Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services was established in 1906 and provides comprehensive treatment, specialized education and support services to abused, neglected and at-risk youngsters and their families, including adolescents on probation.
Programs and Activities: Foster care, extensive individual and family therapy; education, recreation and athletic activities; healthcare programs; participation in community activities, vocational and emancipation training; cultural arts; case management, substance abuse treatment, mentoring, and adoption services are provided for 550 youth, ages 12-18, and their families each day in residential-care and community-based settings.
Outcomes: Of the youth who are followed up through our aftercare program 65% are crime free and no longer in need of any type of out of home placement one year after discharge.
Volunteers are an important and integral part of Optimist Home's treatment programs.
Volunteer opportunities include: