Tumbleweed’s Phoenix Youth Resource Center

At the Phoenix Youth Resource Center we provide basic needs for homeless and at-risk youth ages 12-25 in a safe and nurturing environment. These services include breakfast and lunch, showers, clothing, hygiene, laundry, phone and internet access, job development and vocational training, a mailing address and more.

Those who wish to receive case management services we can also assist with access to:

• bus passes
• referrals to shelters and transitional housing
• counseling and mental health services
• help obtaining State ID, birth certificates and social security cards
• job references
• lockers and more.

Outreach update (Mon-Wed-Fri in PYRC 4-9pm)

Tumbleweed Outreach teams provide immediate needs on the street including nutritious food, clothing, shelter referral, transportation, health care assistance and counseling services. Mobile street outreach program operates 3 nights a week serving needs throughout Maricopa Country. Outreach workers work the front lines to locate and assist youth on the streets and encourage them to take that critical first step off the street and into the Phoenix Youth Resource Center.

Staff Quote:

“Every youth that comes through our door at the Drop In Center is a survivor.  Using the Youth Development Model, staff and youth work as a team to look forward and create a plan of action from a life off the streets.  The Drop In Center is a safe haven for many street dependent youth, where they can get 3 hot meals, clothing and a youth care worker or case manager to help them with the immediate needs.”
– Steven Serrano, Program Manager, Phoenix DIC

Client Quotes:

"I like Tumbleweed, because it’s a positive environment for youth’s my age.” – Chris, Client, Phoenix DIC

"Tumbleweed will teach me the most important thing I need in my life, the skills to be…a grown up.” – Sara, Client, Phoenix DIC
 
"I have had days when Outreach was the difference between going to sleep hungry and going to sleep knowing that I had something in my stomach.  I believe that if the Phoenix Drop in Center had not been there, I would never have attained so much from life and from Tumbleweed. Thanks.” – M.O., Former Outreach Client

Current Wish List: June 2011

• Hygiene Items (travel size):  Razors, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste/brush, shampoo/conditioner, sunscreen
• Men’s & Women’s ankle socks
• Underwear (men/women - all sizes)
• Art Supplies:  canvases, acrylic paints, paintbrushes
• Fast Food Gift cards ($5 - $10 denominations): Jack in the box, McDonalds, Wendy’s Burger King, Taco Bell etc.
• Backpacks
• Alarm clocks
• Outreach food: peanut butter crackers, raisins, granola bars, dry fruit, nuts, fruit cups, can ravioli, spoons, ziplock sandwich bags

Volunteer Opportunities:

Special Drop-In Center events coordinator - Help coordinate special events with homeless and street youth. We have events as sporting events, concerts, educational/job fairs.

Job Developer - Help youth who are looking for employment create resumes, and mock interviews, job skills.