YMCA to acquire Nexus Youth and Families to tackle youth homelessness, mental illness
Last updated: July 1, 2020, at 5:20 a.m. PT
Originally published: November 5, 2019, at 3:51 p.m. PT
GREATER SEATTLE, WA – The YMCA of Greater Seattle voted to acquire Nexus Youth and Families, a nonprofit organization that has provided youth homelessness and behavioral health services in Auburn and South King County for over 45 years. The acquisition will be finalized in the coming months to ensure that youth and their families in South King County continue to receive the quality services.
Nexus approached the Y with this opportunity based on both organization’s reputations, the relationship between the two agencies, the Y’s longstanding presence in South King County, and aligned missions. The Y is the largest provider of housing and holistic services for young adults experiencing homelessness in King County. In 2018, they provided behavioral health and crisis support to over 2,000 youth and their families.
“Homelessness is on the forefront of everyone’s mind. Our work and the work of so many others has led to a decline in the number of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. We’re so glad to see more young people housed, but we still need to do more. By acquiring Nexus Youth and Families, we can serve more youth and young adults, find more efficiencies, and strengthen our presence in South King County so all people, especially youth, can reach their fullest selves in mind, body, and spirit,” said Loria Yeadon, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle.
The acquisition comes at a time when many young people struggle to find homes and resources. According to All Home’s 2019 Count Us In report, over 1,000 unaccompanied youth and young adults in King County experience homelessness on any given night, with over half of them living on the streets. Simultaneously, death by suicide among teens and young adults has reached its highest level since 2000, according to the American Medical Association.
“Being able to provide our much needed services in South King County is the top priority of the Nexus’ Board of Directors,” said Lori Coppenrath, Nexus Board Chair. “I have 100 percent confidence that the acquisition between the Y and Nexus will mean better outcomes for those we serve, enhance our staff’s experience, and create collaboration that provides the best services for those who need us most in South King County. It’s a no brainer.”
Earlier this year, the Y partnered with Nexus to build a new first of its kind facility in Auburn that addresses youth and young adult homelessness. The new facility, named New Arcadia, will provide transitional housing for 15 young adults and provide emergency shelter and holistic services for 12 more. The housing portion will include storage space and common areas, a community kitchen, office and conference spaces, and a drop-in center during the day. The Y and Nexus broke ground on New Arcadia in June 2019 and expects to open the facility in spring 2020.
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About the YMCA of Greater Seattle
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organization strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1876, the Y reaches more than 265,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities, and financial circumstances annually through 14 branches, two overnight camps, and more than 200 program sites throughout King and south Snohomish counties. We nurture more than 137,000 kids and teens to develop their gifts and give back to our community and engages thousands of volunteers who contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of service each year. Visit seattleymca.org.
About Nexus Youth and Families
Nexus Youth and Families is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that offers an array of social services in over 17 communities throughout South King County, including the Muckleshoot Reservation. Nexus offices are located in Auburn, Enumclaw, and Maple Valley. For over four decades, Nexus has been the leading provider of shelter, housing and behavioral health services to youth and families experiencing homelessness and other trauma in South King County.