Spectrum Youth and Family Services
The Spectrum shelter helped me out so much. It led to so many other things. Spectrum worked with me to get a stable place to live. They helped me find a job. I got my GED. Spectrum staff threw a graduation party for me. They supported me when I had some hard times - And they helped me find healthy and positive hobbies. Without Spectrum, I don't know where I would be today. They saved my life and helped me open my eyes and realize how much was out there for me.
Drop-In Center
Our Drop-In Center is a safe place for young people to eat a meal, use the telephone, do laundry, get clothing, or take a shower. Along with Street Outreach, this is how many youth are introduced to Spectrum and begin to access our services.
Drop-In is led by a Coordinator and staffed by Peer Outreach Workers (POWS!), and AmeriCorps service workers. Drop-In staff plan and facilitate services and activities for youth to improve their level of self-sufficiency.
These services may include like-skills groups, job training class, cooking and grocery shopping, drivers education, and other topics based on the needs of the youth. Peer Outreach Workers help run the Drop-In providing informal counseling, setting goals, and referring youth to other Spectrum services.
In 2009, more than 480 youth were helped and over 10,000 meals were served in Spectrum's Drop-In Center.
Our current wish list for youth that come through our Drop-In Center and who we help through Street Outreach is below. Many thanks for considering a donation to help meet our needs. If you would like to drop off a donation, please stop by our Drop-In Center on Sunday or Tuesday, from 10:00am-12:00pm. Thank you.
Current needs:
-Granola Bars (for Street Outreach)
-Combs (small and large toothed)
-Deodorant (travel size)
-New Socks (crew, all sizes)
-Sleeping bags
-Tents
-Bug Spray (travel size)
-Sunscreen (travel size)
-Belts (leather or cloth web, all sizes)
-Can openers (pocket or travel size)
-Sewing Kits (pocket or travel size)
-New underwear, boxers (all sizes)
-Rain ponchos
-Backpacks
-New underwear, boxers (all sizes)
-Rain ponchos
-Backpacks
*We are unable to accept clothes donations at this time.
Spectrum Youth and Family Services | 31 Elmwood Ave, Burlington, VT
Phone 802.864.7423 | Email info@spectrumvt.org