SPIRIT NYS

Founded in the spring of 2021, SPIRIT NYS supports homeless teenagers to graduate high school and encourages them to pursue post-graduate endeavors such as vocational training or college enrollment. We focus on building relationships with trusted mentors and connecting with local resources for basic needs. Students also earn stipends by improving their grades and attendance. Homeless teenagers face huge barriers that impede their ability to finish high school. They are couch-surfing, sleeping in cars, staying at motels, and living in shelters. Their life is in a constant state of crisis, and school is usually their only stability. Imagine your child having to panhandle in Schoen Place for their next meal or sleep in all their clothes to try and keep warm—in a car parked overnight at Eastview. We wouldn't let it happen to "our" kids. So why do we let it happen to any kids? They're kids like yours but experiencing homelessness due to abuse, a parental death, or being LGBTQ+. It is SPIRIT NYS' third year supporting students at Franklin Upper, Northeast, Edison Tech, and Vertus High School. Recently, Monroe Upper and the Greece Central School District have been added to the list! A high school diploma is a stepping stone to more opportunities for a brighter future. We want all youth to become productive members of society. Please join us in stopping the dropouts! Together, we will guide homeless high school teens toward a more rewarding life by helping them stay in school and graduate.

We focus on: Education, Human Services

Where we are: Monroe