Ways to Help
Dear Community,
In Central Vermont, young people are building lives full of beauty, resilience, and hope—often against the odds. At Elevate Youth Services, we believe every young person deserves a safe place to sleep, caring adults they can count on, and a community that says: you belong here.
Every day, we walk alongside youth ages 12–24 as they navigate housing instability, mental health struggles, identity exploration, and the everyday work of growing up.
But no one can do that alone.
We believe that community care is the antidote to isolation. That love—real love—looks like rides to appointments, stocked fridges, warm beds, open doors, and people who keep showing up. We know that youth need more than programs. They need people. They need all of us.
So here’s our invitation to you:
Be one of those people.
Whether you’re a neighbor, a nurse, a business owner, an artist, a grandparent, or someone still figuring out your place—we need you. Not to save anyone. But to stand beside them. To say: You matter. I’m here. We’re in this together.
Ways You Can Belong to This Community of Care:
Be present: Attend a youth art show, volunteer at a drop-in, offer your skills.
Give generously: Support housing, meals, and mental health care through a donation or in-kind gift.
Learn and unlearn: Join us in practicing trauma-informed, anti-oppressive care—for youth and for ourselves.
Open doors: Offer job opportunities, mentorship, or a ride. Advocate for youth-centered policy.
Keep coming back: Care isn’t a one-time gesture—it’s a practice. A muscle we build together.
Celebrate with Purpose – Mark a birthday, anniversary, or wedding by inviting gifts to Elevate in your honor.
Host a Community of Care Dinner – Gather friends for a meal, hear stories from youth and staff, and raise support together.
“There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.”
— Audre Lorde
This isn’t charity. This is solidarity. It’s a chance to be part of something real. Something rooted. Something liberatory.
Because the world we want is one where no young person is disposable. And it will take all of us to build it.
With gratitude and fierce hope,
Favor Ellis
Executive Director
she | her | hers
You can change the trajectory of a young person’s life!
One important way that you can help vulnerable youth here in Vermont is to make a financial contribution to ensure they have the supports and services they need to grow, thrive, and build self-sufficient lives as adults.
Your support means we can be here for youth every day – with counseling, prevention programs, emergency shelter and housing – and as a compassionate partner in problem solving to help them move forward in their lives and pursue their dreams. Your gift matters!
There are many ways you can support our work, and we are grateful for however you choose to contribute:
Volunteer to be a Shelter Parent
Make a one-time online contribution now
Make a monthly contribution
It’s convenient and easy to provide ongoing, reliable support that helps change lives throughout the year. You can change or cancel your gift at any time – and can choose your preferred method of payment:Online – Set up your monthly gift through our secure online site. Just select your donation schedule to be monthly.
Automatic Bill Pay – Arrange for your bank to send us a check for a certain amount each month. This option avoids credit card expiration dates and fees so your gift is uninterrupted and all of it goes directly to help vulnerable youth.
Call 802-229-9151 to set up a monthly gift using your credit card.
Mail : Send your donation to Elevate Youth Services, 652 Granger Rd, Suite 2, Barre, VT 05461
MATCHING GIFTS
Multiply the impact of your gift! Ask your employer if they match charitable donations. Make your own donation and then complete your employer’s matching gift process.
GIVE FROM YOUR IRA, TAX FREE
If you’ve reached age 70 ½, you can donate directly from your IRA without it counting as taxable income – even if you do not itemize deductions on your tax return. Funds must be transferred directly from your IRA to Elevate Youth Services, and can count toward your annual minimum distribution requirement. Consult with your IRA custodian to learn more about making an IRA Charitable Rollover and to initiate your gift.MAKE A STOCK GIFT
Donating stock is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give and a great way to increase your support for vulnerable youth. You may avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated stock and also realize an income tax deduction. Please contact us for the information needed for your transaction: email hmyers@elevateyouthvt.orgOther Creative Ways to Give:
Direct birthday, wedding and other special occasion gifts to Elevate Youth Services. Make your own gift in honor or memory of a special person or occasion. Donate proceeds from a yard sale or collect spare change. Create your own fundraising challenge to raise money when participating in a marathon, a long distance hike or bike ride – or create a challenge to do something that might seem funny or outlandish for you.
Elevate Youth Services is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by Federal Tax ID Number (EIN): 03-0262162
Legal name: Elevate Youth Services | Address: 652 Granger Rd, Suite 2, Barre, VT 05461
Questions? Contact info@elevateyouthvt.org