Youth Shelter

Hearts With A Mission serves homeless and at-risk youth, ages 10-17, by providing shelter, educational support, mentoring, and transition planning with a faith-based approach.

Hearts With A Mission provides a safe and nurturing environment for youth to stabilize, stay in school, resolve conflict, learn new self-management skills, and connect with safe adults. Youth receive guidance and support while developing an exit plan through individual case management. Walk-ins, drop-offs, and referrals are all assessed and screened to identify needs, eligibility, and appropriateness. All youth entering the shelter are cleared by local law enforcement. Our ultimate goal is family reunification or a safe alternative.

517 Edwards Street, Medford, OR 97501
24-Hour Help Hotline: (541) 646-7385

Services are available to all eligible youth regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Walk-ins, drop-offs, and referrals are all assessed and screened to identify needs, eligibility and appropriateness. All youth entering the shelter will be cleared by local Law Enforcement.

Main Services

  • 24/7 Youth Shelter (ages 10-17)
  • Individual case management
  • Youth, family, and group counseling
  • Educational and employment support
  • Aftercare services(up to 6 mos. after exiting)
  • Mentoring and guidance
  • Life skills and recreation
  • Nutrition and meals
  • Crisis intervention
  • Family mediation
  • Clothing, hygiene products and school supplies
  • Tutoring and computer lab
  • Information and referrals to other service agencies
  • Drop-in services
  • Parent education and support

Stories Matter

  • “HWAM helped me realize the value in myself as a person.”
  • “‘HWAM gave me a safe place to stay off the streets.”
  • “HWAM helped me transition back home and achieve my goals.”
  • “HWAM helped me learn how to make good choices and be more productive with my time.”
 
 
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Intake Process

  • Completing an Intake Packet/Assessing need
  • Law Enforcement Clearance
  • Reading through and signing consent forms
  • Learning about the shelter rules and expectations
  • A shelter tour and room assignment
  • Lice check
  • Inventory of personal items

FAQ’s

When I drop my child off at the shelter, can I visit on the weekends?

Absolutely, we just ask to have advanced notice to ensure that the youth is present in the shelter and not on any outings.

I have a cell phone, can I use it in the shelter?

Due to confidentiality, youth are not allowed to have their phones on them while in the shelter. Whenever a youth is out of the shelter i.e work/school, they may take their cell phones with them. Their phones will be safely locked up in the shelter and will be charged while they are being stored.

I am a vegetarian, do you have food that can accommodate my allergies or food preferences?

Yes, we are always able to provide meal options for dietary restrictions.

How does my child get to school?

All youth when staying at HWAM are considered to be under McKenny Vento, which means that they have a right to stay at their school of origin and the district will provide transportation to and from HWAM.

I play sports, can I continue extracurriculars at the shelter?

Extracurriculars are always supported for the youth at HWAM. HWAM will do their very best to ensure that we are able to meet the transportation needs for this, but at times we may need additional transportation support depending on staffing.

What types of behavioral management does HWAM utilize?

At HWAM, we believe that people will do well if they have the appropriate skills to problem solve. HWAM utilizes Collaborative Problem Solving where we focus on the underlying problem and what lagging skills are preventing an individual from solving a problem without demonstrating challenging behaviors. HWAM is not a detention center and we utilize positive behavior management. We take a focus on Positive Youth Development and encourage many activities to help reinforce this.

What are the expectations for a parent who has their child at HWAM?

Parents/Guardians will work with Case Manager (or other designated staff) on identifying goals they need to work on for reunification to be successful.  Parents/Guardians will maintain at least weekly contact with youth in program and Case Manager  to discuss progress. Parents/Guardians will be open to feedback and maintain positive communication with their child. If possible Parents/Guardians will provide transportation for their youth to and from appointments scheduled.

What should a child bring when staying at HWAM.

At HWAM, more than likely a youth will be sharing a room with another individual. Due to this, space is limited so it is important not to bring too much. You should plan to have about a weeks worth of clothing, we have washers/dryers available for use as needed. At HWAM, youth are required to be appropriately clothed at all times, which means clothing should not be suggestive/offensive in any way, and free from any inappropriate references. Please ensure that if your child is on any mediations that they are brought with an adequate amount of pills/refills. These mediations are appropriately stored and dispensed by staff. All bedding is provided by HWAM, but if you like to bring your own that is permitted. Animals are not permitted at HWAM.

Are youth allowed electronics in their bedroom?

Youth are permitted to have a radio and alarm clock in their rooms, but there is no TVs, video games, space heaters etc.

Are youth allowed to have their own food, snacks, or drinks?

Yes, youth are permitted to have their own food/drinks etc, but they need to be stored appropriately. There is absolutely no food allowed to be anywhere in the shelter with the exception of the kitchen/dinning room. Youth are not permitted to have caffeine in any form i.e tea, coffee, soda, energy drinks, pre-workout etc. The only drink allowed in bedrooms is water.

What are the shelter expectations for a child at HWAM?

Youth are required to participate in activities, groups and service planning, attend all counseling sessions, be on time and attend school regularly, and complete their share of assigned chores (daily bathroom/household chores). Youth are expected to ensure that their room is picked up, beds are made and their room is free from clutter.

”“I am very impressed with this program. It gave my son a place to go and think about his life, and talk with “neutral people” about things instead of only hearing his parents’ point of view. He was able to be around other who could relate with him in some ways to how he was feeling. He learned how to be more empathetic to others and what they’re struggling with.”