Note: We love our Space Coast community. Brevard County has so many resources to offer: It’s a wonderful place to live. As part of our “Bug Hugs” community outreach initiative, we’d like to feature some of the services in our area that improve people’s lives. Slug-A-Bug is happy to support these important services.

Crosswinds Youth Services has been doing some amazing work here in Brevard County for almost 50 years, empowering our youth and providing them with the support they need to thrive. In today’s world, many young people face challenging situations like homelessness and uncertainty. That’s where Crosswinds steps in. It’s like a guiding light for runaway and homeless youth, offering immediate assistance and essential resources to ensure their safety and help them succeed.

Helpful programs

Based in Cocoa, Fla., Crosswinds offers a comprehensive range of programs designed specifically for young individuals in crisis throughout the Space Coast. They have everything from information and referral services to counseling and case management. There’s an emergency residential care shelter that provides a safe and homelike environment for children and teenagers in need. It’s incredible to see the range of support they provide to meet the unique challenges these young people face.

One of their notable initiatives is the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC), which offers comprehensive assessments and services to all referred Brevard County youth, including those at risk of delinquency or involvement in the criminal justice system. They also have such programs as independent living services to help youth transition successfully into independent adulthood. The Transitional Living Program offers housing and supportive services to homeless young people between 16 and 21 years old. 

Project Safe Space

But that’s not all. Crosswinds is also involved in Project Safe Place, a national program that provides immediate help to children and teens facing various challenges. In Brevard County, more than 100 community centers and businesses are designated Safe Place sites. These sites offer shelter, support and guidance to young individuals in distress. It’s comforting to know that no young person in our community has to face his or her challenges alone.

There are several ways you can contribute to this cause. First, you can volunteer your time and skills to support Crosswinds’ programs and initiatives. They always welcome a helping hand. If you’re unable to volunteer, you can make a financial contribution to help fund the critical services they provide. Every little bit counts and goes a long way in transforming the lives of these vulnerable youth.

Making an impact

Slug-A-Bug is a proud supporter of Crosswinds Youth Services, as well as an array of other outreach programs. Community involvement is extremely important to us. That’s why we support sponsorships, donations, in-kind services, volunteer work, silent auctions and other forms of community service. We believe that together we can make a lasting impact and create a brighter future for Brevard. If you’d like to learn more about the various programs Slug-A-Bug sponsors, visit slugabug.com/community

For more information:

https://www.crosswindsyouthservices.org/

https://www.brevardfl.gov/

https://www.crosswindsyouthservices.org/for-teens/

https://slugabug.com/community/