Help Make the Holidays Special

Every year Sycamores strives to make the holidays bright for the foster youth and at-risk young adults we serve. But we can't do it alone! Government and foundation grants just don't cover the extras that make the holidays special.

During this time of year, Sycamores staff and volunteers work hard to provide gifts, holiday experiences (like cookie and tree decorating), and special meals for the youth we serve.

Read more below about how Sycamores’ programs support foster youth, in addition to at-risk youth and young adults, year-round.

Foster Youth

Located in Altadena, Sycamores’ residential campus, known as El Nido, offers an idyllic and welcoming environment for boys who need behavioral health intervention and support. Referred to as our Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP), it is designed to provide care and supervision to dependent and/or neglected males, ages 11-18, many of whom are a part of the foster care or probation systems.

The goals of the program are to stabilize mental health symptoms and to engage the youth and their family by providing the tools necessary to enable the boys to return home and live successfully with family (or a foster family) and within their community.

Unhoused and At-Risk Transition Age Youth

The answer to helping young adults experiencing homelessness is a combination of immediate housing and ongoing supportive services. Since 2000, Sycamores’ innovative programs for Transition Age Youth (TAY) have integrated mental health services with its housing program. By providing a safe and stable environment, along with access to education, health care, therapy and other services, Sycamores helps these at-risk young adults build a brighter future for themselves and avoid homelessness.