Blog - National
Salons offer free haircuts to homeless young adults
March 14 2023
Inside StandUp for Kids and Hair Proud’s A Cut Above initiative. by Eric BergerMarch 09, 2023 (Photo credit: Getty Images) For young adults, a haircut can help them fit in — even if they don’t have a stable place to stay, according to a leader of StandUp for Kids, a nonprofit that helps people under age 25 who are homeless. That’s why the organization recently teamed up with Hair Proud, a new haircare brand, to launch A Cut Above, an initiative to provide free haircuts to that population. “This saves not only money for a kid, but it also gives them a boost in their confidence, their self-esteem,” said Kelly Fields, who is executive director of the Atlanta ...
Read MoreFrom seeing the bigger picture to challenging the status quo, women are changing the world
March 8 2023
For Women's History Month, StandUp For Kids is putting the spotlight on Maya Moore, Deja Foxx, Jeannette Rankin and Jacki McKinney. Did you know that it wasn't until 1987 that the first "Women's History Month" was celebrated after the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress? From 1988 to 1994, Congress requested that we continue to designate March as this special month recognizing women, and in 1995, the President began to consistently acknowledge it every year. The world needs more fierce champions like Maya. It's inspiring anytime a star athlete steps away from the game to forge a new path helping others. Moore is best known as a 2x NCAA and 4x WNBA champion while ...
Read MoreStandUp for Kids Commits to "48 Hours on the Streets" Campaign to Help Homeless Youth
April 14 2022
Volunteers across the U.S. to meet homeless youth where they are, while raising awareness of the dangers typically faced in the first two days without shelter Atlanta, GA--(PRNewswire)--StandUp for Kids, a national non-profit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of youth homelessness, announced that its "48 Hours on the Streets" public service campaign - an annual event since its founding 31 years ago - will take place from April 22-24. StandUp for Kids hopes this call to action will elevate awareness of youth homelessness and the dangers typically faced in the first two days without shelter, which often include being approached by drug dealers and being lured into ...
Read MoreWelcoming Heather as DC's New Executive Director
July 26 2021
StandUp for Kids - Washington, DC Our Washington, DC program welcomed its new executive director this May. Taking over the reins from the incredible Josh Blum, Heather Holmes brings a wealth of experience and vision. This is the highest volunteer role one can have at the local level to help end the cycle of youth homelessness. We hope you will get to know Heather through in the following interview. Editor: Heather, please tell us a little about yourself! Heather: Giving back to my community has always been very important to me and I have always looked for opportunities to do that. Greater DC Cares was my first, big introduction to volunteer opportunities here in the DC area. I ...
Read MoreStandUp for Kids’ “48 Hours on the Streets” Campaign Calls the Nation to Action for Homeless Youth
April 8 2021
DECATUR, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After a break in 2020 because of COVID-19, StandUp for Kids (StandUp) announced that its 30th annual “48 Hours on the Streets” public service campaign will take place the last full weekend in April. A national non-profit youth advocacy and outreach organization, StandUp hopes this call to action will elevate awareness of youth homelessness and the dangers typically faced in the first two days without shelter, as well as increase volunteers and donations. As Greg Smith, StandUp for Kids former National Executive Director, explained, “Within the first 48 hours on the streets, a teen is approached by someone soliciting drugs, and one in three ...
Read MoreFemale Leaders at the Helm as StandUp for Kids Celebrates Women’s History Month
March 30 2021
DECATUR, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--StandUp for Kids (StandUp) is proud to celebrate the vital role women play in American history by announcing an all-female executive committee. This change in leadership advances its mission, bringing diversity, different perspectives and strong backgrounds to its Board, and represents what is culturally needed today. “We represent our kids more today than we did before. This will be instrumental in helping StandUp end youth homelessness,” said Greg Smith, former National Executive Director. He added, “This is the first time in our 30-year history that not only do we have a woman leading the Board, but the entire executive committee is ...
Read More
StandUp and Move Finishes as a Major Success
November 4 2020
StandUp and Move, a national virtual event that took place from October 8 through 12, 2020, attracted 275 participants, 340 donors, and 8 sponsors. After shattering our first goal of $50,000 before the event kicked off, we ended 19% over with proceeds totaling $59,605! As the first event of its kind to end the cycle of youth homelessness, all participants got to choose a time, distance, and location to move. And did they ever: They ran, walked, biked, wheeled, skated,danced, and they cheered others on. Today, thanks to this community of friends, StandUp for Kids is able to face the critical issue of youth homelessness a little bit ...
Read MoreJoin Our Virtual Run/Walk/Bike Event
September 12 2020
The work we do to help homeless youth across the country get back on their feet would not be possible without amazing volunteers and supporters like you. It’s because of your dedication that we have a 30-year history as a nationally-recognized organization fighting to end youth homelessness. To show our thanks, we’ve created a virtual run/walk/bike event that will unite us all together in a safe, healthy way for an important cause. Register or donate today to our first ever virtual nationwide event, StandUp and MOVE, taking place across the country October 8 through 12, 2020. Register to MOVE! This virtual event is like no other. You will ...
Read MoreSeeking a National Development Director
July 13 2020
Our national office is currently hiring a Development Director! BASICS Direct Supervision: National Executive Director Supervises: Contract Resources/Intern/Volunteers, as appropriate Status: Full Time, 40 hours per week, exempt from overtime Location: Decatur, GA National Office/Virtual Travel: Limited SUMMARY Our national nonprofit charitable organization is seeking to add a member to our Decatur, GA office to manage national fundraising efforts to help StandUp for Kids end the cycle of youth homelessness. The incumbent will do so by creating and adhering to a protocol for effective fundraising as well as time-limited action plans. The incumbent’s core priority will be to bolster ...
Read MoreOur Statement and Actions for Racial Equity
June 18 2020
StandUp for Kids proclaims that Black lives matter and commits to seven action steps. Where we come from In our thirty-year history, we are proud of showing unbiased hospitality to young people experiencing homelessness or at risk for becoming homeless: regardless of skin color, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, ability, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, documented status, or criminal record. We also train our volunteers, commensurate with our values: "respect the individual diversity, beliefs and decisions of each youth we serve,” and we condemn discrimination in any ...
Read MoreVolunteer Uses His Sub Shop To Serve Free Lunches During School Closure
March 19 2020
Zero's Subs Schools across Virginia will be closed for at least the next two weeks. Because many students get at least one meal at school, many people are left wondering: what are they going to do? The owner of a Virginia Beach restaurant is stepping up to the plate. Mark Stevens owns Zero’s Subs near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and his restaurant is within walking distance of Cooke Elementary School. When he heard about schools closing, he knew he had to help. “Right now, we’re making lunches, bagged lunches, for the kids that do not have food to eat,” Stevens said. “I had a concern about where these kids are going to find their next lunch because ...
Read MoreAn “Amazing Chance” for New Board Member
February 13 2020
StandUp for Kids is pleased to announce the addition of Laura Ann Smith to its volunteer Board of Directors. Laura Ann is a legal executive with considerable experience in working with boards of directors and management teams and advising on matters related to corporate governance, securities law, financing transactions, and sustainability. Laura Ann is currently Vice President, Assistant General Counsel – Corporate & Securities Law and Assistant Secretary of Tailored Brands Inc. She also serves as Vice Chairman of the Corporate and Securities Law Network of the Association of Corporate Counsel. What drew Laura Ann, in part, to StandUp for Kids was our service and commitment to ...
Read MoreLooking Back on 30 Years: Grover's Story
February 13 2020
Throughout the history of StandUp for Kids there exist numerous stories of homeless youth overcoming the barrier to success with the help of guidance and mentorship. One of those stories is that of Grover’s who first came into contact with StandUp for Kids in 1999. Life prior to reaching out to StandUp for Kids was cyclical for Grover. Each day was an exercise in futility with an emphasis on making it through the day in one piece. “Panhandle most of the day away for food and alcohol. Find a doorway to sleep in or a bridge to sleep under. Wash, rinse, repeat.” The moment of realization that a change was necessary for Grover came when he was arrested and placed into ...
Read MoreDuckie's Story and Denver Spotlights
January 31 2020
StandUp for Kids - Denver Yes, we are small, but we are mighty for sure and as the “Starfish story” (see below) goes...even if it’s just ONE, we’ve made a difference to THAT ONE...and sometimes that ONE has to be enough. How can it not be? If it were YOUR son or daughter, it would be enough for YOU. We have gotten the opportunity recently to step into the life of an 18-year-old named Angelique (who goes by Duckie. Read her story in her own words below) — ONLY because of the unwavering support from our donors, friends and supporters are we able to do any of what we do not only for her but for all the others out there that we love and try to make a ...
Read MoreKia Calls For Nationwide Blitz Against Youth Homelessness In Super Bowl Campaign
January 29 2020
News provided by Kia Motors America Kia Teams with Standout Rookie Running Back Josh Jacobs in 60-Second Spot Focused on Overcoming Adversity and Achieving the Impossible Dream Jacobs - who experienced homelessness growing up - gives his "younger self" valuable encouragement and advice For every yard gained during the big game, Kia's "Yards Against Homelessness" initiative will donate $1,000 to three charity partners dedicated to ending the issue of youth homelessness IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- What would you tell a younger you trying to make your way through the world? For Josh Jacobs, who rose from homelessness in middle school to football stardom, it is an inspiring ...
Read MoreKia Chooses StandUp for Kids for Big Game Campaign
January 27 2020
Kia Motors America has announced that their Big Game commercial this Sunday will address youth homelessness. What's more, the company has decided to give a major donation to StandUp for Kids and two other organizations caring for homeless youth in America! According to Kia, "This year, with more than 4.2 million young people experiencing homelessness in the U.S., the car company known to 'Give It Everything' will use its big game advertising platform to give back in a meaningful way. For every yard gained during the game, Kia will donate $1,000 to three charity partners dedicated to ending the issue of youth homelessness and transforming the lives of young people in ...
Read MoreJanuary is National Mentoring Month
January 22 2020
StandUp for Kids - National The arrival of the month of January brings with it a renewed focus on youth guidance and mentorship. Since its inception in 2002, National Mentoring Month is held each January highlighting the work that non-profit organizations, like StandUp for Kids, do for youth experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness across the United States. First founded in 1990 by volunteers in San Diego, StandUp for Kids was formed seeking to provide a support system for youth who are at-risk or experiencing homelessness to end the cycle of youth homelessness in their community. Today, it is a national non-profit charity that works closely with thousands of homeless ...
Read MoreMeet Brian
January 22 2020
StandUp for Kids - National Few stories are as emblematic of StandUp for Kids desire to positively impact the lives of homeless youth than that of Brian Haslip’s. Brian’s first interaction with StandUp for Kids came in 1995 when he was 15-years- old living on the streets of San Diego. Brian had come to California from Arkansas to live with his mother, but now found himself without a home. Volunteers from the local StandUp for Kids chapter came into contact with Brian and supplied him with food and hygiene products. StandUp for Kids also provided Brian with a means to contact his father. This was the ...
Read MoreAlabama
January 7 2020
StandUp for Kids - Orange County The end of 2019 marked another year in which StandUp for Kids was able to provide guidance and relief for homeless youth through providing resources and mentorship. Alabama was one of these individuals, who despite being dealt several obstacles, still managed to better her life and develop new skills that equip her for the challenges that come her way. Alabama's lengthy emotional journey of perseverance is atypical of someone of her young age. Originally from Tennessee, she sought an escape from an unstable home situation that featured parental drug use and moved to California. Her troubles would persist, however as the housing situation she found herself ...
Read MoreMaria Raquel Thomas is Our First Youth Ambassador
December 3 2019
Post updated 10/7/2020 to reflect Maria's new endeavors and current photograph. Maria “Ria” Raquel Thomas, a teenage entrepreneur, Youtuber and philanthropist, has been appointed our first National Youth Ambassador. When appointed, Ria said, "I am very honored to be appointed as a youth ambassador for StandUp for Kids. The organization is about helping homeless kids get off the street and get into programs that will help them better themselves. My goal is to spread the word to other young people about youth homelessness and what StandUp for Kids is doing to address this concern.” In 2020 Maria Raquel Thomas Cosmetics was born and her first lipgloss line sold out in ...
Read MoreSee you in San Antonio
September 22 2019
Starting Friday September 27, the entire StandUp for Kids family -- from outreach volunteers, local leaders, and executive directors, to donors, national board, and staff -- will convene in San Antonio, Texas for mark our 29th year, and partake in one very special National Conference. The theme of this year's conference is "Remember the Mission," evoking the neaerby Alamo Mission's cry. We thought it would be fitting to tie in local roots with our own mission of "ending the cycle of youth homelessness." For the young people we serve, their own plea for independence rings ever so loudly in our ears and mobilizes us to take action. Together at this national conference, we have the ability ...
Read MoreStandUp for Kids Appoints New National Development Director
August 28 2019
Colleen O’Neill joins StandUp for Kids with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, management and high-level development, community building and long-term partnership cultivation. Colleen also a has a strong personal tie to the mission, from childhood through working with high-risk youth. CHICAGO, IL – August 9, 2019 – StandUp for Kids is pleased to announce the hiring of Colleen O’Neill as National Development Director. Based in Chicago, Colleen brings more than twenty years of high-level fundraising, business development, and strategic planning experience, with proven growth of both grassroots and national organizations. With her strong ...
Read MoreA Silent Crisis
August 9 2019
By Dr. Stephanie Schneider For too many college students, worries about exams and research papers often take a back seat to finding a place to sleep. Studies on California campuses tell us that 4% of UC students, 12% of CSU students, and nearly 20% of community college students are either housing-insecure (not sure they if they will have housing in the near future) or are outright homeless – sleeping in their cars, on fellow students’ couches, or even in campus libraries. This means that in Orange County, over 20,000 students face these challenges each year. Students take many paths that lead to this situation. Some were homeless before college and were admitted without a ...
Read MoreStandUp for Kids Has a New Look
July 24 2019
After nearly thirty years of serving youth in need, we are thrilled to announce that the StandUp for Kids brand had a makeover! Youth-Centered Our new logo captures the awesome potential of young lives when they know care, feel loved, and have the support they need to move quickly from surviving to thriving. Youth are the heart of our organization, so it was important to convey that. The logo is youth-centered, energetic, and a clever evolution of our former look. Proud to be the Purple People Purple often represents wisdom or creativity. To the youth we serve, it represents safety, care, and support. Our kids often call volunteers the Purple People. Youth know they can trust them to get ...
Read MoreCongratulations On Graduating Kaustov!
May 23 2019
StandUp For Kids - AtlantaHe lost his father, then his mother, then their home. This week he graduated high school with the help of the StandUp For Kids Mentor Program. The program meets with homeless and at risk students in high schools across Atlanta, Gwinnett and Hall Counties in Georgia.
Read MoreHampton Roads Co-Executive Director nominated for Community Hero Award!
May 15 2019
StandUp For Kids - Hampton Roads Co-Executive Director Nicole Pixler was nominated for a Community Hero Award through Man City! After being nominated in January, along with thousands of others, the nominees were cut down to a few hundred in March, with Nicole making the cut. In April, they narrowed it down to three people, a man in the UK, a man in India and Nicole! Along with being an awesome Co-ED for Hampton Roads, Nicole is doing a great job getting the name StandUp for Kids internationally known!Here's what the Man City site has to say about Nicole:"Nicole has been volunteering since the age of fourteen and for the last three years has been working with StandUp For Kids Hampton ...
Read MoreCalling the Nation to Action with 48 Hours on the Streets
April 10 2019
For Immediate Release Contact: Juanita MitchellPhone: 404.954.6614juanitam@standupforkids.org STANDUP FOR KIDS CALLS THE NATION TO ACTIONIN “48 HOURS ON THE STREETS” CAMPAIGN FOR HOMELESS YOUTH Decatur, GA – April 10, 2019. The national non-profit youth advocacy and outreach organization StandUp For Kids will unite the nation with its annual “48 Hours On The Streets,” a call to action during the last weekend in April to raise awareness of youth homelessness and the particular dangers one faces in the first 48 hours without shelter. The campaign will begin on Friday, April 26 at 5pm and end on Sunday, April 28. According to Covenant House, about 40% of homeless ...
Read MoreTen Years Since First Volunteering, Sean Reflects On Quite A Path
March 27 2019
By Sean Dollard As an undergrad, I had the opportunity to volunteer with StandUp For Kids - Miami. I sought out the opportunity, in part, to remember that my day-to-day mental health challenges presented far fewer significant barriers than the folks we were serving. Many volunteers were peers and friends from the University of Miami and other local colleges. We would regularly gather at coffee shops or the library to reflect on our experience after street outreach or a mentoring session with youth experiencing homelessness. I remember freezing up on one occasion when it was my chance in our mentoring program to share about what it was like to attend college. The question was posed by a ...
Read MoreMonthly Giving Ensures Steady Support
March 21 2019
What is Monthly Giving? StandUp For Kids provides you with the opportunity to impact the lives of homeless youth in your community without having to dedicate any time from your busy schedule. The Monthly Giving Program allows you to choose the amount you wish to give, automatically receives it each month and immediately puts your donation to use to help children in need in your city and cities nationwide. Why is it important? With the help of our Monthly Giving Program, we were able to offer support and services to 53,929 youth in 2018 alone - as well as provide 29,501 meals, support 2,107 kids with first-time unduplicated services and deliver ...
Read More10 Thing You Can Do To Help
February 27 2019
Cook a meal – Youth in our program come to weekly meetings to receive support, mentoring, and a hot meal. We are always looking for people willing to cook or purchase a meal for one of our weekly meetings. Become a mentor – Getting kids off the street is only the first part of our mission. After that, we spend time with them each week to work through creating a resume, finding a job, building a budget, signing up for government programs as applicable, and just offering general support as they prepare for the future. Teach a skill – Help a group of high school-aged aspiring entrepreneurs or young adults looking for help getting started in a new career by ...
Read MoreICPH 2018 Year In Review
January 24 2019
The Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness (ICPH) recently released their 2018: Year in Review, summing up their topics and findings over the last year. Their focus on bringing data into visual and interactive forms has helped everyone learn more about education, health & well-being, housing & shelter, and community-specific issues faced by homeless children and families. Education The ICPH The United States of Homelessness interactive map allows anyone to see how the homeless problem is impacting their state and local communities. By combining state- and school district-level data on student homelessness across all 50 states, they’ve created a way to visually ...
Read MoreAnna's Story - Orange County
November 27 2018
Anna was born in Mexico and brought to the United States by her parents when she was six-years-old. She has no other home, but is now seeing progress in her efforts toward recovery, helping others, and formalizing her U.S. citizenship. “After my parents brought me, my brother and my sister here, we lived on the low-income side of town. I always did poorly in school, struggling with every subject. I started smoking weed at 12, and shortly after that I started drinking. Both of my parents worked constantly and never noticed. At 16, my drug use progressed, and after trying meth things went downhill fast. My parents kicked me out of the house. “At that point I realized I needed to ...
Read MoreCommunities Leading By Example
November 9 2018
By Ryan Kincaid As election season has come and gone, we often find ourselves wondering, “What’s next?” In the case of StandUp For Kids, a very important proposition was passed this past Tuesday. Our mission is well documented; we strive to prevent youth homelessness. However, we certainly can’t do it alone. This is why dedicated support systems are imperative to our organization and its mission. In addition to our valued donors, we also often need a little additional help from the state legislature. In last week’s election, California’s Proposition 2 was passed with a heavy majority. Proposition 2 is essentially a continuation of 2016’s Proposition ...
Read MoreMeet Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Brian Haslip
October 25 2018
By Vanity Robinson The longevity of volunteers and staff allows StandUp For Kids to serve our youth with incomparable levels of trust in local communities across the country. Few organizations can compare with our track record of longevity. At the 2018 StandUp For Kids Conference, hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, we present our most prestigious award to someone who served for a minimum of 15 years and enhances the reputation and prestige of StandUp For Kids through exceptional leadership and service to the organization and the greater community. This award is officially the “Terilyn Burg Lifetime Achievement Award,” so named by the Board after our longest standing volunteer, Ms. Teri ...
Read MoreMeet our Programs of the Year!
October 24 2018
By Vanity Robinson At the 2018 StandUp For Kids national conference, hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, the awards committee sifted through nominations from executive directors around the country for to present four different awards, including Program of the Year (see recent posts in our blog detailing other awardees) This year, StandUp For Kids honored three of our 18 programs nationwide that particularly excelled through strong volunteer recruitment and engagement, dedicated and stable leadership teams, the development of effective and consistent services to youth, timely correspondence to the national team and general public, and exemplary collaboration with -- or generosity towards -- other ...
Read MoreAnnouncing Our 2018 Guardian of the Year Award Winners
October 23 2018
by Vanity Robinson At the 2018 StandUp For Kids National Conference, hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, we proudly presented nine national awards in four different categories. Read more about the Rookie of the Year winners and stay tuned to our blog for more.The Guardian of the Year award is presented to two individuals, teams, or organizations that have given exemplarily and generously of time, talent and/or financial contribution to ensure the sustainability of the StandUp For Kids mission. The first winner was Rob Lindo of Silicon Valley. Rob Lindo is a volunteer of StandUp For Kids, and General Counsel for Casino M8trix. His nominator writes, “He fights for our cause and worked to ...
Read MoreAnnouncing Our 2018 Rookie Of The Year Award Winners
October 15 2018
By Vanity Robinson At the 2018 StandUp For Kids National Conference, hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, we proudly presented nine national awards in four different categories. Executive directors were invited to consult with their teams, and delve into their memories and relationships with programs across the country to submit nominations which were reviewed by the award committee. The first category was the Rookie of the Year award. This award was presented to volunteers or staff members who began service within the past year, as well as any person who began a new position within the past year, whether they worked directly with youth or in other program capacities. Awardees must exhibit ...
Read MoreMeet Clara, Our New Accounting Clerk
September 24 2018
Meet Clara Barton, our new Accounting Clerk. She started working with us at the National Office last week. Learn more about her in her own words below. Why did you choose StandUp For Kids? I choose to serve at StandUp For Kids to make a difference in the lives of homeless youth, and to impact their lives in such a way that it alters the course of a child/young adult’s future for the better, thus changing the cycle of homelessness. What excites you about helping to end the cycle of youth homelessness? It’s exciting to know that with our combined efforts we will impact the lives of future generations. What do you hope to bring to the Accounting Clerk position? I hope to ...
Read MoreMeet Kyndall, Our New Development Coordinator
September 18 2018
Meet Kyndall Thiessen. She's our new Development Coordinator and she starts work at our National Office this week. Learn more about her in her own words below. Why did you choose StandUp For Kids? I started my career in child advocacy, so I have always had a passion for working with youth. What really drew me to StandUp For Kids was its grassroots, volunteer-based model. I sensed that the people involved in the organization were dedicated to its mission and to the youth it serves, so I was excited to be a part of that team. What excites you about helping to end the cycle of youth homelessness? I am excited about learning the various factors that contribute to the cycle of youth ...
Read MoreOur National Conference is Less Than a Month Away!
August 31 2018
The StandUp For Kids National Conference is a highlight of the year, and something you will remember for the rest of your life. It is the biggest effort to bring us together and serve under one big banner. The location of our 2018 conference location will be Atlanta, Georgia, and will run from Friday, September 28 through Sunday September 30. The energy, the excitement, the connections, and the skills are just too important to pass up! Details: Agenda and registration: Find this info at standupforkids.org/conference. Registration closes September 10. Conference location: The American Hotel, located in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The $149/night room block must be booked by September ...
Read MoreThe Cost of an Education: Homeless College Students
August 12 2018
It’s the homeless issue we perhaps talk about least. Students.By Zack Johnston What was once a humorous stereotype has become a stark reality for many young people trying to create a positive change for their futures. The starving college student archetype is no laughing matter, as thousands of students across the country struggle with housing and food insecurity. One in ten California State University students experienced some form of homelessness in 2017, according to a study conducted by the university system. While some of us had the financial support of our parents to help us get through college, others are struggling to cover the costs on their own while affording food and a ...
Read MoreStandUp For Kids 2017 Annual Report
July 26 2018
Our 2017 Annual Report is now available to view or download on our website. "Our central responsibility is to our nation’s young people faced with homelessness, whether temporary or longer term. No matter the circumstances that got them there. No matter the work that needs to be done to help them transition into safe, stable chapters of their lives. We are deeply humbled by this responsibility, and held fiercely to it through the political tumult of 2017. When some of our youth felt unwelcome, we stood taller to welcome them." - Eddy Ameen, Board Chair See more stats and info about our 2017 by downloading our annual report.
Read MoreStandUp For Kids Staff Spotlight
July 16 2018
Meet Our Staff: Denisze Zermeno By: Zack Johnston One of StandUp For Kids' newest staff members in Orange County, California is quickly on her way to becoming one of its most valued. Denisze Zermeno is the site coordinator for the Anaheim mentoring and S.T.E.M. programs. She started that position in June after a four-month mentoring internship in Huntington Beach. Her volunteering experience includes other non-profits and working with elementary and preschool students, but working with StandUp For Kids has offered her something more. When she was first getting started, she worked closely with another StandUp mentor, Brittany, who showed her things like conducting intakes and street ...
Read MoreWe're hiring in our National Office
July 12 2018
Are you interested in working at the StandUp For Kids National Office in Decatur, Georgia? Join our small but mighty team that is led by our mission to end the cycle of youth homelessness, one youth at a time. We are currently hiring for two positions, a full-time development coordinator and a part-time accounting clerk. Positions filled as of 9/17/18. No new applications are being accepted. Thank you for your interest. Development Coordinator Will report to the Board Fundraising Committee with functional supervision from the national finance director. This newly created position is a full-time position. Work will be performed in our Decatur office, with occasional local travel for ...
Read MoreThe Battle for L.A.'s Plan to End Homelessness
July 11 2018
The battle for L.A.'s plan to end homelessness By Zack Johnston It’s the city versus its citizens. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and other city officials are on a mission to end the growing homeless crisis, but some L.A. residents disapprove of how that mission is being carried out. Earlier this year Mayor Garcetti introduced his Bridge Home initiative, a comprehensive plan to build an emergency shelter in all 15 city council districts. The mayor’s 2018-19 budget allocates $20 million to construct these shelters, and the plan includes additional sanitation services that will go toward areas near the new shelters. In a unanimous vote on June 29, the L.A. City Council ...
Read MoreJoin StandUp For Kids - San Diego New Volunteer Training!
June 22 2018
StandUp For Kids - San Diego has scheduled our next volunteer training. Saturday July 7, 20181:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Our drop in center is open 6 nights a week (Sunday – Friday) If you are available on one of those nights (weekly) from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., we would love to have you as a volunteer. You must be 18 years old to volunteer. Additionally you'll be filling out paperwork for a background check as we are working with at risk youth. The BI check and t-shirt is $20 and we accept cash or check. Please make out checks to StandUp For Kids. For cash, please have exact change as we do not carry cash at the center. StandUp For Kids - San Diego ...
Read More3 Key Homelessness Updates in the U.S. This Week
June 20 2018
By Zack Johnston The Western United States is experiencing some of the worst homelessness in decades, and we don’t seem to be finding a solution anytime soon. But thanks to the recent work of dedicated organizations and some passionate legislators, more and more people will get the help they need to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Homeless job training programs A London-based organization that supplies job training and employment is making its way to the U.S. Change Please is a startup that trains homeless individuals as baristas and employs them at their mobile and permanent coffee shops, according to the Huffington Post. Change Please was recently awarded $350,000 from ...
Read MoreJimmy's Letter to You
May 22 2018
Dear StandUp For Kids supporters, My name is Jimmy. I am 24 years old and have been homeless in Worcester off and on since I was 15 years old – that’s when my dad left us and my mother could not support my younger sister, brother, and I. So, my siblings and I have been fending for ourselves. I have lived in many places unfit for humans – a semi-trailer, in wooded areas – and in situations that have turned unfriendly, even violent. At age 20, I was surviving by working odd jobs for friends and strangers. Then I met outreach counselors who told me about the StandUp For Kids Outreach Center. At first, I was hesitant to go, but when I did, I was given a warm meal, ...
Read MoreStandUp For Kids Kicks Off 28th Annual 48 Hours On The Streets
April 16 2018
Atlanta, GA – For nearly three decades, StandUp For Kids, a national non-profit youth advocacy and outreach organization, has been on the streets and changing lives. Today it announced its 28th annual “48 Hours On The Streets” campaign to elevate community awareness of youth homelessness, and the heightened risks present in the first two days without shelter. In communities across the country, trained volunteers walk the streets, parks, alleys, abandoned buildings and other squatting areas in search of young people experiencing homelessness between the ages of 12 and 24. The campaign begins on Friday, April 27 at 5pm and end on Sunday, April 29 with a goal to raise ...
Read MoreLoyal Supporters Make The Denver Program Possible
April 15 2018
Our StandUp For Kids - Denver Chapter is incredibly blessed! Although we have a small amount of volunteers, the number of youth we serve every Sunday is huge! We are 100% street based, meaning we have no drop-in center or inside space of any kind. There is no "Plan B" for Sunday dinners if the weather is not favorable or other issues arise. We always meet our youth where they are, which is outside, without a roof or any place to call home. We try to provide some sense of "home" in the most basic sense by providing a consistent presence, a shoulder to cry on, ears to listen and hearts that love them unconditionally, not to mention nourishing food. A big part of what we do is provide 4 ...
Read MoreSarah's Story: A Volunteer That's Been There
March 15 2018
I missed school a lot from a young age. When I was in elementary school, I remember missing over a year of school because my family was dealing with a huge tragedy and homelessness. My mom raised me by herself and there was never a stable place for us. She tried her best to stay away from drugs and get whatever money she could so we could eat and have a place to stay whether it would be at her friends or a hotel. I remember us staying at her friend’s house sharing the couch for about a year, living in a cheap hotel and sometimes having to sleep in the car. Meet Sarah, a StandUp For Kids Volunteer It seemed so normal to me that this was my life. At the same time, it was ...
Read MoreLook What We Did Together in 2017
January 25 2018
A year of highlights from Eddy Ameen, PhD, National Board Chair Your support and involvement in our mission has helped make 2017 a standout year for StandUp For Kids. Our central responsibility is to our nation’s young people faced with homelessness, whether temporary or longer term. No matter the circumstances that got them there. No matter the work that needs to be done to help them transition them into safe, stable chapters of their lives. We are deeply humbled by this responsibility, and held fiercely to it through the political tumult of 2017. When some of our youth felt unwelcome, we stood taller to welcome them. In 2017, we worked with over 2,200 youth for the first ...
Read MoreMichelle's Story: A Life Reset
January 19 2018
Michelle "Beautiful" was in a bad place. Homeless on and off for more than four years, Michelle knew she needed help both emotionally and physically. Then she met the volunteers at StandUp For Kids - Houston."They helped me with the proper nutrition as well as school and employment opportunities," says Michelle. "They gave me the support I needed to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle." Now more than five years later, Michelle has really turned her life around. She's earned her high school diploma and cosmetology license as well as other job permits and skills. Currently, she is employed as a home health care aide while going to school to earn a two-year business management ...
Read MoreStandUp Volunteer Spotlight
January 19 2018
Carmen ByronStandUp For Kids - Atlanta What motivated you to take action and get more involved with the Street Outreach and School Mentoring programs in Atlanta? I've always had a passion for helping others. Kids especially. Throughout college, my working on the weekends and class during the week made for that purpose a little harder to achieve. But since I've graduated, I've been kicking things into high gear trying to make a difference in every way I can. I just feel that if you're able to do something, you should do it. Identify the most valuable lesson or experience that has changed your perspective about youth homelessness while volunteering for StandUp. The most valuable lesson ...
Read MoreDecember Roundup of New Resources and Data on Youth Homelessness
December 24 2017
Here are some of the newest and highest-quality resources, data, and professional development opportunities that I've pulled together on youth homelessness from some of the tremendous organizations and thinkers I know. Let me know if you have a resource you'd like me to highlight in my next roundup in 2018. In peace, Eddy Ameen, PhD, National Board Chair Data and Trends Tent City USA: What we know about tent encampments across the country Nationwide Point-in-Time Counts, 2017 -- There were an estimated 40,799 unaccompanied youth under the age of 25 on one night! Seems high? Of course - but it is still likely an undercount. The importance of examining race in ...
Read MoreHelp StandUp For Kids raise $7500 on #GivingTuesday
November 27 2017
There's a trifecta of shopping days right after Thanksgiving. First comes Black Friday, then Cyber Monday and then comes a day you might not be as familiar with -- #GivingTuesday! What's #GivingTuesday? It's a national movement! A global day of giving powered by social media and collaboration. As part of #GivingTuesday, StandUp For Kids has set a goal to raise $7,500 to bolster our nationwide outreach and training for next year. $7,500 may not sound like much, but StandUp For Kids can make it go a long way. With just $7,500, we could buy: 365 nights of shelter 300 teens a 14-day bus pass so they can look for work 150 kids five hygiene supplies each 100 ...
Read MoreIn 3 Years, Irene Has Helped 1200 Youth
November 22 2017
Volunteer Spotlight If given the opportunity to help youth experiencing homelessness, how far would you be willing to go? How many hours would you be willing to put in to make sure homeless youth are safe? Meet Irene. She has volunteered with our program in Olympia for three years. Irene travels two hours, three days a week to conduct street outreach with our youth to make sure they feel safe and have their basic needs met. Danny Burkett, Olympia’s Executive Director says, “Irene has been a great asset to the team. When I first became the Executive Director, she was quick to help by taking on many hats. It was a stressful transition for us all, but she has such a big heart ...
Read MoreOn #GivingTuesday Help StandUp for Kids and End the Cycle of Youth Homelessness
November 17 2017
No children should ever have to endure youth homelessness. Here are a few different ways you can support StandUp for Kids this #GivingTuesday! Give $5, Get 5 Friends On #GivingTuesday we will ask a supporter to donate $5 to our cause and then post about the donation to their social media, tag five of their friends, and ask them to match the gift https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/sufkgivingtuesday Make Giving Tuesday Happen Every Month #GivingTuesday comes but once a year, but you can make your gift last all year long by choosing to make a recurring donation here: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/sufkmonthlygive Buy Us a Cup of Coffee How many ...
Read MoreGroundbreaking Study: One in Ten Young Adults Experience Homelessness During One Year
November 15 2017
An important press release from our colleagues at Chapin Hall's Voices of Youth Count: WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2017 – A groundbreaking study released today by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago reveals one in 10 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, and at least one in 30 adolescents between the age of 13 and 17 experience some form of homelessness over the course of a year. This study captures youth homelessness broadly, including situations such as sleeping on the streets, in shelters, running away, and couch surfing. Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America demonstrates the diverse circumstances of young people who experience ...
Read MoreDezerae's Journey
October 31 2017
Take a journey with Dezerae, who at thirteen years old was living on the streets. She was just trying to survive on her own. Hungry, scared, and always fearing for her life, until she met the volunteers at StandUp For Kids.
Read MorePrivileges of the Housed (Part 1)
October 25 2017
Exploring the benefits of not being homeless. How often do you think about the privileges of simply having a roof over your head? A few years ago, some of our volunteers, trainers, and formerly homeless youth* catalogued those privileges into a list of 42. Today, we present half that list. They truly are an exploration of the benefits of NOT being homeless. And we use them as part of our training exercises for new volunteers. After volunteers read this list, the mood is generally very somber, while the conversations are often raw. We find that it builds empathy by helping volunteers understand what a youth we work with might have to face on a daily basis. ...
Read MoreWe Heart Federal Workers: CFC Open Season is Here
October 22 2017
It's true! We have so much love for people who work in the public sector and choose to go even further by donating to StandUp For Kids. We are honored to be part of the Combined Federal Campaign, a federal employee and retiree 'workplace giving' program that prioritizes employee choice, convenience through payroll deduction, and accountability in only the most repuptable of charitable causes. After many years, we continue to be an approved CFC charity. Our participation is managed through America's Charities, which blogged about us recently. We have recognition from several U.S. Presidential administrations. And what's ...
Read MoreFour Award Winners Announced at our 2017 National Conference
October 16 2017
Volunteers, staff, youth representatives, and board members from all across the U.S. gathered in Tucson for our national conference October 6-8, 2017. The conference theme was "Raising A.R.I.Z.O.N.A." for Awareness, Respect, Inspiration, Zero Stigma, Ongoing Support, National Concern, and Attention to the Plight of our Youth. The Tucson program hosted the conference. With input from the Executive Director Advisory Council, the conference featured some tremendous sessions, not only to share best practices and do hands-on outreach, but also to focus on raising leadership capacities and technical skills to meet the complex mental health needs of our youth. An annual tradition at our ...
Read MoreA Huge Week for One of Our Executive Directors!
September 24 2017
Congratulations to Michele Huntzinger, Executive Director of StandUp For Kids - Silicon Valley, for winning the San Francisco Giants’ Isabelle Lemon Community Spirit Award! "It was a big week for Michele Huntzinger. The San Jose resident and executive director of StandUp for Kids-Silicon Valley was honored as the winner of the San Francisco Giants’ Isabelle Lemon Community Spirit Award on Tuesday during a pre-game ceremony at AT&T Park. The award recognizes a volunteer who exemplifies the commitment to community service and “can-do” spirit of Lemon, a Giants Community Fund board member and former promotions manager for ...
Read MoreWhy Alejandra Loves StandUp For Kids
September 21 2017
"They are here to help with our personal needs, school needs, and to guide us when we have don't have anybody on our side."
Read MoreA Small yet Mighty Team in Denver
September 20 2017
By Maureen McPadden Here in Denver, Colorado, we do street outreach most Tuesdays year round. We go out and connect with youth, catch up, and provide needed gear and supplies, shoulders to lean on, and hearts to listen. We provide healthy, 3-4 course dinners every single Sunday of every week, rain, snow, or shine. We are 100%-street based, so we go wherever youth are, with no inside facility or gathering place and no "Plan B" when it comes to providing our services. Our amazing donors sign up months in advance to provide these meals. I have been with the Denver program of StandUp For Kids for six years, and executive director for four of those. My daughter, Rheala Melesio, is ...
Read MoreStandUp For Kids Resources on DACA
December 4 2017
This post is being updated regularly since appearing September 6. "If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much" - Marian Wright Edelman SInce 1990, our work has been about supporting any unaccompanied young person under the stars who experiences homelessness. We were "low-barrier" before it was a phrase, affirming and celebrating youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, races, ethnicities, colors, ancestries, abilities, languages, citizenships, and nationalities. We do not believe any youth is illegal. We do not believe any youth is "the problem." Practicing radical acceptance, we believe in the potential of every ...
Read MoreCheck Out Our 2016 Annual Report
September 1 2017
We have compiled information about our services, impact, and supporters for the 2016 fiscal year, and assembled it into our 2016 Annual Report. We hope you'll check it out. We could not do the work we do without people like you.
Read MoreNational Innovation and Research Roundup
September 4 2017
By Eddy Ameen, PhD, National Board Chair It might sound strange, but I love how many email lists I subscribe to! I find it the best way for me to stay in the know about youth homlessness nationally. Luckily for my colleagues, I don't forward everything I read; however, when I amass a curated collection of the best new links, I send them off to our executive directors across the country. For the first time, I am sharing these links on our blog, too, in the hopes that the information you see will move you, educate you, and inspire you to deepen your involvement. Shout-outs To our local programs in the news! Atlanta, Chicago, and Oceanside ...
Read MoreA Moving Letter Reveals Her Reason for Volunteering
August 24 2017
From Jessica Lizardi, National Board Member 2015-2017 I started volunteering in the StandUp For Kids - Detroit program while I was in graduate school, over ten years ago. I began as a street outreach counselor three nights a week. After a short while, I was asked to "step up" to become a co-executive director, to help to grow and expand the fledgling Detroit program. I took the baton with no hesitation. The need was too great, the cause too important. In 2008, StandUp For Kids - Detroit went on to develop the first ever foster-care outreach program, and later that year, our proudly chapter received the Program of the Year award. Those years working on the streets ...
Read MoreWelcome New Board Members!
July 23 2017
Click here to learn more about Elizabeth, Robert, and Nikki. On behalf of everyone at StandUp For Kids, we would like to thank them for their service!
Read MoreA Special Message From Our Board Chair
July 26 2017
Click on the video above to find out why Eddy gives monthly. Will you join Eddy and become a Champion For Youth with a monthly gift? Thank you!
Read More48 Hours All Across the Nation
May 25 2017
From April 28-30, 2017, our local teams across the country did it again! They conducted Street Outreach, kept Outreach Center doors open, assisted youth, and spent quality time with the kids & fellow volunteers for a full 48 hours. 48 Hours is an annual StandUp For Kids tradition that represents our creative spirit and tireless desire to protect people from predatory harm - in which newly homeless youth are statistically most vulnerable in these first 48 hours. Thank you to all programs, volunteers, youth, and donors that participated!
Read MoreAn Old Car Becomes a New Lease on Life
May 25 2017
StandUp For Kids recently launched a fundraising Vehicle Donation Program through Donation Line, LLC, a car donation processing organization. Individuals can donate vehicles of all sorts to StandUp For Kids and receive a tax deduction. Donation Line, LLC acts as an administrative agent and handles all arrangements between the donor and an auction or salvage company that picks up the vehicle – anywhere in the US at no cost and no hassle. For more information on this program, visit our in-kind donation page. A huge thank you to Ms. Lilia Dudas for donating our first car under this new program. StandUp For Kids would like to express our sincere gratitude for her support and ...
Read MoreInterview with StandUp For Kids Chair of National Board, Dr. Eddy Ameen
April 24 2017
Mike Zelnio, Former Board Chair (left) and Eddy Ameen, Board Chair (right) presenting our vision statement at our 2016 National Conference. StandUp For Kids is proud to be a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that helps children and young adults maximize their full potential. Our organization runs on volunteer power, and the amazing impact it makes is often thanks to people like Dr. Eddy Ameen, chair of the National Board. After spending his childhood in Rhode Island, Ameen first began working with StandUp For Kids ten years ago while earning his doctorate in psychology at the University of Miami. His first experience with the program involved performing street outreaches, ...
Read MoreNew Study Finds One in Five Homeless Youth Are Trafficked
April 18 2017
From our colleagues at the National Network for Youth: "Yesterday, Covenant House International and The Field Center for Children's Policy, Practice and Research hosted a Research Conference on Human Trafficking to release findings from the largest-ever combined sample of homeless youth in the United States and Canada. This research found that one-fifth of surveyed homeless youth were victims of trafficking - either sex, labor or both. Other key findings include: 14% were sex trafficked, applying the U.S. federal definition of trafficking 8% were trafficked for other forced labor 3% of youth were both sex and labor trafficked LGBTQ youth accounted ...
Read MoreOur Annual 48 Hours Event Kicks Off April 28th
April 17 2017
StandUp For Kids will kick off its annual “48 Hours” outreach and community awareness events. Outreach where trained volunteers walk the streets, parks, alleys, abandoned buildings and other squatting areas in search of kids in need. The event will start on Friday, April 28 - Sunday, April 30, 2017. During these 48 hours, homeless youth will be provided hot meals, a place to shower, clothing, medical attention and other support services and other support services. In additional to searching and aiding teens during this two-day period, some of our program will also conduct fund-raising activities to raise money and collect donations-in-kind to better serve its deeds. One of ...
Read MoreCheck out the new StandUp For Kids PSA
April 12 2017
Many thanks to one of Orange County's talented volunteers for helping us improve the lives of all homeless and otherwise vulnerable young people, with special attention here to trafficked youth. Reality can be harsh, but programs like ours make a big difference.
Read More2017 Viewbook Now Available
April 11 2017
We are happy to announce that our 2017 StandUp For Kids National Viewbook is now available. Learn more about our history, programs, 2016 progress and impact by clicking here! Here's a sample page from the Viewbook:
Read MoreStandUp For Kids Gets Extreme Makeover
April 10 2017
By Justine Palmore Great news! Our online home at www.standupforkids.org has had an extreme makeover. We just launched an entirely new website to better serve our homeless youth community. It’s our gift to our youth, as well as our programs, donors, volunteers, and policymakers. Volunteer leaders, staff and donors complained about the old site, especially how hard it was to find information and to navigate. We agreed! The old technology made it difficult to view on your phone. They also shared ideas for things they would like to see on a new website. We listened! We are confident that you will find the new site to be a huge improvement. Here’s what you can now do on the new ...
Read MoreBuy This Bracelet to Help Raise Awareness
March 29 2017
Raise awareness by purchasing a bracelet for National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month! For a limited time, choose your favorite color of this beautiful heart shaped bracelet and a portion of the proceeds will go to StandUp For Kids. Just click on the image, or here, to order on Amazon! Don't forget that you can choose StandUp For Kids as your charity at smile.amazon.com. Once you choose us, StandUp For Kids will get a portion of the proceeds from every singly purchase that you make at AmazonSmile.
Read MoreCommunity College Students Struggling with Hunger, Homelessness
March 24 2017
By Alicia Neaves, KENS5 Eyewitness NewsClick here to read the story on the KENS5 website SAN ANTONIO - A recent national study highlights the level of hunger and homelessness in our youth, more specifically students attending community college. The Wisconsin HOPE Lab surveyed more than 33,000 students at 70 community colleges in 24 states, including San Antonio College. They found that 2 in 3 students attending community college are food insecure, about half are housing insecure, and 13 to 14 percent are homeless. KENS 5 spoke with one former student who experienced the struggle firsthand. "I slept outside in the courtyard," said 25-year-old Jon-Mycheal Day, referring to ...
Read MoreWe Believe in Housing Not Handcuffs
March 22 2017
StandUp For Kids proudly endorses the Housing Not Handcuffs campaign. "In order to end the crisis of homelessness, the criminalization of homelessness must end immediately. All persons experiencing homelessness should instead have access to affordable housing, education, health care, employment, income, and other opportunities and services that allow all to live with dignity. These are the only solutions to the crisis of homelessness from a moral, legal, fiscal, and policy perspective." The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty and over 100 organizations - including StandUp For Kids - have helped launched the Housing Not Handcuffs ...
Read More