YSB E-Newsletter for November 2023

November is Youth Homelessness Awareness Month

As the leaves fall and the temperature drops in November, it’s also time to remember Youth Homelessness Awareness Month. Youth Homelessness Awareness Month lasts all of November and is an excellent time to learn more about the cause and to share what you know with your friends and family to help those in need.

Homelessness among youth often happens because of circumstances beyond their control — family conflict, economic hardship, parental drug abuse, or discrimination. Youth find themselves without a stable place to call home and often rely on the kindness of strangers, friends, and acquaintances to give them temporary shelter.

YSB of St. Joseph County offers specialized services to provide shelter for youth facing homelessness and give them a chance at permanent stability and security. Our team works daily in Street Outreach, Transitional Living, Young Moms, and the Drop-in Center to make sure youth in our community know we have Safe Places for them to turn.

Want to participate in Youth Homelessness Awareness month?

Start by sharing this newsletter! Or save the graphic below and post it to your social media page. Start a conversation and spread the word. You can make all the difference.

YSB’s Drop-In Center is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

Every advocate for youth should know about the YSB Drop-In Center at 1330 Lincolnway East in South Bend! Our Drop-In Center is just that — a place for youth to drop by and see that they will be safe, welcome, and warm during these colder months.

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2-6 PM and Saturdays from 12-6 PM, our compassionate staff stands by to listen to, understand, and offer guidance to youth 14-24 years old. The YSB Drop-In Center provides access to immediate resources including food, hygiene products, and computers.

Shop at Barnes and Noble, eat pizza at Barnaby’s and enjoy a burger at The Lauber — all while supporting YSB!

Thanks to our incredible donors, If you’re looking for ways to participate in spreading awareness of Youth Homelessness, look no further. We have two great South Bend businesses that are offering special promotions in support of YSB. Let The Lauber and Barnaby’s South Bend cook for your family and support YSB at the same time!

• YSB will receive $1 for every burger sold at The Lauber in November
• YSB will receive 25% of all sales at Barrnaby’s South Bend location on Thursday, November 16th.
• Barnes at Noble at University Park Mall is hosting a book drive for YSB throughout November.

Donate to YSB and earn a Foster Care Tax Credit of up to $10,000

When you donate to YSB, not only are you supporting youth in need, but you can also receive a state tax break through Indiana's Foster Care Tax Credits. YSB is proud to be one of only eight agencies in the state authorized to offer this credit to donors like you.

Here's how it works: Make a contribution of any amount, up to $20,000, and you could receive 50% of that contribution back as an Indiana tax credit. Both individuals and businesses are eligible to apply, but credits are limited, so act quickly!

For example, let's say you generously donate $5,000 to YSB. YSB receives the full $5,000 to support their vital work. When you file your 2023 taxes, you can claim a tax credit of $2,500, effectively getting half of your donation back. If you have the flexibility to wait for the tax credit, consider being extra generous to YSB this year and make an even greater impact.

LINK TO TAX CREDIT APPLICATION

LINK TO GIVE TO YSB SECURELY ONLINE

YSB exists because all youth deserve safety and stability.

Are you a youth in crisis or know a youth in crisis?

Call Safe Station 24/7 574-235-9396