Open Hands Tumbleweed’s first Youth Crisis Shelter opened in 1975. Services include short-term emergency shelter, individual and family counseling, basic needs assistance, job development, tutoring and skill-building for youth in crisis. Youth may be runaway, homeless or experiencing family conflict or abuse in the home. Four beds serve the long-term needs of youth who may not return home. Services are available to youth who have no family resources and who are not receiving state-funded support through other programs.

Volunteer Quote:

“Open Hands gives young adults structure, knowledge and the support to make better decisions in the future… (It) provides an invaluable resource to young adults within our community and I am proud to volunteer and work with their young adults.”
 – Volunteer, Free Arts

Client Quotes:

“Before coming here to Open Hands I was a 15-year-old runaway, homeless drug addict… Now I live here, I attend high school where I get straight As (except P.E.!) and am four months sober. Tumbleweed has helped me and many others in really amazing ways. Their resources are really helpful. I really hope that they will stay running as long as possible, helping kids just
 like me in the future.” – Client, Open Hands

“One year ago my son was having a very hard time with school due to drugs, ditching and gangs. Finally I called Tumbleweed. They gave him a place to live with a structured environment and counseling and school. I love my son very much and I knew that if I left him on the street he would either die or go to jail. Tumbleweed gave me hope and peace of mind.” – Father of former Open Hands Client

Volunteer Opportunities:

Nurse – Nurse would complete client physical assessments on a weekly basis.
Dance Instructor – Dance instructor to teach weekly or bi-monthly dance class.
Music Instructor – Music instructor to teach weekly or bi-monthly music class.
Fundraiser – Fundraising volunteer to help coordinate small program fundraising projects like carwashes, book/music drives, yard sales, etc.
Librarian – Volunteer with library experience to help clients set up mini-library
Mural Painter – Painter will teach and coordinate projects with clients
Tutor – Tutor to ideally run weekly educational groups
Adventure Experts – Experienced volunteer would coordinate client/staff field trips in areas of expertise such as ropes courses, orienteering, camping, fishing and…
Experienced Trainers/Counselors – Volunteer would present at staff meetings and train on topics such as cutting/self-harm, child abuse, bullying, trauma/rape, eating disorders, coping with disabilities, youth development projects…
House Painter – Open Hands building needs interior and exterior painting help
Gardener – Volunteer to work with clients on garden project
Landscaper/Outside Maintenance – Volunteer would coordinate projects like installing basketball/volleyball