Here at Diogenes Youth Services we believe that every youth deserves a Merry Christmas. While other teens her age will be enjoying the season with their families at home, Sarah finds herself literally “left out in the cold.” Please take a minute to read Sarah’s Story.

Forced to leave an abusive and violent family environment, 15 year old Sarah had no place to turn. She eventually landed on the streets of Sacramento, homeless and frightened. Although living at home had become unbearable, she soon learned that life on the street was far worse than expected. Her life quickly began to spiral downward, she dropped out of school and soon she became victimized and exploited. She was severely malnourished and life looked bleak as she survived day to day. Things began to change for the better when she met an Outreach worker from Diogenes Youth Services one night and entered our emergency shelter. She could again feel safe while putting her life back together. She got the counseling she needed and today is enrolled in high school and has friends and people she can count on for guidance.

For teens forced into a “life on the street,” everyday survival is difficult, but during the holidays it can be downright devastating. Sarah is now getting the help she needs, but not all runaway and homeless teens are as lucky as Sarah and many will spend their holidays “on the street.”

Unfortunately, her story is all too common among teens at-risk. There are still hundreds of others with similar stories and needing help. Just like other kids they want to share in the holiday joy.

With your help Christmas can become a joyful time for our at-risk teens. For those still living on the street, we provide survival kits and comfort items. For those living at our Emergency Shelter and Transitional Living Programs we provide gifts.

Sarah had few expectations of joy this Christmas, life had taught her to expect little and avoid more disappointment. This year Sarah is one of the lucky ones. With your help this Christmas, Sarah and others like her won’t be disappointed.

Attend the 23rd Annual Christmas Party Extravaganza benefitng Diogenes Youth Services on December 17th.  Buy your tickets online today.