One Change. Treat & Aid.
O C T A
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Youth tell us what is most important to them and what they would like from us. Not the other way around. They set the goals and we meet them where they’re at.
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Every local program was started by a core group of volunteers. Most of our programs are still run by people who offer their skills and leadership talents on a pro bono basis.
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Most of our donations come from individuals and organizations that have made an ongoing commitment to partner with us in a bold vision, freeing us up to do things the way they work best, not chase the next dollar. But fundraisers are necessary to promote our statement: to help.
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Everyone is special. We believe in the power of kindness, where true leaders offer the provisions his or her surroundings without a sense of guilt or doubt. We harness the potential of every individual to look beyond themselves and rediscover those in need. ​
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We work not just with minors, but with youth through the age of 25. We recognize that there are few developmentally appropriate services to serve young people after 18 in the adult homeless system, so we don’t turn our backs like others do when youth ‘age out’ of most other programs.
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We have low-to-no barriers to accessing care, recognizing that sometimes the hardest thing a youth will do is recognize they need help. We are in no position to turn them away, regardless of what they’ve been through that year, that week, or that day.
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We celebrate differences, embracing all youth regardless of race, ethnicity, ancestry, skin color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, relationship status, personal appearance, family roles, political affiliation, or disability.
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We are not one-size-fits-all. Local programs respond to the needs of their communities and build services with a combination of support from national and local experts.
OCTAMISSIONS
