New Program Offers Guidance for Arizona’s Homeless Youth

 

Youth On Their Own
Image: yoto.org

Arizona resident Klaus Axen is the CEO of Innovative Senior Living Inc., an organization that provides assisted living solutions for seniors. Involved in a number of philanthropic pursuits, Klaus Axen supports Youth On Their Own (YOTO).

YOTO is an organization that helps youth without homes in Arizona to stay in school and complete their degrees. It does this through programs focused on providing financial assistance, basic needs, and professional guidance.

In 2016, YOTO launched a summer program called Jobs for Arizona Graduates Works (JAG Works) to offer career and college preparation guidance to youth without shelter in the state. Enrolled youth take part in a six-week curriculum where they attend technical skills and leadership classes. They also tour college campuses and local work sites. The youth receive professional guidance throughout this period, helping them to decide what they want to do after graduation and how to achieve those goals.

The program encourages high school academic achievement, graduation, and a smooth transition into employment or higher education. Just to ensure participants don’t fall through the cracks after graduation, there is a one-year post-graduation follow up where support staff check in on participants to make sure they get any help they might need.

CFHS Touchdown Club

Catalina Foothills High School
Image: cfhsfalconfootball.org

Klaus Axen, CEO of Innovative Senior Living, Inc., proudly supports Catalina Foothills High School. Thanks to the support of people like Klaus Axen, Catalina Foothills High School has many extracurricular programs, including a strong football program. Much of this support is organized by the football team’s Touchdown Club.

The Touchdown Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Catalina Foothills High School football teams. Though much of this support comes from parents and other relatives of current team members, all community members are welcome to become part of the Touchdown Club and support the school.

Touchdown Club members help the teams in a number of ways. Some choose to volunteer time and effort toward the Touchdown Club or participate in one of its committees, or provide special skills such as videography. Others elect simply to provide financial support, giving the school and its football program the money necessary to ensure a quality experience for all students, parents, and fans.