Safe and Temporary Shelter For Youth

The Youth Shelter provides temporary housing and care for children between the ages of 10 and 18 who have run away, are experiencing conflict, or have been locked out of their homes. We also accept Juvenile Court referrals in cases where children have been habitually truant from school. The Youth Shelter, a member of the SafePlace Program that was founded nationally by the YMCA, has served our community for many years.

In partnership with the Safe Children Coalition, the Shelter also works with the Florida Department of Children and Families to provide temporary housing for kids who have been abused, abandoned, or are awaiting placement within the foster care system.

At the Shelter, children live in a family-like atmosphere, receiving care from well-trained and dedicated staff members. The kids receive daily transportation to and from school and after-school tutoring. Each child participates in individual, group, and family counseling and a variety of educational and recreational activities. At the end of care, each child and family will receive a referral to an appropriate aftercare counselor or program to continue the healing process. The goal is to teach both the parents and child appropriate behaviors that will strengthen their family upon return to the home.

The Shelter is open and accepts admissions 24 hours-per-day, 7 days a week. For an initial screening, please call our Intake Specialist at 955-5596.

Phone: (941) 955-5596
Fax: (941) 955-7195
mfitts@sarasota-ymca.org

Youth Shelter Program
1106 South Briggs Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34237