Image"Little did I know, thirty years ago when I started YCC, that more than 30,000 kids in need would come through those doors.  YCC is an agency with a heart for kids and families, and they have set many young lives back on the right track.  YCC is the only "safety net" for at-risk youth in our community."

 Gwen Yates
fmr City Councilwoman, Dist 8
Founder of Youth Crisis Center

Welcome

Youth Crisis Center is a remarkable success story about changed lives and reunited families.  In 1974, Gwen Yates, former Jacksonville City Councilwoman, founded YCC as Florida's first runaway youth shelter.  YCC soon emerged as Florida's busiest runaway program, and it is now one of the busiest in the country, housing more than 1,600 youth each year. In 1975, the CBS crew of 60 Minutes identified our organization as an exemplary program worthy of being highlighted on their Sunday evening broadcast.

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Touchstone Village

Image JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 26, 2008) — Youth Crisis Center (YCC) President Tom Patania, developer Greg Matovina and YCC Board Chairman Kevin Hyde unveil the name and logo as part of a ceremony marking the beginning of construction for Touchstone Village, a $6 million, 40-unit residential and support community for young people between the ages of 16 and 21 who are disconnected from family, foster care or other assistance. Matovina has spearheaded organizing building community participation in the project, which is being developed by YCC.


Image JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 26, 2008) — 17-year-old Ayak Roll shares her personal story with the audience at ceremonies marking the beginning of construction for Touchstone Village, a $6 million, 40-unit residential and support community for young people between the ages of 16 and 21 who are disconnected from family, foster care or other assistance. Ayak and other family members fled religious persecution in Sudan, but her father couldn’t leave with them and was murdered before making it to the United States. The family became destitute and Ayak ended up on the streets.