Stepping Stone Youth Village
About US
No Child Should Sleep in an Office
Steppingstone Youth Village is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to address a critical and escalating crisis within the Texas child welfare system: the severe shortage of immediate, safe, and trauma-informed residential placements for children entering protective custody.
Steppingstone Youth Village will provide an 80-bed emergency residential shelter offering rapid intake, stabilization, and trauma-informed care for youth ages 7-18, including those aging out of foster care.
Our Commitment
Mission Statement
To provide a safe, stable, and compassionate environment where vulnerable youth can begin healing, regain dignity, and transition successfully into long-term placements.
Vision
To become a leading emergency placement provider in Texas, ensuring no child in crisis is left without a safe place to stay.
The Need
The demand for emergency foster placements in Texas has reached critical levels:
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Thousands of children enter care annually
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Chronic shortages of foster homes and residential placements
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Increasing reliance on temporary, unsuitable housing
Reports from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services highlight:
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Overcapacity in existing facilities
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Youth staying in unlicensed settings
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High need for emergency stabilization beds
Our Programs
We offer a range of programs aimed at holistic development and recovery. Our services empower youth in crisis, paving their way to a brighter future.
Shelter
Emergency Care
Our shelter provides immediate support, ensuring safety and care for youth in need. We focus on stabilizing their situation, offering essential services during their time of crisis.
Counseling
Emotional Support
Our professional counselors offer guidance and therapeutic support tailored to address the unique challenges faced by each youth, fostering emotional healing and resilience.
Rehabilitation
Skill Building
We focus on helping youth develop life skills and coping mechanisms so they can lead independent and fulfilling lives. Our rehabilitation programs are designed to inspire hope and self-sufficiency.
Services Offered
Youth Support Programs
Care
Emergency Shelter
Our emergency shelter offers:
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24/7 supervised residential care, ensuring safety and support.
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We provide immediate intake (within 24 hours of referral) and
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Short-term stays (typically 7-45 days) to help youth in crisis find stability.
Behavioral Support
Counseling
We utilize a trauma-informed care model, offering:
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On-site counseling and crisis intervention
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Individual and group therapy sessions that promote healing and resilience
Assessment
Health Screenings
We offer on-site medical care and screening:
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Initial health assessments
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Medication management
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Partnership with local providers
Education
Education Services
Our educational services are tailored to our residents needs and include:
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On-site classrooms
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Coordination with local school districts
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GED prep and tutoring support
Enrichment
Life Skills
We foster community connections through various initiatives:
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Daily structured programming
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Social-emotional learning that encourages our youth to engage and volunteer
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Recreational activities, which develop meaningful relationships with peers and mentors.
Stability
Case Management
We working with the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS):
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Coordination with caseworkers
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Discharge planning
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Placement transition support