Mike and Margaret’s commitment to HYC shows how one couple’s care can transform lives and inspire a community.

Mike and Margaret Hedrick knew that once they retired, they wanted to devote their time to meaningful charity work. After moving to Arizona, they read about Homeless Youth Connection (HYC) in the newspaper and decided to attend a meeting to learn more about the issue of youth homelessness in the Valley. At the time, the organization was still in its infancy. To their surprise, they were the only people in the room that day with Larry Cervarich, HYC’s founder. “We couldn’t believe there were this many homeless youth,” Margaret recalled.

With no grants or funding available in the early days, Cervarich relied on community donations and grassroots fundraising. The Hedricks quickly jumped in to help. When the opportunity for a golf tournament fundraiser came up at Pebble Creek, they took the lead. “We went out to get sponsors and golfers,” Mike said. “It was two months of nonstop work.”

For six years, the Hedricks played a key role in coordinating the tournament, joining with others to raise vital funds that supported HYC’s mission. Their dedication not only rallied the community but also created a foundation of hope that continues to impact youth today.

The cause was deeply personal. As parents, it struck a chord. “We couldn’t imagine youth having no parental guidance,” Margaret said.

Meeting youth at the HYC office made that connection even stronger. In the past, they remembered watching the youth come in for hygiene items or to browse donated clothing, but today HYC provides gift cards so youth can choose their own clothes. “We’d see them walk around and shop for used things on the rack,” Mike said, reflecting on the early days.

Over the years, Mike and Margaret have continued to support HYC in many ways. They’ve brought gift cards and beauty supplies, visited the Hatcher Transitional Living Program in Phoenix —which provides up to 20 dorm-style beds, life skills programming, and full-time support for youth in school preparing for independence—and even mentored youth.

“When you see these kids actually finish high school, it’s really heartwarming,” said Margaret. “Being able to graduate and then continue their education—which they never imagined they’d be able to do—that is just fantastic.”

HYC’s work doesn’t stop at graduation. To truly break the cycle of homelessness, HYC supports youth in the critical transition after high school. That’s why the organization’s model includes intentional services beyond high school—helping youth access job opportunities, college or trade programs, reliable transportation, safe housing, and emotional support as they step into independence.

HYC’s support beyond high school inspired the Hedricks to create additional opportunities for youth to pursue higher education. Margaret’s mother, Dorothy Fisher, was an educator who believed deeply in the value of learning beyond high school. In her honor, they launched the Dorothy Fisher Scholarship Fund, now in its fourth year, which provides HYC youth with financial support as they continue their education.

“When I see what HYC has done for these kids, I just want to cry,” Margaret said. “It’s truly touching, and they are so thankful.”

Seeing the impact of HYC’s programs and the scholarship fund only reinforced the Hedricks’ commitment to supporting youth. For Mike, the need is clear.

 “Youth homelessness is unfortunately an ongoing problem. If not for HYC, some of these kids would have dropped out of school because they had to work on top of their studies. Staying in school keeps them connected to learning and gives them a stable foundation, and that is so important.”

Even with the ongoing need, they find encouragement in the moments that show HYC’s work truly makes a difference. Both he and Margaret are still struck by the memory of one golf fundraiser when two youth shared their stories. The entire room was moved to tears, and then to a standing ovation.

“You knew the charity had helped them,” Margaret said. “It was pretty emotional.”

From a tiny town in Ohio to the Arizona desert, the Hedricks never imagined they’d be part of something like HYC. But over the years, their dedication has helped change countless lives. When asked to describe their experience with HYC in one word, Mike paused before offering three: “Rewarding, meaningful, difference-making.” For Margaret, it was harder to narrow it down. Instead, the couple reflected on the growth they’ve seen over the years and acknowledged how hard it can be for youth to even dream about the future when they are focused on simply surviving. “We are so proud of how HYC has expanded,” she said.

The Hedricks’ involvement is just one part of HYC’s broader mission to support youth experiencing homelessness. Through partnerships with 130 high schools across Maricopa County and Flagstaff, HYC supports more than 700 youth annually. Through their years of dedication, the Hedricks have seen firsthand the difference that care, support, and opportunity can make in a youth’s life. Their story is a reminder that behind every statistic is a youth with dreams, resilience, and potential. Thanks to HYC—and the compassion of people like the Hedricks—thousands of youth are not just surviving; they’re discovering hope, realizing their potential, and building the futures they once thought impossible.