IMPACT
Learn about our 2011 Graduates
Click photos to learn more about our 2011 residents and graduates.
Read one of NYEP’s first graduates story here
Watch our 2011 graduates tell their stories
NYEP, a 501©3 non-profit, incorporated in September, 2007, recognizing that there were no efficacy-based residential programs for transitioning youth in Washoe County. Transitioning youth are 17-21 years old who are homeless upon leaving their parents or one or more of the dependency systems (foster care, substance abuse facility, mental institution and/or detention center). NYEP’s mission is to provide residential and outpatient programming and education to willing older youth to help them achieve independent self-sufficient living. For four years, NYEP is proud to say it has continued to operate with no government grant dollars.
Until August of 2010, NYEP had an annual working budget that averaged $275,000; the majority of this funding came from earned income received from Nevada Medicaid for insurance reimbursements for behavioral health services provided by NYEP staff. Without notice, Medicaid abruptly stopped paying out claims and changed policies and practices causing a disruption in payments and ultimately huge cuts resulting in a budget shortfall for NYEP. Because of this change in response from Medicaid, and the fact that the alternative for the teens in our program is homelessness, NYEP found itself in a position where without new funding, and fast, it would dissolve. NYEP immediately began writing grants and proposals.
NYEP can deliver supportive housing and training for $18,276 per resident annually. A recent cost-benefit analysis by a peer review established that simply investing in transitioning youth in the amount of $46,500/year, the amount determined that private parents invest, would absolutely yield a cost benefit to the community. Successfully transitioned youth would generate revenue, taxable income and employed adults instead of burdening our system with costs related to mental health, unemployment and incarceration. In 2008, Washoe County reportedly spendt $14.2 million on homelessness and indigence.
NYEP has since been supported by earned income, placement fees, individuals, corporate giving and community foundation support from businesses and organizations including Charles Schwab, AmeriCorps VISTA, Nell J. Redfield Foundation, Robert J. Hawkins Foundation, NV Energy, Belcorp, AWCMS, NV Womens Fund, Zonta Club, Sertoma Club of Sparks, Soroptomists, Catalyst360 and American Family Insurance.
The individuals who provide services to residents of NYEP’s housing program are dedicated and committed to the mission. NYEP believes the work its doing is vital and continues to adjust to changes in the economy by reducing the number of highly paid staff, moving from “employees” to “contractors” and operating on a tighter budget, looking for free/cheap ways to have fun, doing more repairs on our own and seeking out donations for ongoing expenses. Even with the cuts and cutbacks, NYEP has continued to watch its program residents flourish and grow. We are proud to say that we have little to no turn over in our team of workers, and mentors report that they truly enjoy what they do.