Throughout its 50-year legacy, Youth Emergency Services (YES) (yesomaha.org) has provided housing and support to youth experiencing instability, crisis and homelessness to youth like Emily.
In 1999, Emily left her abusive home and chose to couch surf with friends while attending school and working to support herself. In that time, YES served as a lifeline for Emily. YES Street Outreach staff would visit the park where she and other youth hung out, providing food, toiletries and other essentials.
“If you needed anything, [xyz], they would help you,” Emily remembers. “They would always make sure we got what we needed.”
Remembering YES staff’s dedication to providing for the youth, Emily decided to give back to YES. When a family donated a significant number of new backpacks to her workplace, Emily saw an opportunity to help.
When the backpacks didn’t sell, she bought and donated them to the Outreach Center to ensure that the youth receiving services from YES would have something sturdy and reliable. “Can’t give them just a plastic bag—it’ll tear!” Emily insisted.
Reflecting on her experiences, Emily emphasizes the importance of YES’s presence in low-income areas, ensuring they meet clients where they are.
“Over the years, YES has always stayed in the right area to meet clients where they are,” she says.
Emily’s message to YES’ supporters is clear and heartfelt: “Continue what you can to help with the homeless teens… Anything you can do, keep doing it.”
Youth Emergency Services is committed to the rights and holistic needs of youth and young adults who face housing insecurity within the community. Learn more at yesomaha.org.