At Street Youth Ministry, our clients set their own goals. We ask questions, listen, and provide guidance—but the direction they take is entirely up to them. We don’t accomplish goals for them; instead, we encourage, equip, and celebrate alongside them.

In March, clients set 67 goals—not counting the 54 goals they achieved. Goals aren’t always instantly attainable. They require time, persistence, and hard work.

Top among the goals set is taking better care of themselves. This is super important. It's hard to take advantage of resources if you aren't caring for, encouraging, and loving yourself. Improving self-care is sometimes easily attained and other times takes a lot of internal discipline. But you can do it, and you will reap dividends in other areas of changes by putting care for yourself first.

Next among goals set is finding housing. It doesn't hurt to check it out, but it's increasingly an error to only plan for free and provided housing. 

• The reality: Supported or transitional housing programs have slowed, making them harder to access.
• Why it matters: The demand for free and provided housing is high, but the supply is low—and the future remains uncertain.
• The solution: For decades, homeless young adults have successfully:
  • Found jobs.
  • Saved money.
  • Secured low-cost housing options they could afford independently.
• The key: Patience, persistence, and creativity are essential in today’s housing market.

Next among the goals set is employment. This is crucial. The job market still seems to be hot in entry-level positions. We aren't sure how long this will last, so we highly encourage finding those jobs before the market gets tight. 

Pro tip: The best thing you can have when applying for a job? A job already! Employers love to see that you can:

• Show up consistently.
• Get along with others.
• Follow directions.

Lots of other goals were achieved by clients. Check out the fill list in the graph.