About Bloom House Youth Services
Bloom House Youth Services is a 501c3 organization with an aim to be an inclusive refuge for youth in need. Our goal is to create a culture of acceptance for vulnerable, at risk, and homeless youth. We believe in using a common sense approach and comprehensive supportive services to ensure a stable and empowered future for young people who need it most.
We’re a new organization, and we have a three year plan which includes 1) coordinating area resources and getting them to the young people who need them, obtaining an accessible office space, and conducting outreach across Kansas to build our community partnerships and craft a workable net of existing social services. 2) open a 24/7 staffed, centrally located drop-in center for youth under 18 who may be at-risk of homelessness or in need of somewhere to be after school, somewhere safe to hang out, to use the computer, to access resources, to use a kitchen and have a meal, to do some laundry, or just talk to someone. The drop in center will have art therapy services, case management, and a resource center -all open and free to those who need it. 3) The next step will be expanding our services to include a separate shelter space for youth age 18-24 who are at a greater risk of homelessness.
Our common sense approach means we look at the need as it is and address it head-on and clearly by knowing the facts. Did you know LGBTQ youth are 120% more likely to be homeless in any given year? (True Colors United) Or that 32% of homeless youth have attempted suicide and 1 in 3 homeless youth are lured into prostitution within the first 48 hours of becoming homeless? (National Sexual Violence Resource Center) Did you know homelessness is raising among college students? (HOPE Center 2018 Report) Or had you heard that 69% of homeless youth have mental health issues and 29% struggle with substance abuse? (Voices of Youth 2018 Report)
We don’t like these numbers and we’re determined to do what we can to change them. The only way to address these concerning numbers is with a clear evidence based, trauma informed, and comprehensive approach. We know any and all work we do must be intersectional - that is with understanding of the ways in which race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and socio-economic experience intersect. Bloom House Youth Services welcomes ALL youth in need; we aim to be a Safe Place For Everyone - no nonsense and no discrimination.
We’re a new organization, and we have a three year plan which includes 1) coordinating area resources and getting them to the young people who need them, obtaining an accessible office space, and conducting outreach across Kansas to build our community partnerships and craft a workable net of existing social services. 2) open a 24/7 staffed, centrally located drop-in center for youth under 18 who may be at-risk of homelessness or in need of somewhere to be after school, somewhere safe to hang out, to use the computer, to access resources, to use a kitchen and have a meal, to do some laundry, or just talk to someone. The drop in center will have art therapy services, case management, and a resource center -all open and free to those who need it. 3) The next step will be expanding our services to include a separate shelter space for youth age 18-24 who are at a greater risk of homelessness.
Our common sense approach means we look at the need as it is and address it head-on and clearly by knowing the facts. Did you know LGBTQ youth are 120% more likely to be homeless in any given year? (True Colors United) Or that 32% of homeless youth have attempted suicide and 1 in 3 homeless youth are lured into prostitution within the first 48 hours of becoming homeless? (National Sexual Violence Resource Center) Did you know homelessness is raising among college students? (HOPE Center 2018 Report) Or had you heard that 69% of homeless youth have mental health issues and 29% struggle with substance abuse? (Voices of Youth 2018 Report)
We don’t like these numbers and we’re determined to do what we can to change them. The only way to address these concerning numbers is with a clear evidence based, trauma informed, and comprehensive approach. We know any and all work we do must be intersectional - that is with understanding of the ways in which race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and socio-economic experience intersect. Bloom House Youth Services welcomes ALL youth in need; we aim to be a Safe Place For Everyone - no nonsense and no discrimination.
