The mission of our Children and Youth Services programs is to break the generational cycle of homelessness by partnering with parents to support children’s academic success, stability, and well-being.
Simpson’s approach to working with families is strengths-based, responsive, and holistic. All parents in our program work directly with a Family Support Specialist who focus on locating and retaining stable, affordable housing, as well as attaining personal goals related to financial stability, education, or employment. Family Support Specialists help connect parents to our Children and Youth Services Programs. The Education Support Specialist helps families navigate the school system, support parent-child relationships, and connect to other resources that support the wellbeing of young people.
Simpson’s dual focus on family support and children’s programming is unique among organizations providing services to families experiencing homelessness:
Early Childhood Home Visiting supports the healthy development of very young children through a culturally responsive, evidence-based curriculum. Support during this critical time sets families and children up for success later in life. Goals for the program include on-track developmental growth, parental engagement in literacy and language activities, and placement in high-quality childcare. Staff partners with parents to provide the support and resources to ensure their children are ready for kindergarten through a combination of wellness, developmental, and educational support services.
Educational support advocates and highly trained literacy volunteers work closely with children and families to improve reading and academic skills through weekly tutoring specifically designed to meet the needs of each individual student. Goals for the program include improved academic performance, increased attendance, improved self-efficacy, and strong parental involvement in their child’s education.
For young people in grades 5-8, we offer Youth Group Mentoring to support their learning, exploration, and development. Youth build on their inherent strengths and capacity for leadership, partnering with supportive adults and with each other in a community setting. Mentors become part of these young people’s network of support as they pursue personal and collective goals and grow into active participants in civic and community life.
Volunteer with CYS
There are a variety of ways to get involved with Children and Youth Services. We’re always looking for volunteer tutors and mentors to forge lasting relationships with youth transitioning out of homelessness. Simpson volunteers bring their own unique strengths to the youth we serve, but all our tutors and mentors believe in the inherent potential of youth. Volunteers in all of our programs receive training and regular staff support throughout the year. Mentors and tutors choose the age group, level of structure, and degree of scheduling flexibility that’s right for them.
Learn more about each role on our Volunteer page. For questions or more information, please contact the Children & Youth Programs Manager Jocelyn Pickreign at jpickreign@simpsonhousing.org.
The first step to becoming a volunteer is to attend an information session where you’ll learn more about the different opportunities and our strategies for success. Visit our Volunteer page for information on upcoming session dates and on the Tutor and Youth Group Mentor roles.