California Coalition for Youth
PO Box 161448
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 514-4464
(916) 514-4499 fax
Impact Report 2025
Courage in Action: 46 Years of Fighting for California's Youth
Since 1979, CalYouth has been a lifeline for young people facing homelessness, crisis, and systemic failure. This is our story of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment.
38,496
Young people experiencing
homelessness (Jan–June 2025)
homelessness (Jan–June 2025)
14,000+
Crisis calls answered
since January 2025
since January 2025
98
Organizational members
across California
across California
A Letter from Our Executive Director
"Young people are not falling through the cracks—the cracks are swallowing them whole."
From January to June 2025, 38,496 young people in California experienced homelessness—many alone, pregnant, or parenting while still navigating adolescence themselves.
I know this reality personally. Like many of the youth we serve, I experienced homelessness and system involvement firsthand. When foster care, education, healthcare, and justice systems fail early, crisis becomes inevitable. Homelessness is not a personal failure—it is a systemic one.
Incremental change is no longer enough. Ending youth homelessness requires sustained investment, honest assessment, and urgent action. I deeply believe in the leadership and resilience of young people, and in what is possible when support is in place.
I am living proof that support saves lives.
Jevon Wilkes
Executive Director, California Coalition for Youth
39
Years of Crisis Line Operation
2,000+
Free Resources Provided to Families
4.4M+
Outreach Impressions (2023–2025)
40,000+
Materials Distributed Statewide
California Youth Crisis Line
For 39 years, the California Youth Crisis Line has been a lifeline for young people and families in their most vulnerable moments. Operating 24/7/365, we serve youth ages 12–24 and their families across California.
1-800-843-5200We hear you. Call, chat, or text—anytime, day or night.
24/7 Availability
Crisis support is available around the clock, 365 days a year. No one should face a crisis alone.
Confidential & Safe
Every conversation is met with compassion, confidentiality, and zero judgment.
Multiple Languages
Translation services available to ensure every young person can access help.
The Evolution of Youth Homelessness Response
From a small coalition in 1979 to a heroic statewide movement—our journey of courage and transformation.
1979
The Movement Begins
California Child, Youth, and Family Coalition (CCYFC) secures 501(c)(3) status, planting the first stake for a statewide youth rights movement.
1984–1988
Building the Foundation
AB 3075 establishes California Runaway Hotline. Homeless Youth Act funds pilots in LA and SF. SB 508 makes the act permanent with $25M in shelter investment.
1999
Crisis Line Evolves
The hotline transforms into the California Youth Crisis Line (CYCL), expanding its mission to serve all youth in crisis.
2006
A Seed is Planted
A young person named Jevon attends CalYouth's Taking Action Conference. That moment would later shape the future of CalYouth.
2018
New Leadership Era
Jevon Wilkes becomes Executive Director. California passes first-ever youth homelessness set-aside: 5% ($25M) through HEAP.
2020
COVID-19 Era
Through the pandemic, the California Youth Crisis Line never closed. What could have broken the system instead revealed its necessity.
2025
Today: System Transformation
With 98 organizational members and thousands of youth served, CalYouth is no longer only responding to crises—we are shaping the future.
Fiscal Year 2024–2025 Financials
CalYouth takes seriously our obligation to steward resources with the utmost integrity. Transparency builds trust.
Total Revenue
$1,307,599
Total Expenses
$1,255,647
Net Revenue
+$52,352
Revenue Sources
42%
35%
10%
9%
4%
How We Invest
56%
13%
11%
8%
12%
Board of Directors
Our diverse board brings together leaders from across California's youth-serving organizations, united by a shared mission.
JK
Jody Ketcheside
Chairperson
Santa Clara County Housing Authority
KE
Krysta Esquivel
Vice Chair
YMCA Youth & Family Services
DE
Darryl Evey
Secretary
Family Assistance Program
MG
Misty Gattie-Blanco
Treasurer
Fresno EOC
BK
Bryn Kidd
Youth Vice-Chair
Youth Representative
KY
Keanu Yamanaka
Youth Representative
CalYouth Youth Advisory Board
SA
Sherilyn Adams
Past Chairperson
Larkin Street Youth Services
AR
Ami Rowland
Area Representative
Covenant House California
JS
Jennifer Singer
At-Large Representative
Bright Futures For Youth
DP
Dan Parziale
Area Representative
Mesa
JJ
Joi Jackson-Morgan
At-Large Representative
3rd Street Youth Center & Clinic
JC
Jonathan Castillo
At-Large Representative
San Diego Youth Services
Now Is the Time to Act
Youth deserve stability. Youth deserve opportunity. Youth deserve to thrive. Join us in writing the next chapter.