Looking Glass' Runaway and Homeless Youth staff, including Station 7, New Roads, New Roads School, and The Rural Program
The Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) department of Looking Glass met at Wayne Morse Ranch for their annual retreat on Friday, June 22, which featured presentations, cultural awareness training, and strategic planning. Every year the RHY team meets to discuss how services and outreach to runaway and homeless youth can be improved.
Kirstin London, the Director of Runaway and Homeless Youth Services said "Our annual retreat is an important chance for the staff to revisit our mission statement. It's important for us to involve all staff to make sure new energy and new ideas are included in our strategic plan." Talking on the importance of involving the entire team London said "It's easy for the leadership who have been here for over 10 years to say 'Oh, that didn't work in 2008' but with new energy and staff we can accomplish goals that we previously haven't achieved."
This year's guest speaker was William Wise, former director of St. Vincent de Paul's First Place Family Center. His presentation and guided discussion was on cultural awareness when working with youth who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness.
The whole RHY team now is ready to tackle the challenges head with a renewed focus and fresh ideas on how to help our community's most vulnerable children.
William Wise talking to RHY staff