Tidewater Youth Services Commission and Foundation
Making a Big Difference in the Lives of Young People
“For the first time in more than a decade, the number of youth coming in contact with the court systems is projected to increase,” says Sarah Wray, executive director of Tidewater Youth Services Foundation. This is a startling statistic, but likely not a surprise for those aware of post-pandemic effects on the population. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, that number was steadily decreasing and close to a plateau, but the reality of multiple years of housing instability, food insecurity, under-vigilant adult leaders in the homes, and financial shortages have played a role in our youth’s behavior since 2020.
This is where the Tidewater Youth Services Commission and the Tidewater Youth Services Foundation come in, providing life-changing services for at-risk youth.
The Tidewater Youth Services Commission (“the Commission”) was formed in 1977 under a charter agreement signed by the city managers and county administrators of seven Hampton Roads localities (Chesapeake, Franklin, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach and the counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton). It was created as a separate public agency to operate a system of group homes and programs providing services to youth who are at-risk or already court-involved in our region. Since its inception, the Commission has developed a broad range of programs and services and is now the primary resource for juvenile justice services in the region.
The Tidewater Youth Services Foundation (“the Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, established in 1991 to raise funds and find community resources to support the Commission. Because the Commission is financed by public dollars, it follows certain regulations, particularly pertaining to its finances. The Foundation was formed to be able to financially support things like haircuts and garments for court appearances that the Commission cannot legally support.
The Commission and the Foundation work together: According to their website, “The Commission provides the sustenance, what is needed to live. The Foundation provides the lifestyle and the opportunities we all live for.”
The breadth of services provided is astounding. They receive referrals for anywhere between 1200-1500 youth each year. Unfortunately, there are times the State allocated funding can only meet the most basic needs for services of the youth. To provide the level of intervention to truly affect change is often hindered because they do not have the resources to support complex needs.
All of the programs and services change lives, but when asked to share one of her favorite moments or experiences, Commission executive director Jenny Hodge talked about a success from the gang intervention group. “Many of the youth we serve have been in the court system due to a choice they may have made on one of their worst days. Very rarely are they celebrated, so we try to take time to celebrate both big and not-so-big accomplishments with them. When one of our young men received his GED, he was the first in his family to achieve that. It was a gift to be part of the celebration.”
Tidewater Youth Services provides a broad range of programs for youth including time at the Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop. Both organizations rely on financial support from external sources. TowneBank is both a supporter and a partner. “The Foundation’s endowment was started by a generous gift from TowneBank. That helped us put our long-term vision into action, but in addition to the gift, TowneBank has helped us in so many ways,” says Sarah, “Dawn Provost is a true partner. With her knowledge, she has helped us navigate several complex financial situations. She even brought cupcakes to a meeting because that’s just what Towne people do!”
The Foundation and the Commission are always in need of support. Make a financial gift, volunteer to help with upkeep at a boys’ home, donate hygiene products, or volunteer on a restorative justice panel to provide direct assistance to our youth.
Please visit TYSFoundation.org for more information.