This Story Session dives into community innovation in support of youth. Spectrum Youth & Family Services has worked tirelessly, and in turn innovated tirelessly, to support the youth in our community facing adversity.
About ten years ago, Spectrum Youth & Family Services was turning youth away at night because their 16-bed Pearl Street residence was full. In response, they partnered with local churches and synagogues to create what has since become a year-round nightly shelter for up to 14 youth.
Spectrum also faced a counseling waitlist of up to 80 people, with services spread across multiple locations. They got to work. By recruiting more licensed counselors, securing $1.4M in donor support, and renovating a full floor in a nearby building, they created a centralized, professional space for care. A partnership with UVM’s graduate counseling program followed, bringing the waitlist effectively down to zero.
It isn't just just the programmimg side of the organization, but extends to fundraising and development. Specifically, the Sleep Out. Over the years, they tried bike rides, a dance marathon, an adult prom, and more, and none of them raised anything. Little did they know that it would blossom into one of the top development events in the state.
Come see this Story Session to learn about how Spectrum has voraciously moved, organized, and connected differently to support the youth in our community.
Stick around after the session for casual networking, and cocktails and mocktails!
