SEASON OF HOPE: Every Gift Helps

HOPE = Thanks + Giving. Every act of giving helps a teen envision a hopeful future, embrace positive options, and engage in real steps towards a better life.

SEASON OF HOPE: Every Gift Helps image

Your gift is the bridge between a teen's potential and their purpose.

Raising $30,000 will qualify Touchstone for $30,000 in MATCHING FUNDS. Through the end of December, Touchstone Youth Resource Services is inviting you to live out the spirit of the season through “SEASON OF HOPE: Every gift helps.” For the remainder of the year, we celebrate the impact of our services and programs. Each day offers a chance to reflect on what we’re thankful for—and to turn that gratitude into action that makes a difference. Whether you're donating towards meals or snacks for meetings, sponsoring a student’s service project, or simply sharing a message of encouragement, every act of giving becomes part of a larger story of hope and transformation.

For the teens in our CiViL (Character, Values, and Leadership) program, your giving means more than financial support—it represents belief. It fuels their dreams, strengthens their confidence, and reminds them that their community cares. As they learn to lead with empathy, give back through service, and make choices that shape brighter futures, your generosity becomes the bridge between their potential and their purpose. Let’s share HOPE not just in words, but in action—together.

Change is difficult. Especially in a heart that has been hardened by hurt and disappointment. Hardness happens in small increments over time.

Positive change happens in small increments over time, too.

That's true for the mission of Touchstone to bring change into the world by helping teens envision a hopeful future, embrace positive options, and engage in real steps toward a better life.

Research shows that it takes about five years to see the impact of what you've invested in the life of a teen. That could take all four years of high school and the first year of college.

We love staying in touch with CiViL Students after they have graduated and moved on into college or their career. Here's what we heard from one of those graduates who's now in her first year of college.

Meet ANGEL...

No SMALL Matter.

It took a while, but through Touchstone's CiViL program, Angel is learning that things she thought were no big deal really do matter.

Feelings - Communication - Kindness

I am so grateful that I found CiViL, and I can't wait to share my experience with others. Here's what I'm learning...

My Feelings Matter: Before joining CiViL in high school, I used to hold everything in and pretend that nothing bothered me. But CiViL helped me understand myself and the way I react to things. CiViL taught me that my feelings matter and that it is okay to speak up when something is not right. CiViL is a Safe Group where I feel protected and encouraged, so I can speak freely.

Communication Skills Matter: In the past, I've had a hard time expressing my thoughts. Now, CiViL has helped me get better at communicating with people. Before CiViL, I was scared of being judged or misunderstood. Through all the discussions and group activities, I learned how to share my voice with confidence. I realized that people actually listen when you speak from the heart, and that made me feel stronger and more connected to the people around me.

Acts of Kindness Matter: I didn't always think about how someone else might be feeling, but CiViL opened my eyes to the fact that everybody carries their own struggles. CiViL helped me be more kind to others and to have real sympathy for what people go through. Now I find myself being more patient and gentle, because I know even small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's day.

"CiViL didn't just change the way I treat people; it changed the way I see them. And that's a BIG thing for me."

CiViL Always:

Angel and other college students recently built a walkway that will provide access into a building for the staff of 3 nonprofits and those they serve.

Legacy Change. Opportunities to help others during their teen years build a lifelong desire for service.