For over three decades, New Horizons Ministries has been reaching out to youth experiencing homelessness in the Seattle area. From meeting basic human needs by providing meals, showers, and laundry facilities, to developing culturally competent case management plans to address more complex issues such as housing, education, mental health, and life skills, New Horizons delivers services to the most vulnerable people in the city. Clinical manager Zac Davis is a big part of making it happen.
Counselors engage in street outreach, talking to youth about shelter options and educating them about community resources. "Our programs emphasize relationship building," explains Davis. "We address emotional homelessness as well as physical homelessness by building trust, showing compassion and treating our clients with dignity and respect."
New Horizons will soon launch a barista training program that will offer youth an opportunity to develop employment skills while providing the long-term support necessary to explore personal goals and prepare for work or school. "I get to watch youth rediscover joy and hope," says Davis. "It's an amazing thing to be a part of."