Runaway And Youth Services (RAYS)

Runaway and Youth Services (RAYS) is a program of Foundations Health & Wholeness. It works to improve the network of support to both youth and their families through confidential and voluntary crisis intervention and referral services. All services offered to youth and families are free. Each year, nearly 30,000 Wisconsin families are confronted with a crisis - a teen runaway. Teens run away from home for a variety of reasons. The most common is unresolved conflict cause by misunderstandings, lack of communication and differences over roles, rules and expectations at home. We can help you and your family through these difficult times. OUR GOALS: 1. Strengthen Families 2. Prevent Family Dissolution 3. Promote Self-Sufficiency 4. Assure Permanent, Stable Homes

Our STREET OUTREACH PROGRAM - Builds relationships with runaways, homeless, and street youth where they are in the community - Seeks to promote trust between youth and community supports by providing warm referrals for services within RAYS (basic center) and at other community agencies - Collaborates with community and government entities to connect with all county runaway youth and their families - Provides the county’s only food and hygiene pantry available to youth - Provides a place for youth to wash clothes, take a shower, or get a hot meal - Runs a FREE Career Closet, with assistance in work related life skills and attire, and a Formal Wear Boutique that strips away barriers for youth in attending school and community functions such as: Homecoming, the Prom or Formal. - The Drop In Center offers youth a place to come after school 2 days a week where youth are welcomed with a hot meal, access to wifi, and the support of staff who are here to listen to issues youth are experiencing WE'RE HERE TO HELP!!!!