LOS ANGELES YOUTH NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW HOME FOR FOSTER & HOMELESS YOUTH

September 16, 2014 by  
Filed under Featured Articles, Front Page

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The Los Angeles Youth Network (LAYN) opened its doors to a new home for foster and homeless youth in Hollywood. The 10,000 square foot 1919 Craftsman style home replaces LAYN’s current 30-year old barrack style emergency shelter and will enable over 300 foster youth (ages 12-17) a year to receive high quality enhanced services in a safe and nurturing environment.
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“We are thrilled to be able to move our emergency shelter into this comforting and
lovely environment,” said Mark Supper, Executive Director, Los Angeles Youth Network. “We see kids who are the most traumatized. They come to us right after
they have been removed from their home or a difficult foster placement. It is
critical that the environment in which they find themselves provides a sense of
comfort and safety. This new building will do just that.”
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As the only organization in Hollywood that provides residential care to homeless youth ages 12-21, LAYN provides shelter and a home to foster and homeless youth
with programs that enable these abused, neglected and homeless youth to become
self-sufficient adults. The new residence will be able to accommodate the effective
delivery of LAYN’s full continuum of care. It’s eight bedrooms, art therapy room,
education/computer lab, family reunification room, living room, dining room
recreation area, and youth services building will provide ample space for 17 youth
to simultaneously receive a multitude of vital services to help them overcome past
trauma while providing an improved quality of life.

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The building was formally opened this morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony
attended by Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles City
Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, Philip Browning, Director, Dept. of Children &
Family Services, Mark Supper, Executive Director, Los Angeles Youth Network,
Steve Zimmer, LAUSD School Board, Jevon Wilkes, a former LAYN resident as
well as LAYN Board Members and invited guests.

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“I find it terribly heartbreaking that thousands of children are displaced from their
homes and end up on the streets of Los Angeles,” said Councilmember Mitch
O’Farrell. “I commend the Los Angeles Youth Network for doing its part to create a
safe place for homeless children until they are able to transition out of the foster
care system and into permanent housing. Pursuing a dedicated source of funding
to house the most vulnerable members of our community is a primary focus of the L.A. City Council.”

For more information visit www.layn.org