Teen Feed’s Programs

Teen Feed operates on the principle that when youth are able to rely on consistent contact with safe and non-judgmental adults, they are better able to take on the challenges of finding safe shelter, a job, or attending to their mental or physical health.

Teen Feed Offers Three Programs:

Teen Feed Meal Program serves a hot, nutritious meal every night of the year in various University District faith community facilities.

Service Links for Youth (SLY) is a case management program—we call it “Support Coordination”—designed to help youth who are ready to begin the transition to life off the streets. SLY was developed in 1998 after Teen Feed became concerned that many homeless and street-involved youth were not comfortable accessing traditional, agency-based services. Unlike traditional “case management,” SLY was designed as a youth-centered support program that affirms the strengths of each participant as they meet self-identified goals. Our Support Coordinator builds a relationship with each youth to learn what types of resources will help them best succeed. SLY is unique in its focus on meeting youth on the streets and in programs, and it serves a broader range of youth—ages 13 to 25—than most other programs.

Street Talk Outreach Program (STOP) is aimed at high-risk youth who avoid traditional social service agencies. STOP sends out teams of staff and peer outreach workers to meet youth in their own environment—the streets and alleys where they spend most of their time. This is our newest program to connect with homeless youth and young adults and is in its third year. In 2010, STOP made over 1,000 positive contacts with youth on the streets, offering socks, food, referrals to resources, and a relationship with a caring adult. Focusing on building a relationship with homeless youth in their environment breaks down the resistance many have to engaging and working with trusting adults. In addition to street outreach, STOP provides support coordination services (case management) for homeless youth ages 18-25 who may not be eligible for our SLY program.