There are hundreds of homeless youth in Omaha. And many of them have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. Without proper support and guidance, these vulnerable adolescents cannot succeed independently, and will likely fall into the cycle of homelessness as adults.
Youth Emergency Services (YES) helps these youth in crisis get back on their feet in whatever way possible. Their services range from basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and safety, to helping youth find ways to flourish.
Girls for Africa had heard of the YES Emergency Shelter and, knowing how challenging it can be growing without many resources, they wanted to help.
Many of the youth at the YES Shelter end up there after running away or getting kicked out of their home. It can be a traumatic experience, and they often bring little to nothing with them. So the girls wanted to help ease their transition by providing them with some essential household items – and some ways to relax.
We helped the girls purchase art materials, coloring books, journals, pens, pots and pans, laundry baskets, detergent, personal hygiene items, clothes, and warm socks.
We asked Belinda, who runs the shelter, what the reaction among the youth will be when they see the gifts. “Oh believe, me,” she said. “They’ll be jumping up and down!”
The girls want to be sure that their work gives back to not only the South Sudanese refugee community, but the larger Omaha community. This project is a first step in that direction, giving back to a group of people in the same age group who have faced their set of challenges, too.
