Profile: San Diego Youth Services (SDYS)

San Diego Youth Services

Celebrating 39 years: 1970-2009

We’re All About…
Empowering Youth
Strengthening Families
Creating Healthy Alternatives
Recognizing and Valuing Diversity
Establishing Collaborative Partnerships

     San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) is a non-profit charitable organization that since founded, has stabilized the lives of over 500,000 homeless, runaway, abused and at-risk youth in the San Diego area.  Launched in 1970 when volunteers established one of the first runaway youth shelters in America, SDYS now provides intensive services to more than 9,000 children and their families each year. This nationally recognized agency offers emergency services, safe places to live and long-term solutions for kids “on their own” by providing shelters, group homes, foster homes, community centers and transitional housing.  Professional help for high risk youth is provided at all 15 major locations in San Diego County.

     SDYS brings to Southern California the most effective ways to help kids in danger.  Individual children are referred to SDYS by a variety of sources, including word of mouth from other youth, schools, police and probation officers, and community organizations. Six nights a week, Outreach Teams search out youth who believe they have nowhere to run for help. Our full spectrum of programs are designed to help young people achieve their own self-sufficiency. Our administrative staff is small and we are proud that 85.6% of all funds go to serve youth directly. 

OUR MISSION

     is to help at-risk youth and their families become self-sufficient and reach their highest potential.

OUR VISION

     is a community of youth and families who are successful at reaching their highest potential.