Outreach, shelter and support services to runaway, homeless and at-risk adolescents.

Every year in Milwaukee County more than 5,000 young boys and girls are reported missing.  Because of under reporting the true figure is probably even higher.

Where do they go?

Are they safe?

How do they live?

Where do they find food?

The answers are not comforting.
Homeless adolescents are sleeping under overpasses in cardboard boxes, or in abandoned, unheated buildings; eating out of garbage bins; and being physically, sexually, and emotionally abused by others.  If these teens are out on the street for more than tree days, statistics show that one out of there will resort to "survivor sex" or prostitution to get food, shelter or drugs.

For more than 30 years The Counseling Center of Milwaukee (TCCM) has continued to respond to this crisis through its Pathfinders program.  Tragically, the demand for Pathfinders' support and services is so high many of those in need are unable to receive it.  The current program resources accommodate only three of every 10 who ask for emergency shelter.  TCCM simply doesn't have the resources or staff to do more.

For those it can help, Pathfinders offers Milwaukee's oldest 24-hour emergency youth shelter providing safety, a secure environment, food, clothing and transportation.

Many of the youth reached by Pathfinders come from unstable, fractured family situations, where neglect and abuse are common.

Issues such as family homelessness, concern about their own emerging sexual orientation, and alcohol/drug abuse present further challenges.  Most are youth of color between the ages of 11 and 17.  Two-thirds are female.

Many of these young people flee these environments, choosing to "disappear," rather than stay within the family setting.  Others, because of behavioral, emotional, or relationship issues, are told or forced to leave their homes.

The vast majority of these teens have no place to go but to the streets.  Some resort to prostitution or drug dealing to earn money.  Basic needs, such as safety, security, shelter and food are rarely met.  Health care is a forgotten luxury.  The harm inflicted on them as a result is enormous, and the scars are tangible and long-lived.

Pathfinders makes a difference.

Among the youth it is able to reach, ninety-three percent return to safe, secure and sustainable environments.

By working to resolve family conflict, ninety-nine percent are diverted from a runaway or homeless situation.

Pathfinders Services:

24-hour hotline (414) 271-1560
Includes telephone crisis counseling, plus information and referral services for youth, their parents, and youth-serving professionals.  A specialized hotline, Safepath, is available for issues of youth sexual abuse (414) 271-9523.

• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Case management service
• Youth development and work opportunities
• Peer Youth advocates
• Youth advisory council
• Support groups
• Recreation
• Drop-in services

Street Beat, a street outreach program:
more than 4,000 times a year, this innovative, collaborative outreach project provides survival resources and prevention services to youth who are vulnerable to sexual abuse, exploitation and harm.

For more information on our individual services click one of the images in the menu below or contact us at info@tccmilw.org