“In the nearly 20 years since New Avenues for Youth first opened, one thing hasn’t changed: the incredible courage of the young people who come through our doors. They are an inspiration to me and, two decades later, keep me coming to work every day.” – Sean Suib, Executive Director

What has changed in that time is the growth in New Avenues’ capacity to address the needs of vulnerable young people. What began in 1997 with our founders’ goal of addressing the youth homelessness crisis in Portland has evolved into an expansive, innovative suite of programs, which have supported more than 20,000 individuals working to improve their lives.  Here is a look at some important milestones in the life of New Avenues for Youth…all made possible with your support!

1997 –  New Avenues opens its doors!
1998 – New Avenues launches the Reception Center
1998-99 – Homeless Youth System is built (Outside In, New Avenues, Salvation Army, Janus Youth Programs)
1999 – Our first Steve Allen Comedy Show fundraiser is held starring Steve Allen
2000 – “Friends of New Avenues” purchases the Joyce N. Furman Building for Transitional Housing
2001 – Through a federal Youth Opportunity grant, New Avenues launches the PAVE job training program in the basement of the Furman Building
2002 – The first Homeless Youth System redesign is implemented
2004 – New Avenues opens the Ben & Jerry’s PartnerShop in downtown Portland – our first Social Purpose Enterprise
2005 – New Avenues moves into the Killough Building
2009 – New Avenues completes the “Futures of Possibilities Campaign”
2011 – Second Ben & Jerry’s opens on the campus of Portland State University
2012 – The Education Center is dedicated in honor of Ronald Killough and
2012 – Dedication of the Rotary Center for Career Training
2012 – Our first Brews for New Avenues fundraiser
2013 – New Avenues INK is launched
2014 – New Avenues begins providing PDX-Connect foster care transition services
2015 – SMYRC and Bridge 13 become programs of New Avenues, expanding prevention/intervention services for LGBTQ youth
2015 – The Leadership Lab is dedicated in honor of Brian Rice
2016 – New Avenues launches Unity House, Oregon’s first-ever housing program specifically for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness
2017 – New Avenues opens Unity House 2, expands to offer services in East County, breaks ground on Youth Opportunity Center and breaks ground on New Meadows, a partnership project with Bridge Meadows