Mission Statement
Our mission is to improve our community's collective ability to engage and support Black youth by pioneering practices, creating tools, and sharing resources across the state, the country, and the world.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
As a youth-powered organization, SPYS recognized a need for experienced organizations to work with youth to create meaningful opportunities for them to interact with adults to affect change in their communities. Our youth-led training model has adapted and grown for the institutions with which we partnered with this year.
Our Behavior Intervention Program provided students and families with ongoing support services to navigate distance learning, supplemental technology for effective distance learning, and resource connections for basic needs.
SPYS also worked one-on-one with youth referred to our Pre-Charge Diversion program to begin a restorative justice plan that includes community service, restitution, education, therapy, and/or chemical dependency treatment, depending on the needs of the participant. Our Diversion program uses an individualized approach, working with youth where they are at as part of our work to address the symptoms of systemic racism.
Current Goals
1 of 4 Partner with Black Youth & Their Families
2 of 4 Train & Collaborate with Nonprofits & Public Agencies
3 of 4 Work for Just & Effective Policies
4 of 4 Advocate for Resources Proportionate to the Organizational Mission, Vision, and Values
Community or Constituency Served
We work with youth ages 11-18. Most youth we work with are age Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color.
Geographic Area Served
For nearly 50 years, St. Paul Youth Services has worked with youth (and their families) in the East Metro of Saint Paul. Most of the youth in our programs live in high-poverty neighborhoods on the East side of Saint Paul. We also serve youth in the greater Twin Cities Metro area and beyond.
