SYM Statistical Highlights

SYM's goals for clients are to achieve more stability, sobriety, re-connection with God, and finding a faith home. We break those goals down into dozens of common issues. We watch, listen and probe for when our clients are working on goals. We come alongside them as guides when we can. And we routinely follow-up on how progress is going and celebrate with them as they achieve. It's really an privilege to walk alongside our clients!

A Client's Perspective on What We Do

In response to our Blog on Big Things in Clients Lives, we received this comment. It paints a picture from the perspective of a client of what our supporters, volunteers and leaders do that is very eloquent.

As a former (really ongoing, as Terry's care is always available and extended whenever I'm in the area) client, I can say that without Street Youth Ministry the Drag would be a much more cold and unforgiving place than it already is for street kids. Terry actually understands the intricacies of the traveling lifestyle[...][SYM] understands differentiation between traveling kids and displaced local youth but still extends [their] aid to both, as they both qualify. I still struggle with addiction every day, but I know I can always talk to Terry even if I'm on the other side of the country. We'd be a lot more stuck without [SYM], and I hope to see you again soon.

Together our supporters and volunteers make a big difference in the lives of about 80 clients every single week. We meet about 500 new clients every single year. And we love hearing from as many as possible through email, text messaging, Facebook, or when they visit Austin.

There are many ways to become involved with SYM.  

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve   What We Do   Get Involved  Support Us   News  Publications  Ministry Needs   Speaking   Service Projects   Sign-up
Become a fan on Facebook!Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

Follow SYM:            

A privilege to Serve

We have a client who's very erratic. He's impulsive and sometimes difficult. And other times much more  "together." Here is a tale of one day...

 

It was our clothing closet. We had several new volunteers and regular clothing sorters buzzing about. Tim came in. He was very ill kept and obviously impulsive. He proceeded to be a real pain. I kept him in line by frequently reminders of our rules and what I needed from him. He managed to get clothing, snack, and then lay down for a nap. Finally I got a "break" from Tim.

 

When it was time to clean-up, I was hesitant to wake Tim. He was so peaceful and easy to manage while asleep. But I needed him to wake and begin packing up. He often packs up slowly and finds new things he needs at the end. I firmly helped him get up and get ready. I denied him further access to resources that we were putting away. And I was tough on him.

 

Finally, Tim was the last one there. So I called him over and asked how he was, really. This began a conversation about how he wanted to go back to school. And he began a completely together discussion with our volunteers about how we are the only people who will help him. "Terry is the only one who puts up with me. If it weren't for you guys, I know I would be dead and gone." 

 

I gave him a hug and reassured him that we love him and God loves him. I encouraged his plan for school but once again reiterated that it was time to go for today. And away he went. 

 

It is a privilege to serve Tim and all those like him. The more awful they are, the more they need help from SYM and all our donors, supporters and volunteers. Sometimes it's painful and sometimes we don't get through. But you just never know. Only God knows his plan for each of these people. And He is good and trustworthy! Amen.

 

Join us at SYM.

 

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve   What We Do   Get Involved  Support Us   News  Publications  Ministry Needs   Speaking   Service Projects   Sign-up

Become a fan on Facebook!
Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

Follow SYM:            

 

 

What Do Our Former Clients Say?

We received this on Facebook recently. We love FB. It lets us keep up with clients whom we don't see anymore because they are doing well! Clients... be inspired! Life gets better and it can happen for you. This client went through all the stuff you are and came out great on the other side! And supporters, please be inspired to know that what you help do really makes a difference!

Thank you for everything you have done. You helped me get my life back, even though I don't think you know it! I'm still getting on my feet, but I'm with my family. I have also met the man that God intended me to find. He's amazing and treats me very well. When I get back to Texas, I only request an hour of your time, Terry. I want to treat you to something, even if its just Ice Cream, and to thank you in person!

Help us help serve our clients.

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve   What We Do   Get Involved  Support Us   News  Publications  Ministry Needs   Speaking   Service Projects   Sign-up
Become a fan on Facebook!Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

Follow SYM:            

Why do I give?

We received this recently from a donor. We are so thankful that we have supporters from all walks of life and all over the country. We help our clients understand that supporters have lots of reasons for caring. Here is one story:

SYM is one of several places that I have chosen to tithe.  I think that the work that you do is important and may be the only glimpse of Gods love that several of Austin’s street youth will ever encounter.  God bless you in every way possible. I attend a United Methodist Church in Lubbock,TX and I currently work as a mental health tech, but I am working towards my LCDC. I was a nontraditional older student and attended Texas Tech through the Center of Addiction and Recovery and I am a recovering alcoholic/ addict...going to school around all the college age students. Through this experience, God opened my eyes to some of the unique struggles that youth have and I had forgotten the importance of.  My passion for going to school was homelessness and somewhere in the mix I found your site when I was looking for information. I did a powerpoint presentation in class that included SYM as an example of how we can respond to the needs of homeless youth. God Bless you and put his angels of protection around you and the youth...in the name of Jesus Christ..Amen

There are many ways to support our ministry.

"To know, love and serve street dependent youth."
Who We Serve   What We Do   Get Involved  Support Us   News  Publications  Ministry Needs   Speaking   Service Projects   Sign-up
Become a fan on Facebook!Mobile? No problem: m.StreetYouthMinistry.org.
I'm a notary for benefit of clients and supporters. Ph: (512) 553-3796
Volunteer or donate (tax deductible) online
Arrange a meeting with me: tungle.me/terrycole

Follow SYM: