Name and Role with the Organization:
Lauren Gamelin VanKeulen, CEO & Co-Founder, AYA Youth Collective
Brief Overview of Your Organization and What You Do:
AYA Youth Collective exists to create communities, rooted in belonging, for youth experiencing instability to own their future. This year, we will support over 800 youth ages 14–24 through our drop-in center, outreach, housing programs, and community partnerships. AYA meets young people where they are and walks alongside them in their journey toward stability and thriving.
How the Recent and Proposed Executive Orders Have Impacted Those You Support (especially thinking about LGBTQ+ youth and potential cuts to Medicaid):
The proposed Executive Orders and potential federal funding cuts have created fear and real vulnerability for the young people we serve—many of whom are LGBTQ+, survivors of trafficking, or managing mental health challenges. Cuts to Medicaid threaten access to vital health and mental health services. Policy changes that target trans youth and young families make housing and safety even harder to come by.
The Stakes: What We Stand to Lose:
AYA Youth Collective stands to lose up to $1.2 million in federal funding, which directly supports the most foundational and life-saving aspects of our work. These funds are not abstract—they are tangible investments in young people’s futures. If lost, here’s what’s at risk:
- Housing for 45 youth-led households, some of which include young families— housing 50+ people each year. These youth entered AYA housing from literal homelessness (HUD Category 1), meaning without other resources, they would be back on the street.
- Targeted support for youth who are pregnant and/or parenting, many of whom face compounding barriers in accessing safe, stable housing.
- Funding for our Drop-In Center, a critical hub where over 800 youth each year access basic needs, safety, trusted relationships, and wraparound support.
- Housing and services for youth who are survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking, helping them rebuild stability and autonomy.
- Outreach funding for youth ages 14–18 in schools and community settings. Because of this outreach position, we’ve seen a 55% increase in younger youth accessing our services—youth we might not have reached otherwise.
- A dedicated staff member who connects youth to housing resources beyond AYA. Last year alone, this position helped 62 young people secure housing—youth who otherwise would have had no options.
Story of Impact:
One young person, “Jay,” came to AYA after aging out of foster care and experiencing homelessness. Jay identifies as nonbinary and had been rejected by family and bounced between unsafe housing options. Through AYA’s housing program, Jay found not just a place to sleep but a community. With support from AYA’s team and our partnership with Catherine’s Health Center, Jay accessed gender-affirming care, trauma therapy, and routine health services—funded through Medicaid reimbursement. For Jay, having a provider that respected their identity and understood their cultural background was not just convenient, it was life-saving. Today, Jay is working full-time, living independently, and looking towards their future! Without federal support, and without Medicaid-backed partnerships like ours with Catherine’s, Jay’s story would have looked very different.
How is AYA Responding?
AYA is advocating on local, state, and national levels for policies that protect young people and their futures. We are also working to diversify our funding to remain resilient, but the gap created by the potential loss of over $1.2 million in federal support is massive. Meanwhile, our team continues to show up every day with fierce commitment to youth—offering relationships, resources, housing, and stability.
How Can the Community Help You in These Efforts?
We need community support more than ever. Individuals and organizations can help by:
- Donating to sustain our programs amid federal uncertainty, especially joining The Collective, monthly support makes a huge difference!
- Sharing our mission and the stories of AYA youth broadly. Invite someone in for a tour!
- Advocating for policies that center youth voice and protect access to care, especially for LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color. Call your representatives!
Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Lift-Up About This Work?
Our work is only possible because of the community we’ve built—with youth, staff, partners, and supporters. What’s at risk is not just funding—it’s the trust and stability that we’ve fought hard to build with some of the most resilient young people in our city. Through partnerships like the one with Catherine’s Health Center, nearly 800 youth annually can access culturally responsive, trauma-informed health care—services that are often their first encounter with consistent and affirming medical support. Losing Medicaid funding would directly jeopardize this access. We will keep showing up, and we invite others to do the same.
