Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets Programs
The strength of PSKS is our CORE Membership of current and former clients who commit to volunteer within our organization and represent PSKS in the community. CORE Members provide feedback on PSKS services, policies, priorities and finances. They serve as mentors to incoming youth, help with daily operations and advocate for important issues. CORE Membership has been instrumental in the inclusive capacity at PSKS including: welcoming animal companions and children; provision of outdoor gear; and providing services to ages 23-26 that are often excluded from homeless youth programs. They are also leaders in abiding by and enforcing our policies of respect.
RISK facilitates the completion of General Educational Development (GED), on-line diploma studies and preparation for employment and/or college readiness. PSKS developed RISK to meet the individual needs of young people who have not been well served by the traditional school system. Students complete an Individualized Learning Plan, and make a commitment to personalized class schedule. They consult with the teacher and tutors on a regular basis to discuss their learning needs. With a focus on their individual learning style, students are invested in reaching their goals.
Our Case Manager advocates for clients needing housing, employment, education, legal and medical services. Information and referrals are provided, along with support as needed, to access relevant community resources. We provide one-on-one emotional support for the many youth who lack positive social networks. In partnership with Lambert House, The Pride Foundation, GSBA and other community allies PSKS supports LGBTQ youth who are critically over represented on the streets.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Shrinking funding from the Seattle School District, along with attendance outcomes difficult for our students to achieve, led PSKS to decline the 2011-12 Education Center Contract for our learning center. As a result, we significantly cut staff and classroom hours. Nonetheless, we are exceeding capacity and maintaining a wait list for this G.E.D. completion, college and vocational prep program. Recently, due to a successful fundraiser, we were able to increase the hours of our RISK Director and improve program capacity. PSKS is very excited about the remarkable growth in the program despite the loss of funding and looking forward to celebrating all of our graduates at an event in late May. We will continue to nourish the potential of this program in our 2012-13 fiscal year starting July 1.
“RISK is about knowing you can be an achiever. You choose your goals and this program can help you reach your goals. I’m on my way toward college and planning out my future career as an apparel designer. I’ve been humbled to have PSKS’s help through the hurdles, and I’m sure the rest of the students feel the same.”
“Online was my best alternative for high school success. However, without self-discipline I was failing and passed 10th grade by the skin of my teeth. Then, half way into 11th grade I met Olivia and was introduced to RISK. They truly restored my hope in what I can do and what I am able to accomplish. I am now passing school with a 3.5 GPA.”
“One thing that people should know about what it’s like being a RISK student is that we’re like everyone else, but public school didn’t work out for us, we had family troubles, or we just learn differently.”