In this issue: Youth In Need’s Associate Board hosts annual Step-Up and Sleep-Out campaign; Youth In Need receives four more Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards; and Board of Directors hold its annual retreat.

Let’s End Youth Homelessness: Step-Up and Sleep-Out 2025

Did you know that 4.2 million young people in the United States experience a form of homelessness each year? Approximately 1,500 of those young people are in the St. Louis region, facing the harsh reality of having no safe, permanent place to sleep.

Help us to fight youth homelessness by joining the Step-Up and Sleep-Out movement, hosted by Youth In Need’s Associate Board—a community effort dedicated to raising awareness, funds and essential supplies for youth experiencing homelessness.

There are multiple ways to get involved, whether through supporting our awareness efforts on social media, holding a donation drive or making your own personal donation.

The movement concludes with a community event on November 19, where you are invited to attend a panel discussion about Youth In Need’s programs and help us assemble supply kits used in our outreach efforts.

Youth In Need Named a 2025 Culture Excellence Winner

Youth In Need has been awarded four more Top Workplace Culture Excellence recognitions for 2025!

Culture Excellence awards recognize organizations that excel in specific areas of workplace culture. With this honor, Youth In Need has received a woman-led award, along with awards for employee appreciation, professional development and for commitment to creating a welcoming workplace regardless of one’s background.

This prestigious recognition is based completely on feedback from a research-backed employee engagement survey. We extend a huge thanks to our staff, and we are excited to share this honor with you!

Youth In Need’s Board of Directors Hold Annual Retreat in Spanish Lake

Earlier this month, Youth In Need’s Board of Directors held its annual retreat!

Together, they toured Youth In Need’s newly acquired property to serve youth in Spanish Lake and spent the rest of the day with one of our wonderful partner organizations, Rustic Roots Sanctuary!

They had a wonderful experience spending time in the Spanish Lake community, connecting with both the land and with one another.

Photo by Zachary Scott Clark