Who is Spectrum?

Spectrum is a nationally recognized leader in homeless youth programs.  We have been offering shelter and community to Vermont's homeless and at-risk youth, and their families, for 41 years.

In 1970, a group of community members wanted to start a shelter that would house the growing number of at-risk youth who were running away from their foster homes. The Burlington Ecumenical Action Ministry (BEAM) teamed up with this group of concerned citizens to found SHAC, which stood for Shelter Action and later became known as Spectrum Youth & Family Services.

Spectrum has continued to grow and now offers an extensive range of crucial services for youth in our community. In 2009, Spectrum was nationally recognized as the Agency of the Year by the National Network for Youth.

Spectrum One Stop (SOS), our flagship program, is located a block from the top of Church Street in downtown Burlington – where all of our services are under one roof. Our doors are open 7 days a week at the SOS, where we provide youth in need with the most essential basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter.

What services does Spectrum provide? 

Spectrum provides a continuum of services ranging from counseling to mentoring to residential living programs.  Our work with each client is tailored to the needs of the individual.  We offer:

                        - Counseling

                        - Drop-In Center

                        - Health Clinic

                        - Jump On Board for Success (JOBS)

                        - Mentoring

                        - Street Outreach

                        - Residential Programs

                        - Violence Intervention and Prevention Program

                        - Youth & Family Wellness Project

                        - Youth Development Program

                        - Youth in Transition (YIT)

How does Spectrum help?

We work one-on-one with each young person (ages 14-21) that walks through our doors. Our philosophy is never to give up; we are their advocates, and we give youth first chances, second chances, and third chances.

"Spectrum has developed the ability to meet young people where they are, with the help they need most, and gives them a way to move successfully to the next level, until they are ready to make it in the community.”  –Spectrum donor