"I was very impressed with Youth In Need's ability to work off my child's strengths. It really enabled her to see her own strengths and use them in her interactions with others."
- A Shelter parent
"Youth In Need helped me embrace a better side of myself that I didn't realize I had, and for that, I am thankful."
- A Shelter resident
Youth In Need’s Emergency Shelter is a 12-bed emergency residential center for male and female children and teens, ages 10-18, who are in crisis. Continuously in operation since 1974, Youth In Need has developed a comprehensive temporary shelter services program, structured to meet the unique needs of each child and teen. Youth In Need’s Emergency Shelter program provides a safe haven from abuse, a “family timeout” to provide a cooling off period during a time of intense family conflict andshelter for homeless children and teens. Youth In Need meets the basic needs of housing, food and safety while providing counseling and other support services to help youth re-unite with their families, when appropriate, or find an alternative living situation.
A second component of the program is the Emergency Shelter’s ExCEL (Exceptional Creative Environment of Learning) program, which is certified through the St. Charles School District. The program offers Emergency Shelter residents an opportunity to continue their education during their stay. However, residents also may continue class work from their home schools, work on ability-appropriate education skills, or study to receive a GED. Art projects and musical performances supplement academics for an exciting learning environment. Many children and teens come to the Emergency Shelter with significant school problems (poor grades and attendance, difficulty getting along with teachers and learning disabilities) and have a negative attitude toward school. Virtually all students become engaged in the learning process and find success at ExCEL. A full-time teacher and teacher’s assistant lead the children in their classroom learning.
The Emergency Shleter offers individual, family and group counseling, crisis intervention and case management services and daily educational groups.
Eligibility, Enrollment and Cost
Participation in the program is voluntary, and the program is free to participants. Children and teens must be between the ages of 10 and 18 to enroll. Enrollment intakes are scheduled via the 24-Hour Help Line or on a walk-in basis at the Emergency Shelter. During the enrollment assessment, Youth In Need staff will provide the child or teen with their immediate needs, explain the program, services and participation requirements and secure voluntary commitment from the child or teen to participate in the program.
Contact
To learn more about the program or to enroll, call Youth In Need’s 24-Hour Help Line at 636-946-3771. (Collect calls are accepted.)
You also may e-mail for more information, but please note that this e-mail is not checked daily. For emergencies and immediate assistance, call 636-946-3771.