The Street Outreach Team is Changing Lives—One Relationship at a Time

What happens when a group of dedicated employees, armed with compassion and a fierce dedication to helping young people in need, hit the streets? You get Community Youth Services (CYS) Street Outreach team—a group of caring individuals who change lives and make a difference daily. We recently spoke with Derek Harris, Chief Executive Officer of CYS, about the incredible work of Street Outreach and the powerful impact they are having on the lives of the young people they serve.

According to Derek, Street Outreach teams are comprised of two to three individuals dedicated to reaching out to young people in need right where they are. They engage with encampments or schools and reach out to those experiencing houselessness. These caring professionals provide more than just warm clothing and brief assessments—they build authentic and lasting relationships, forming a vital foundation of trust with the young people they encounter.

Through this trust, they can connect young people with the services to help them achieve a brighter tomorrow. “Street Outreach is a critical link between youth in need and the services that can help them achieve stability and success,” said Derek.

Street Outreach is the First Step

Derek emphasized that Street Outreach is the first step on a young person’s journey toward finding stability and hope for a better future. Sometimes, they help youth reunite with friends or family and get on the coordinated entry list for young adult housing.

With a focus on empowering young people to take control of their own service plan, Street Outreach works tirelessly to identify each individual’s strengths, barriers and presenting issues. Through the support and guidance of a dedicated case manager, these young people work to achieve their goals and build a brighter future for themselves.

The Role of Integrated Care

Integrated care is vital to helping young people achieve stability and success. “By combining basic needs services with more specialized support, such as substance use disorder treatment, we can provide young people with a holistic approach to care that addresses all aspects of their lives,” he said.

Derek explained that integrated care allows them to provide a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to care, bringing together various services to help young people overcome their challenges. Addressing the underlying issues contributing to their struggles can help these youth build a foundation for lasting success.

At its core, integrated care is about recognizing that every young person is unique and has individual needs. By addressing these needs, CYS can help them overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential.

Through the work of Street Outreach and integrated care, CYS is changing the lives of young people every day. Derek emphasized that this work is not easy but incredibly rewarding. “It’s a tough job, but when you see the progress that these young people make, it’s worth it,” he said. “We believe every young person deserves a chance to succeed, and we’re here to help them make that happen.”