The facts about victimized, at-risk, and homeless teens are staggering
... but acknowledging the depth of the problem is the first step in fixing it!
4.2 million youth
experience homelessness
Each year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness, of which 700,000 are unaccompanied minors, meaning they are without a family or not accompanied by a parent or guardian.
On any given night, approximately 41,000 unaccompanied youth ages 13-25 experience homelessness.
Homelessness among youth doesn’t always mean teens living on the streets or in shelters. Homelessness also includes couch surfing with friends or relatives, a temporary answer to what may be a long-term issue.
More than two-thirds of unsheltered teens, and 55% of sheltered unaccompanied teens, are male.
Teen women or girls represent more than one-third (37%) of unaccompanied youth.
52% of homeless teens reported that they became homeless for the first time because they were asked to leave home by a parent or caregiver.
27% of LGBTQ+ youth who are homeless reported exchanging sex for basic needs compared to 9% of non-LGBTQ youth who reported having to exchange sex for basic needs.
62% of LGBTQ+ youth report being physically harmed while experiencing homelessness.
Kyle’s Place is a Transitional Living Program for homeless teens working toward independence. Residents of Kyle’s Place are provided shelter, and a variety of supportive services, and life skills required to become self-sufficient, independent adults. Residents at Kyle’s Place learn a new way of life, experiencing love and support (many first time) successfully breaking negative cycles, achieving goals, and being hopeful about the future.
The Journey to Dream curriculum-based school programs are designed to empower, embrace, and equip students through everyday challenges by providing support services and resources needed to help them become successful in achieving their goals.
It is incredible to see God using these teens to be a catalyst for change. Some came into our programs broken, experimenting with drugs, dealing with depression and self harm - yet each one of them has made such an impact while part of Journey To Dream and continue to give back and change the world around them.
Homeless teens carry heavy things that can’t fit into a backpack. They carry the loneliness of being ignored, the heartache of being abandoned, and the anxiety of having to fend for themselves. Since 2004, Journey to Dream has helped transform, impact, and save the lives of at-risk, victimized, runaway, and homeless teens across North Texas. We offer housing and a full service of supportive programs to teens in need 14-19 years of age – currently reaching, impacting, and interacting with over 15,000 North Texas teens every year.
Our development and supportive services provide opportunities for teens to discover their strengths and talents, set personal goals, make positive choices, and develop the strength and resilience necessary to overcome the challenges that confront them successfully.
The staff is friendly and appreciative to all kinds of donations to enrich the lives of disadvantaged young people.
- David -
I loved being part of helping these teens celebrate their Homecoming.
- Christina -
Amazing staff with a genuine love and care for Kyle’s Place.
Our vision is a community where all teens transitioning from homelessness, or foster care to independent living are:
Connected to caring adults who support them.
Live in a safe place.
Motivated to achieve their goals (and believe they are capable of achieving them).
Earnestly pursuing an education or training that will set them up for future success.
Secure in who they are and where they have been.
Mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy.
OUR MISSION
To turn that vision into reality, we will:
Connect teens who have experienced trauma, homelessness, or foster care with supportive adults who have been trained as strengths-based, trauma-informed mentors.
Meet the physical, educational, and financial needs of teens by connecting them to resources in the community.
Introduce teens to new educational and recreational opportunities where they can learn and practice vital life skills with an emphasis on self-advocacy.
Advocate for the needs of teens across ethnic and socio-economic groups.
OUR VALUES
Teens often feel powerless to control their lives and fall into a self-defeating cycle of failure. Journey to Dream fosters confidence, which encourages teens to believe in themselves and positive choices about their future.
We demonstrate the love of Christ to teens in all of our actions.
We are trustworthy and responsible.
We act with compassion and integrity.
We promote the welfare and safety of teens.
We promote justice for teens.
We honor teens' voices in designing and delivering our services.
We respect the rights, dignity, and intrinsic worth of teens.
