Our story
is our vision come true
The Youth Connection (TYC) was founded in 2018 by three compassionate women with a vision to create a safe space where young people could connect and find support. Originally launched as the Shelton Family Center, the organization evolved in response to the needs of local youth.
TYC began with an after-school program, The Connection Point, in Mason County schools, where they identified urgent challenges like homelessness, hunger, family instability, and domestic violence.
With support from several grants, TYC established the Shelton Youth Connection (SYC) drop-in center in downtown Shelton—a 3,000-square-foot space offering daily meals, internet access, recreational activities, and essential services like tutoring, employment assistance, and hygiene supplies.
SYC remained open during COVID-19 and even opened a second center in Belfair in 2020. TYC also launched two emergency shelter houses and a Rental Assistance Program to address urgent housing needs.
Thanks to continued community and federal support, TYC remains committed to its mission: providing a safe and welcoming space for youth and young adults to access services, build resilience, and discover their potential.
Mission
To provide safe and accepting youth-centered support, for young people ages 12–24 experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or uncertainty and empowering them to build healthy, independent futures.
The Youth Connection (TYC) recognizes that every young person grows and matures differently. Their approach focuses on meeting youth where they are, especially those who are homeless or at risk.
Our Tag Line is Making Connections and changing lives of young people 12 to 24