ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - Youth-Reach operates a series of Christian foster group homes in northeast Houston and is soon to open homes in Summerdale Alabama as well. These homes are designed to remold the values and turn around the lives of at-risk youth, ages 12 to 21. 

Best-selling author and Orange Beach resident Andy Andrews will be the kenote speaker on April 5 at Perdido Beach Resort to raise money for Youth-Reach Gulf Coast. For tickets and more information call 918-766-5632.

Youth-Reach is a non-profit organization with a 501-(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service.

The program was founded in 1984 by Curt Williams, who describes Youth-Reach as “a hospital for today’s damaged and discarded youth.” Set in a structure of a balanced family and home life, Youth-Reach concentrates on developing character, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. Facilitated by experienced and respected counselors, Youth-Reach is a long-term program intended to heal past wounds and restore families. Youth-Reach is a member of The Evangelical Counsel for Financial Accountability (ECFA) and adheres to their strict financial accounting guidelines.

Many young men today suffer emotionally, socially, and physically from the lack of a father figure. These young men are headed down destructive paths of violence, rage, anger, and apathy. They rebel against any authority figure – their parents, school officials, even the law. More and more teenagers are being lured into the drug scene, often attending all-night parties where dangerous drugs are readily available.

Adolescents search out pornography, weapons, and recipes for bombs on the Internet. These problems are just symptoms of a larger need in a young man’s life.

Youth-Reach is committed to addressing the mental, physical, and spiritual needs of this generation’s hurting young people. It is an effort to reach and teach homeless, damaged, and troubled young men skills that will enable them to be successful in today’s society.

Youth-Reach uses the accredited PACES program from The School of Tomorrow to educate the young men which allows Youth-Reach to offer a quality education without the distractions. The staff of Youth-Reach addresses the central issues that lead today’s youth to harmful actions such as drug addiction, promiscuity, rage, and violence.

Underneath the rebellion and defiance is a need for security, acceptance, and discipline. Not only does Youth-Reach facilitate emotional healing and healthy relationships, but practical skills for daily living as well, such as housework, auto maintenance, carpentry, and personal care. Youth-Reach guides the boys toward self-control and character development. The healing that occurs at Youth-Reach reaches far beyond the lives of the boys. Families are restored and as these young men grow and become husbands and fathers, their wives and children also benefit from the important lessons learned at Youth-Reach.

History and Background

Since 1984, Youth-Reach Houston Inc. has operated full service residential facilities for troubled boys from the ages of 12 – 21. Originating in the Montrose area of Houston, it is currently located on a 14.5 acre campus in Northeast Houston.

Youth-Reach began as an outreach to the young homeless street kids of downtown Houston. Recognizing that homeless kids needed more than encouraging words, a greater need was identified: Something tangible had to be done. These kids needed a structured and safe home, clear boundaries, wise guidance, and an infusion of hope. None of them could pay for all of this and there were no available alternatives that would address their specific and challenging needs. They all needed long-term assistance and the options were few.

This is why, to this day, Youth-Reach is dedicated to provide excellent care at no charge. Therefore, Youth-Reach is available to all kids without a concern for their ability to pay.