Who We Are
Growing up isn’t easy. The adolescent years can be challenging times for young people and their families. Even more so for our most vulnerable youth who may have experienced trauma or family instability, poverty or homelessness, who are young parents, or young offenders.
Elevate Youth Services is a Vermont-based non-profit that empowers youth to achieve fulfilling, healthy lives and advocates for the well-being of all youth. For nearly 50 years, we’ve served youth in Washington County and beyond. Our programs range from a drop-in teen center to one-on-one counseling and family therapy; we provide shelter for homeless youth, substance use treatment, and assistance with education, employment, housing, and more.
We’re the only non-profit in Washington County focused solely on the unique needs of adolescents and young adults. In addition to these direct services, we administer four statewide coalitions of youth service providers that strengthen and ensure a statewide safety net for youth.
Our Mission
Promote safety, competence, and confidence as youth create their path through adolescence and into adulthood.
Our Vision
We envision communities that value youth, ensure their well-being, and see them thrive.
Why Our Work Matters
The teenage and young adult years are critical for social and emotional development. The support young people receive (or don’t) during this time will shape who they become and who our society becomes. That’s why it’s critical for youth to get help from someone who understands trauma, positive youth development approaches, and brain development science. That’s where we come in.
Washington County Youth Service Bureau/Boys & Girls Club is Now Elevate Youth Services
We’ve changed our name to Elevate Youth Services. Our new name better reflects our purpose and impact. We want every single youth and family who contacts us, no matter what their story may be, to know there's hope and possibility ahead of them. So they can rise above the challenges they’ve faced and take positive steps toward a great future.
What does this mean for you? We’re the same passionate people with the same life-changing services. Our new website better communicates stories of who we help, what we do, and why it matters
We Build Stronger Youth & Families
Every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and confident. We know youth thrive best in stable, supportive family environments. To get there, we ensure basic needs are met, like food and housing. We build skills, self-worth, and supportive connections. And, we cheer from the sidelines as youth make healthy choices and believe in themselves.
We Strengthen the Network of Services
Alongside our network of agencies and partners, we strengthen best practices that support positive youth development and provide resources so they can better help youth.
We Inform Policies
We fiercely advocate for policies that will better serve the unique needs of youth. We encourage young people to use their essential voices to advocate for change.
Our Impact Last Year
In Washington County:
• 371 youth served
• 3,068 nights of housing provided
• 2,523 hours of counseling and case management
Statewide:
An additional 47,520 youth throughout Vermont received support through our partner organizations.