• Youth On Their Own (YOTO) is a local non-profit that supports the high school graduation of homeless unaccompanied youth. YOTO youth, through no fault of their own, lack a parent or long-term legal guardian physically involved in their lives and a stable, permanent nighttime residence. YOTO provides students with financial assistance, basic needs, and guidance in their pursuit of their high school diploma. Children in foster care are also eligible for the program and receive a reduced monthly stipend amount.

     

    This agency was founded in 1986 by Amphi High School counselor, Ann Young. The program is designed to serve those children who are truly struggling with homelessness and that do not have a supportive relationship with parents. Students who choose to live with a relative in Tucson to attend school are not eligible for the program. Students who voluntarily leave home due to typical teenage-parent conflicts are also not eligible for the program.