"Homelessness in youth is such a huge problem. Youth need to know that there is hope and support. They need to know there is somewhere they are accepted, and they are worth having a safe and secure home." Talid Boycan, Lighthouse Youth Action Board Member

You're invited to learn more about how you're helping youth in Lighthouse care thrive.

“My time at Lighthouse has been the most rewarding of my career,” said Haffner. “It has been a privilege to lead the organization and an honor to work with a team that is passionate about our mission and delivers excellence every day.”

The latest issue of the Lighthouse newsletter highlights the contributions of a frontline volunteer at the Lighthouse Sheakley Center for Youth, the stories of young people you helped heal and grow, and ways you can get more involved with helping the youth Lighthouse serves.

The team at Paint Creek provides outstanding evidence-based care, using relationship-building and therapy to encourage the development of coping and self-regulation skills. There’s also life skills training, sports and recreation, and education.

“Every day in Cincinnati as many as 87 young people are experiencing homelessness,” said Paul Haffner, president and CEO, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services. “Right now, we are collaborating with community partners on a new prevention plan called Gaining Resources, Opportunity and Wellness (GROW). This initiative creates a safety net of support and resources for young people at risk of homelessness to catch them before the risk becomes reality.”

The Reds Team Shop at Great American Ball Park now features a collection of Reds-branded sportswear and accessories for women and children from Tiny Turnip. Proceeds from the Shop the Cause program featuring Tiny Turnip apparel will benefit Lighthouse Youth & Family Services. “The Tiny Turnip apparel not only shows your Reds pride but also positively impacts our community,” said Karen Forgus, Reds Chief Communications & Community Officer. “Each sale directly supports Lighthouse Youth & Family Services in Cincinnati, helping to brighten the futures of local youth in need.”

Carter gives credit to Lighthouse. Had he served time in traditional lockup, or had he been subject to bindover and sent to adult prison, he surmises, his life might look very different. He’s not wasting his second chance. “The charges I had, they expected me to come back, but I didn’t,” Carter says, four months post-release. “That proves people can change if they want to.”

HEY! Greater Cincinnati is seeking an executive director to lead a transformative journey towards empowering youth and building resilient communities through collective action. As the first Executive Director of HEY! (Hopeful Empowered Youth), you'll spearhead a dynamic, multi-stakeholder effort aimed at revolutionizing mental health support for youth across the Greater Cincinnati Region.

“I was 13 years old when I entered the child welfare system and found myself at Lighthouse’s Mecum House." What happens next changes Alan's life for the better and leads to a bright future.