We provide opportunities for children and families to discover their strengths while supporting them to grow and contribute within our communities.
THE CHALLENGE
For many children, the path to adulthood isn’t easy. More than 435,000 children are currently growing up in foster homes; 120,000 have been permanently separated from their parents and are waiting for adoption; 20,000 will turn 18 and “age out” without family support. We have a responsibility to do better. Preserving and strengthening families can allow children to grow up safely in their own homes without the trauma of family separation, and effective services can be the bridge to adulthood for young people who leave foster care alone.
THE CHALLENGE
For many children, the path to adulthood isn’t easy. More than 435,000 children are currently growing up in foster homes; 120,000 have been permanently separated from their parents and are waiting for adoption; 20,000 will turn 18 and “age out” without family support. We have a responsibility to do better. Preserving and strengthening families can allow children to grow up safely in their own homes without the trauma of family separation, and effective services can be the bridge to adulthood for young people who leave foster care alone.
OUR APPROACH
Decades of experience and research have taught us this: a family does a better job raising a child than the state. We provide and advocate for innovative, evidence-based, family-focused services designed to bring help and hope to children and their families and proven benefits for young adults turning 18 in foster care.
OUR APPROACH
Decades of experience and research have taught us this: a family does a better job raising a child than the state. We provide and advocate for innovative, evidence-based, family-focused services designed to bring help and hope to children and their families and proven benefits for young adults turning 18 in foster care.
OUR PROGRAMS
• Laraway School Program
• Therapeutic Foster Care and Residential Service Program
• BackPack Program
OUR PROGRAMS
• Laraway School Program
• Therapeutic Foster Care and Residential Service Program
• BackPack Program
OUR IMPACT
With the support from partnerships, organizations, and agencies around the beautiful state of Vermont, we are changing the lives of children, families, and young people. Our services and programs continue to impact our communities and state positively!
counties we serve
youth we serve
OUR IMPACT
With the support from partnerships, organizations, and agencies around the beautiful state of Vermont, we are changing the lives of children, families, and young people. Our services and programs continue to impact our communities and state positively!
counties we serve
youth we serve
OUR IMPACT
With the support from partnerships, organizations, and agencies around the beautiful state of Vermont, we are changing the lives of children, families, and young people. Our services and programs continue to impact our communities and state positively!
counties we serve
7
youth we serve
115
DAVID MCALLISTER
MSOL, MBA – Executive Director/CEO
Richard Branson said, “There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions in a way that serves the world.” For the past 50 years, the dedicated staff members at Laraway Youth & Family Services have been doing just that. Our team is committed to supporting children and adolescents through their personal journey of healing, recovery, and personal growth.
Richard Branson said, “There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions in a way that serves the world.” For the past 50 years, the dedicated staff members at Laraway Youth & Family Services have been doing just that. Our team is committed to supporting children and adolescents through their personal journey of healing, recovery, and personal growth.
The research suggests a single positive relationship can be the difference between overcoming the adversity and trauma they experienced and living a safe, healthy, and productive life as a member of our communities. Our young people are amazing! They share their energy, talents, and gifts with us every day. Our talented and highly skilled staff apply their own compassion, creativity, and unconditional positive regard to design innovative therapeutic responses to aid our clients along the way.
I am serving in my 23rd year at Laraway Youth & Family Services. In all those days, from the weekend overnight staff to Executive Director, there are less than a handful of times I recall wanting to give up. This place, the kids, the staff have always provided me inspiration and motivation to be the best I can be at my craft. Our mindset and culture are focused on constant improvement, development, and growth.
In the end, Laraway is about people and connections. Our youth thrive and succeed because of those relationships. Our staff stay here, year after year, decade after decade, doing this challenging work because of those established connections. I want to sincerely thank all the staff, board members, community and state partners, families, and clients for your patience, partnership, and support. Laraway is as strong now, as we have ever been, with a new brand, renewed energy, and a clear vision toward the next half century of service to improve the lives of children and families.
Yours in service,
David E. McAllister
Executive Director/CEO
Laraway Youth & Family Services
WAYS YOU CAN HELP...
Consider making a donation to our Youth Crisis Fund. The Crisis Fund allows us to address critical needs not covered by traditional funding.
Considering opening your home and your heart? Doing so could truly change the life of a child. Learn more about Foster and Respite Care.
Please consider donating one or more of the items on Laraway’s wish-list. New or gently used items to support our programs are accepted.
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FROM FINDING HIS PASSION TO HELPING OTHERS
A Laraway Teacher finds a way to give back and connect with students.
Click below for details on James’ journey to Laraway.
FROM FINDING HIS PASSION TO HELPING OTHERS
A Laraway Teacher finds a way to give back and connect with students.
Click below for details on James’ journey to Laraway.
FROM FINDING HIS PASSION TO HELPING OTHERS
A Laraway Teacher finds a way to give back and connect with students.
Click below for details on James’ journey to Laraway.
CAREERS THAT CHANGE LIVES
At Laraway, you are not just an employee, you are part of our community.