Case Study: SPECTRUM - Youth and Family Services

Spectrum was founded in 1979 by a group of concerned individuals as a shelter for runaway and homeless youth. Today Spectrum offers a wide variety of services to youth and young adults. In many ways, the services that Spectrum offers are an outgrowth of its original function as a homeless shelter for youth.

In addition to the Spectrum One Stop (SOS) emergency shelter which provided 1,688 nights of safe housing to 267 runaway and homeless youth in 1999, the organization now offers a full array of human services for young people. These include a free clinic providing medical services and HIV testing and counseling, as well as the Domestic Abuse Education Project (DAEP) aimed to end male violence against women and children by educating males who batter.

Spectrum has embraced an intentional philosophy of respect and empowerment, called the "youth development" approach, where young people are always a part of the organization’s planning and decision-making processes. This approach is aimed to develop a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and sense of empowerment among the young people utilizing Spectrum’s services.

In 1999 Spectrum was honored by the National Network for Youth with the Leadership in Building Youth Participation Award, nationally recognizing the Agency's leadership in youth development.

Cross Sectoral Benefits

Economy: Assisted 171 youth with employment and vocational help.

Environmental: In 1999, provided housing and services to help 21 adolescent males learn to live independently.

Social: In 1999, helped 168 youth and families work toward reconciliation. Provided 1,668 nights of safe housing to 267 runaway and homeless youth.

Governance: Collaborated with over 200 organizations by providing teaching and technical assistance, establishing collaborative programming, and building coalitions to strengthen the community's ability to respond to the need of young people.

Spectrum Youth and Family Services - Annual Report 1999