Larkin Street Youth Services

A new mural, created by University of San Francisco students in Sergio De La Torre’s "Artist as Citizen" course, has been installed outside of 826 Valencia’s Tenderloin Center! While designing the mural, USF students and faculty gathered input from 826 Valencia and other community organizations in the Tenderloin. They incorporated our ideas, including student writing and themes from each of our centers, to highlight the awesome work transpiring in the neighborhood. A big thank you to our neighbors in the Tenderloin and all the staff and students who made this possible, as well as our community partners: the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good, Larkin Street Youth Services, LSS of Northern California, St. Anthony Foundation, Wu Yee Children's Services, De Marillac Academy, Mercy Housing, St. Boniface Catholic Church, Code Tenderloin, and the San Francisco Planning Department. Please invite your friends, family, and colleagues to see this fantastic piece on Golden Gate Avenue and Leavenworth Street. Take lots of photos, and spread the word. Let's celebrate this amazing work together, in community! “The fairy is around everyone. The fairy wants you to be kind.“ — Sophie Gin, age 8

The Bay Area’s housing affordability crisis and its impact on homelessness are issues I care deeply about.  As a Board Member for the Marin County Bar Association, I had the opportunity to interview the leadership of two Bay Area non-profits who are on the frontlines of providing crisis assistance and housing to folks in need: St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin and Larkin Street Youth Services.  My hope is that these interviews educate and empower readers to be a part of the solution.  Please give the article a read! Thank you to St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin Executive Director Christine Paquette and Chief Program Officer Meredith Parnell, and Larkin Street Youth Services Executive Director Sherilyn Adams for sharing your time and insight on this important topic!

📢 Did you know LGBTQ+ young people make up less than 10% of the U.S. population but account for 30 to 40% of all youth experiencing homelessness? In her article, "The Shelter System Isn’t Equipped for LGBTQ+ Youth," Morgan Philbin highlights the urgent need for better resources and support for LGBTQ+ folx and how we here at Larkin Street Youth Services in San Francisco, along with The Ali Forney Center and Covenant House New York in New York City, are addressing this critical issue. 📰 Explore the challenges that queer youth face and learn what solutions you can support: https://lnkd.in/gTfzGhyq #LGBTQYouth #SupportQueerYouth #EndYouthHomelessness

The rights of LGBTQ+ folks remain under persistent attack. As a result of multi-level stigma and discrimination over 30-40% of all unhoused young people identify as LGBTQ+. I just wrote an Op-Ed arguing that we know how to support unhoused LGBTQ+ youth, we simply need the will, and funding, to do it. https://lnkd.in/gURAhhiM #TheProgressiveMagazine University of California, San Francisco #UCSFBHHI #OpEdproject #publicvoices @theopedproject #OpEdPublicVoicesFellow

Huge shoutout to Kelsey, Alisa, Marnie, and Deon for making your voices heard on Monday, June 24, Public Comment Day! Your advocacy is driving real change for our community. 🚀 This year, Larkin Street Youth Services urged city leaders to prioritize transitional-aged youth experiencing homelessness. We pushed for career training programs, food security initiatives, higher living wages, expanded clinical support for mental wellness and substance use treatment, and housing for those fleeing violence, lacking legal documentation, or raising children. Stay tuned for more updates and ways to get involved with Larkin Street! Together, we can #EndYouthHomelessness and build a brighter future. #Advocacy #CommunitySupport

I'm writing to share some personal news and a heartfelt request. After five wonderful years with Larkin Street Youth Services, I'm stepping down to embrace new adventures. Turning 62 in May made me realize it's time to slow down and explore new paths. As I wrap up my time here, I'm passionately supporting one last initiative: next month's Performing Arts Night. This event celebrates the incredible talents of our youth through song, dance, and poetry. Your support would mean the world to me and these young artists. If so moved, there are links in the comments to both donate and purchase tickets to attend. Thanks in advance for your support and for sharing this campaign with your friends and networks.

Exciting News! 🌟 Larkin Street CEO Sherilyn Adams and CSO Ilsa Lund have co-authored a groundbreaking article in Frontiers in Public Health! Discover how youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) are leading the charge in public health research by highlighting the vital need for consistent food access, effective safety measures, and breaking down structural barriers. Curious about the transformative impact? 🚀 Dive into this must-read study on Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR). Explore more at https://lnkd.in/g3ATGd6m.

After five amazing years, my journey with Larkin Street Youth Services is coming to an end today. Honestly, this is the best job I’ve ever had, but my recent 62nd birthday (how did that happen?) has had me reflecting on what lies ahead, and I have realized I still have a few deferred dreams I wish to pursue. I'm filled with gratitude for all the support I’ve received over the years, but before I officially hand over my keys, I have one final request. Many might not know, but I spent 15 years in the arts before moving to San Francisco. Art played a pivotal role in helping me find my voice, especially after my transition. Our arts program at Larkin Street offers the same transformative opportunities for our youth participants. That's why I'm launching a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign to support next month's Performing Arts Night (PAN) on August 16th. I've kickstarted the campaign with a $500 pledge, and I invite you to join me in making a difference. Your contributions will directly support youth stipends and production costs, ensuring our talented young performers have the resources they need to shine. If you feel inspired to donate or share this campaign within your network, I would be incredibly grateful. Let's come together to support the arts and provide these young people with the platform they deserve. Links to make either a donation and/or purchase a ticket are in the comments below: #SupportTheArts #YouthEmpowerment #LarkinStreetYouth

Celebrate Gayle’s Journey and Support Youth through the Arts! 🎭 As our Chief Development Officer, Gayle Roberts, CFRM 🏳️🌈, transitions out of Larkin Street Youth Services, we reflect on her years of impactful work and dedication with this powerful speech from SF Pride 2019. Thank you, Gayle, for your unwavering support and passion. You will always be a valued member of the Larkin Street family. In honor of Gayle’s commitment, we invite you to support the 2024 Performing Arts Night on August 16th. Your generous donation will provide stipends for youth artists and help cover event costs, fostering creativity and self-expression. Every contribution, large or small, makes a significant difference. 🌟 Join us in celebrating Gayle’s legacy by helping our youth shine through the arts. Donate today at: https://lnkd.in/gMJiWaeA

Exciting news! We are deeply honored to have an incredible Board member who, with the support of Larkin Street Youth Services, transformed his life and now leads with passion and dedication. His journey from resilience and growth to giving back as a leader is truly inspiring. Thank you for being such an essential and positive force within our Larkin Street family! 💛