Texas Network of Youth Services

"It's important for youth and young adults to use their voices because a lot of things happen in these systems that don't come to light until after..." Listen to more of Davi as she shares her experience in various systems and how to better support youth:

Youth Voices: YALC Member Davi On the Support Parenting Youth Need

The Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC) is a paid, work-based learning program for young people to grow as leaders and be voices for change. YALC members are between 16 – 25 years old and have experienced homelessness, foster care, juvenile justice involvement, or other youth-serving systems.

In a new video, members of the 2023 - 2024 cohort "Unstoppable Youth Voices" share their thoughts on memorable moments, skills they've gained, and the impact of being part of the TNOYS community:

YALC Member Reflections: Memorable Moments, Skill-Building, and More The Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC) is a paid, work-based learning program for young people to grow as leaders and be voices for change. YALC members a...

When youth and young adults face complex mental health challenges, they are too often pushed into the child welfare and juvenile justice system because of gaps in health and behavioral health supports. Last week, the House Youth Health & Safety Select committee invited YALC member Monique and Courtney Seals from TNOYS member LifeWorks Austin to share about increasing upstream services that center youth’s needs. Check out their testimonies: http://www.youtube.com/user/TNOYS

🎉 Welcome to the TNOYS network Bastrop County Cares! Learn more about our newest member by visiting their website: https://www.bastropcares.org

If your organization is interested in applying for TNOYS membership, learn more at bit.ly/tnoysmember.

Shout out to Ronald and Sally from our Texas Emerging Leaders Board for presenting at the Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative meeting last week! They discussed the Power of Purpose as well as ways to support OY in the workplace and in becoming more civically engaged.

Thank you to YALC member Monique and member Courtney Seals of LifeWorks Austin who joined us at the TX Capitol this week! They urged lawmakers to help keep youth out of systems by investing in behavioral health services. Stay tuned for recordings of their powerful testimonies.

Did you know that July is ? Research shows that disability often intersects with systems-involvement, highlighting the urgent need to listen to the voices of young people with disabilities and invest in their futures. Here are critical facts and figures to know.

Applications are open to join TNOYS’ Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC)! The YALC is a paid, 12 month leadership development program for Texas youth and young adults ages 16 - 25 who have experienced systems. Get the details on TNOYS’ website: https://tnoys.org/young-adult-leadership-council/

Big round of applause to TELB members Gene, Marlayna, and Rebekah, who shared important insights at the Youth Policy Summit in Austin last week 👏 👏🏽 👏🏾 They spoke on youth civic engagement and how youth and young adults’ voices can effect systems change.

"When I think of health, I think of wealth!" Listen to Kyren as he shares his lived experience and perspective on how to better support youth and young adults, especially their physical and mental health.

Youth Voices: YALC Member Kyren on Health and Mental Health In recognition of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC) member Kyren shared his experience and perspective on how his li...

Shout out to our recently renewed members including Tony's Place Houston, Austin Public Health, SA Youth, Andrews Center Behavioral Healthcare System, and Earl Carl Institute for Legal and Social Policy, Inc. We appreciate your continued collaboration with TNOYS and look forward to what is in store this year as well as beyond!

During the 86th session, TNOYS advocated alongside key partners to support driver’s ed for youth who have experienced homelessness or aged out of foster care. Now through Texas Workforce Commission, those youth can learn how to drive and earn a license for free! Learn more below:

July is , a chance to bring attention to the diverse needs of BIPOC youth and young adults and how we can all build health equity in systems. Check out TNOYS’ website for youth-informed for resources and ways to support: https://tnoys.org/health-and-behavioral-health/

Join TNOYS’ next free, virtual training to earn your CSE-IT User Training certification and 3.5 CEUs. The next training takes place this upcoming Thursday on July 18 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register here: https://tnoys.org/events/

Thank you to the Texas Bar Foundation for their recent grant award to TNOYS! Support will invest in our Youth Voices program and elevate the stories of young people impacted by the justice system. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4cD1s4y

Applications to become TNOYS' Training Manager close next week! Qualifications for the role include:
+ 3 years of program and project mgmt experience
+ Ability to build strategic partnerships
+ Comfort in a remote work setting

Apply today here: https://bit.ly/3LjFfMX

Last month, TNOYS was thrilled to welcome over 550 youth, young adults, and professionals from across systems to our 41st Annual Conference for Services to Youth and Families! Revisit the highlights and memories in this blog post on our website:

TNOYS’ 41st Annual Conference: Looking Ahead to the Bold Futures of Youth-Serving Systems - TNOYS - Texas Network of Youth Services Last month, TNOYS was thrilled to welcome youth, young adults, and professionals from across systems to our 41st Annual Conference for Services to Youth and Families! Over 550 attendees joined us in Houston for a week packed with inspiring keynotes, workshops, and sessions that enthusiastically embr...

Please join us in giving our very own, Alex Polk & Grace Goetz, a hand for a successful health equity presentation at the Texas Annual Prevention Providers Meeting hosted by Texas Health and Human Services Commission!

TNOYS is honored to be among just 38 organizations nationwide to receive a Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This first-of-its-kind grant is an incredible opportunity to invest in coordinated, accessible homelessness services that center youth and young adults' needs.

We are truly grateful to the members, partners, youth, and young adults (YYA) who make our work possible every day. Stay tuned for details on how you can get involved in TNOYS’ work to address youth homelessness. Read more in our latest press release: https://tnoys.org/news/press-releases/tnoys-awarded-yhsi-grant/

Applications to become TNOYS' Policy Manager close next week! Qualifications for the role include:
+ 2 years or more experience in policy, research, or advocacy
+ Understanding legislative process
+ Comfort in a remote work setting

Apply today here:https://tnoys.org/wp-content/uploads/TNOYS-Policy-Manager-Job-Description-1.pdf

As continues to impact Texas communities, we encourage our members and youth partners to stay safe. Please reach out to us if we can support in any way. For additional help, please visit our Emergency Response Resource Center webpage:

TNOYS' Emergency Response Resource Center - TNOYS - Texas Network of Youth Services TNOYS’ Emergency Response Resource Center is a compilation of relevant information for stakeholders, including TNOYS members, other youth service providers, and first responders, as they work to keep youth and families safe during natural disasters and emergencies. Please navigate to resources bas...

Join Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) at their 2024 conference to build your skills in serving youth and young adult survivors. Registration closes next week on July 19th. Learn more on their event page: https://web.cvent.com/event/e59fc8d1-6cb5-492a-a799-6825a5d0c3cb/summary

Interested in joining the TNOYS team? We are happy to announce two openings: a training manager position and a policy manager position. Learn more about the duties and qualifications by visiting our website: https://tnoys.org/job-bank/

June 28 is . Today and every day, we’re proud to celebrate the Texas youth-serving organizations, youth, and young adults that are amplifying LGBTQ+ youth voices to build more equitable and inclusive services. Thank you for all that you do! 🏳️‍🌈✊

Did you strike a pose for the conference photographer? 📸 The photo gallery is now live! Dive into unforgettable moments, from inspiring keynotes to candid shots and snaps from the photo booth!

We want to say a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who joined for a dynamic and inspiring week! Check out the conference summary page for all post-conference materials including details on evaluations, CEUs, and links to Whova: tnoys.org/2024-annual-conference-summary

“Not having my basic needs met caused me to not really focus on mental health and physical health needs...” Listen more from Anaya as she shares her lived experience and perspective on how to better support youth and young adults going through similar challenges. https://youtu.be/3rVReN4lGhc

👏👏👏 One of the most memorable moments from was celebrating the winners of our Annual Member Awards! Let's give a big round of applause to these outstanding professionals and programs who are creating brighter futures for Texas youth and young adults:

👏 Patricia Planas of Boys' Haven of America, Inc. – June Bucy Award for Excellence;

👏 Victoria Wrede of Central Texas Table of Grace – Professional Youth Worker Award;

👏 Telita Jackson of Cal Farley's Boys Ranch – Professional Youth Worker Award;

👏 Lea Stoddard of Central Texas Table of Grace – Volunteer of the Year Award;

👏 Luke Sorrell of Ranch Hands Rescue – Outstanding Youth Partner Award

👏 The Preparation Initiative for Leaders of Tomorrow (P.I.L.O.T.) Programs from Harris County Resources for Children and Adults was named as this year’s Steve Wick Innovation Program winner.

👏 Finally, we were thrilled to name the Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative as our Rising Star Award winner.

These awardees represent the incredible impact of TNOYS’ statewide member network. Thank you for all that you do for Texas youth!

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Boys' Haven of America, Inc. we were so honored to recognize Patricia! Congratulations to Patricia and all our 2024 Member Award winners for all of their amazing work and dedication to Texas youth.