless of race, religion, roots, economic status, sexual orientation or gender identity—deserve access to quality healthcare, education and a safe place to call home. Follow @WeDealInHope on social media or visit TBRPF.org, to learn more about partner organizations and the important work being done in the community.

In June we celebrate Pride Month, but at HYC we think about our LGBTQ+ youth throughout the entire year. A significant number of the youth we serve identify as LGBTQ+, and we strive to provide appropriate resources and support to best empower these youth. We provide individualized case management and planning for the future, and we recognize that these youth have unique challenges that are not experienced by our straight and cisgender students.

LGBTQ+ youth are at a higher risk of experiencing homelessness and are twice as likely to report experiencing homelessness than non-LGBTQ+ students.^[1] These youth are sometimes more vulnerable than other youth experiencing homelessness and are forced to conceal that side of their entity in order to preserve their safety. As one youth explained, “Wherever I stayed and whoever I stayed with, regardless of their intent, if they learned about my sexuality, it still put me in the vulnerable position of unstable and inconsistent housing; and when I was already vulnerable, I felt like I needed to obscure that side of me as a means of exercising control in my life over the one thing I had authority: the story that I presented to others.”^[2]

Aspects of a youth’s queer identity can compound on their homeless experience and create emergent struggles that are unique to gender and sexual minorities. These additional struggles can make it even more difficult to access services and seek support. These youth can be denied access to transitional housing if they disclose their sexual identity and can suffer higher rates of violence and abuse than their straight and cisgender homeless peers. LGBTQ+ homeless youth were twice as likely to report missing school in the last 30 days due to feeling unsafe, and twice as likely to report being threatened or injured with a weapon at school in the last year.^[3]

At HYC we are committed to providing equitable support and access to all of our students. We collaborate with our nonprofit partners and school districts to provide early intervention to mitigate the increased risks and challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing homelessness in our communities.

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^[1] “Are Homeless High Schoolers Safe At School?” Institute for Children, Poverty & Homelessness. December 6, 2018. https://www.icphusa.org/maps_infographics/are-homeless-high-schoolers-safe-at-school/

^[2] “Youth Homelessness & Queer Identity: There is No Single Story.” SchoolHouse Connection. June 22, 2021. https://schoolhouseconnection.org/youth-homelessness-queer-identity-there-is-no-single-story/

^[3] “Are Homeless High Schoolers Safe At School?” Institute for Children, Poverty & Homelessness. December 6, 2018. https://www.icphusa.org/maps_infographics/are-homeless-high-schoolers-safe-at-school/