The mission of Capital City Youth Services is to:
Promote the healthy development of youth and families.
The purposes for which this corporation has been organized are:
a. To provide access, linkages and crisis intervention services to and on behalf of youth and families in crisis in the state of Florida or any other geographical area deemed appropriate.
b. To provide a continuum and advocate for preventive, protective, counseling and educational services to families, youth and children in order to enhance their safety, health and functionality.
c. To advocate for youth and families’ rights and promote positive intergenerational relationships.
d. To make effective use of all available human resources and, whenever possible, provide the services of this corporation by using trained volunteers.
e. To work in cooperation with other service providers, planning groups, and funding bodies in an effort to promote the well-being of children, youth and families and to prevent juvenile delinquency and violence in the family.
f. To participate in community education efforts for youth and family health and well being.
g. To provide training opportunities for students in human services, psychology, social work, and related fields.
h. To promote implementation of services, which will fill gaps in the social services delivery system or to provide such services as the corporation deems we are capable of providing.
i. To receive, invest and disperse funds and to hold and manage property for the purposes of the organization.
j. To provide other services which promote positive youth and family development.
Statement on Diversity & Inclusion (Approved by Board of Directors November, 2020)
Capital City Youth Services prohibits discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression and recognizes that it continues to be an issue despite the increasing recognition and acceptance of Black, Brown and LGBTQ+ populations. Many individuals within these populations report experiencing discrimination or bias when accessing services in this community and we, the Board of Directors and staff of Capital City Youth Services, find this unacceptable. Persistent societal stigma, ongoing discrimination, and denial of civil and human rights impede individual self-determination and access to needed services, leading to negative health and wellness outcomes. Capital City Youth Services plays an integral role to address these issues existing in this community and are committed to delivering culturally congruent and safe care to ALL youth and further commit to serve as an equity champion for Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ populations in Tallahassee and throughout the Big Bend region.
Human Trafficking
CCYS’ 8-county service area encompasses 120 miles of Interstate 10, a path frequented by Runaway, Homeless, and Street Youth traveling to larger south Florida cities and coastal areas (Panama City, Daytona Beach, Key West, etc.). Our area is a major corridor for human trafficking. CCYS Outreach services provide more than just backpacks & pamphlets to youth who may, or have experienced, trafficking. Through meaningful youth engagement and resources to trafficking survivors, CCYS ensures that these youth, ages 11 – 24, have access to trauma-informed care and a continuum of physical, mental, and emotional support. We are able to provide Emergency Shelter assistance, Transitional Living with wrap-around services that include case management, mental health counseling, and a survivor-mentor to walk with them through seasons of recovery. Essential partners in this work include TPD’s High Risk Victims Unit, Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center, Safe Families, International Rescue Committee, and Apalachee Center to name a few.