give a young person their next good memory. it’s not too late to give an end-of-year gift that makes a real difference!

Food is more than nourishment—it’s memory, dignity, and hope. For Sam, his first holiday without a home could have been unbearably lonely. But at Friends of Youth’s Willows Young Adult Shelter, the warmth of shared meals and laughter in the kitchen made him feel seen. Sweet treats from the farmers’ market weren’t just snacks—they were moments of belonging. 

Sam lived at Willows for ten months. Living with a disability made employment difficult, and navigating benefits felt overwhelming. But here, he found purpose: helping in the kitchen, building skills in job club, and forming relationships that reminded him he mattered. 

“Sam doesn't even realize how extraordinary his strength is. When survival becomes your everyday reality, it can feel and become normal even though no one should have to endure those circumstances,” says the Willows Kitchen Manager. Now in stable housing, Sam dreams of becoming a social worker and starting a podcast to uplift others. He says, “Being homeless doesn’t devalue you as a person, and your circumstances don’t define you.”

As rising costs and reduced SNAP benefits create new challenges, we’re committed to expanding our food sustainability efforts to reach every youth in our programs—not just those in shelters. Our goal is to provide healthy, nutritious, hot meals three times a day. Beyond meals, we’re introducing culinary and life skills workshops focused on cooking, nutrition, and employment readiness, equipping youth with the tools they need to become self-reliant, confident, and prepared for the future.

Your gift nourishes more than bodies; it creates memories, confidence, and hope. With your support, youth like Sam won’t have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. Your gift provides nourishing meals and culinary workshops that help restore dignity and hope.

Together, we can help youth dream, build memories, and envision a future beyond survival. Donate Here Today! friendsofyouth.org/donate