NEW DIRECTIONS FOR NORTHWEST NETWORK FOR YOUTH

For more than 20 years, the Network has provided training and technical assistance for agencies with emergency shelter, advocacy, and related services via grants from the Federal Family and Youth Services Bureau. In 2007, FYSB determined that it wanted a single national provider of these supports and awarded funding to the University of Oklahoma. In addition, FYSB began to systematically undermine the ten regional networks and to narrow its focus to current grantees funded by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.

Meanwhile, NWNY has sought to establish networking and advocacy organizations in each of the four states (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) with a focus on the entire range of services and programs for youth in need. Foster care, juvenile justice, school completion, mentoring, and inter-organizational collaboration, in addition to runaway and homeless youth (emergency shelter, street outreach, transitional living), that had been the primary emphasis during the federal grant years. With a part time coordinator for each state, the Network has had to operate with sharply diminished funding but is making every possible effort to continue its presence.

Among continued services are a weekly e-newsletter (contact jtfest@in4y.com to subscribe), consultation with member agencies, informal support for Federal grantees (not in conflict with FYSB), research, networking, advocacy, and representing youth in need with other organizations. The Network seeks to grow its membership across all programs and to coordinate interests and advocacy at all levels. With broad based grassroots support, it can continue to provide needed services and programs.