Runaway Homeless Youth Mediation and Emergency Services, Inc.

The RHYMES Shelter is committed to helping youth and families experiencing crisis by providing 24-hour access to shelter, clothing, food, showers, laundry, information and resources/referrals focused on the self-identified needs of the youths. The RHYMES Shelter offers youth and families a break during this time of crisis and the opportunity to seek support, process experiences, and identify alternative positive outcomes to running away, homelessness, and/or violence. The RHYMES Shelter believes it is important for youth and staff to maintain and/or establish a positive relationship with parents, guardians, and other supportive adults in their lives. Services available to the community to reduce youth homelessness and running away, while providing alternatives to family dysfunction/conflict include voluntary placement agreements with parent/guardian(s) and youth, voluntary placement agreements through a county department/youth placing agency in partnership with parent/guardian(s), and/or shelter care placement through a temporary physical custody order through a county department/youth placing agency. Each youth will receive services aligned with state requirements for each placement type, based on three core operational philosophies: Trauma Informed Care, a Strengths Based Approach, and an Anti-Oppression Approach. Youth safety is the highest priority. Staff will report suspected youth abuse and neglect. RHYMES Shelter services are provided 24-hours a day, 365 days per year.

The following is a list of job duties a volunteer/intern will perform within the shelter: ● one-on-one interaction with youth ● provide phone counseling ● participate in intake assessments ● participate in group sessions ● assist with house management & youth supervision