As Waymakers will tell you (and as so many of us know!), growing up is challenging in the best of circumstances and overwhelming when the stress of daily life sets in. When teens face troubling times, running away may seem like a solution. That’s where Waymakers steps in to provide a critical support system for Orange County’s youth when the alternative might be the streets. Over the past 18 years, this nonprofit has assisted more than 2,200 at-risk youth, offering shelter, counseling and often a clear path to family reunification while achieving an impressive 94% success rate. Waymakers’ intervention not only provides immediate relief for stressful situations, but also addresses the underlying issues in an effort to stabilize teens’ lives.
Despite these proven efforts, this vital program is facing a decline in funding sources. The support of donors is important to ensure that Waymakers can continue to prevent vulnerable young people from potentially becoming homeless by providing a safe haven and a chance for a stable future.
The Reveille team was quick to spread the news about the impact this program has had on the community and the call for assistance. Local media such as the Daily Pilot and KNX News helped to ensure their audiences understood the importance of this critical resource, paving the way for support from the community.