< BACK

Janus Youth Programs

Mission

Since its founding in 1972, Janus Youth Programs has grown to be one of the largest nonprofits in the Northwest serving children, youth and families experiencing homelessness, abuse, discrimination, domestic violence and lack of access to affordable housing and educational opportunities. Our innovative programs touch the lives of 5,000 diverse individuals every year. Every day over 300 youth receive safe shelter and 400 children and youth participate in programs. Our vision is a vibrant community where every child, youth and family has a safe place to live, prosper and achieve the life they envision.

Our residential and re-entry programs provide youth with normalizing experiences and the skills to build successful, independent lives. Our homeless youth programs provide nightly street outreach, assessment services, short and long-term shelters and transitional and independent living services. Our young parent programs focus on parent/child relationships, positive parent support, child development screenings and housing assistance to prevent child abuse and neglect. Our scholarship fund helps youth in our programs earn associate, undergraduate, graduate and even medical degrees.

Bottom Line for Portland

When you give to Janus, you are making an investment in your community and changing the lives of children, youth and families with nowhere else to turn. Your donation helps us provide first-aid and hygiene supplies for youth on the streets; ensures young parents and their children have access to safe housing, medical and mental health services; and fills our supply closets with baby formula, diapers, bus tickets, strollers, toys, books and warm winter clothing for homeless youth and families.

Quote

“Resiliency, self-acceptance and perseverance." That's what one Janus youth says got him to the place he is today. Bobby participated in our Hope Partnership Program during his sentence at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility and found a new path for himself. That resilience and perseverance paid off, and Bobby became the first incarcerated youth to receive the Soros Justice Youth Activist Fellowship which took him around the country giving a voice to other incarcerated youth.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We celebrate the richness created by a variety of cultures, beliefs and life experiences. Janus Youth Programs is invested in advancing equitable services for all children, youth and families. We recognize both advocacy and education about equity is important for the success of marginalized communities. Collaborations with the communities we work with inform our lens.