Our
History

Youthworks Begins

Founded in Bismarck to support young people who don’t have a safe place to stay, Youthworks was grounded in the belief that young people deserve support before systems run out of options.

Youth Leadership from the Start

Peer mentoring launched, trusting young people to support and lead one another.

Changing How Youth Are Treated

North Dakota ends the practice of jailing young people for leaving home, aligning with federal protections and youth centered approaches.

Expanding Support

Youthworks opens in Fargo and launches transitional housing for young adults 18 to 21.

Diversion

Youthworks begins providing early support to help young people avoid further involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Meeting Youth Where They Are

Support expands beyond program walls through street outreach, bringing support directly to young people in the community.

Creating Space for Safety

Emergency shelter expands in Bismarck, offering stabilization and support in a trauma-informed setting.

Strengthening the Continuum

Transitional housing expands to include young parents.

Standing with Survivors

Youthworks begins statewide work with young survivors of trafficking.

Growing Access

Youthworks expands into Minot, initially offering emergency shelter, with anti-trafficking, transitional housing, and prevention services added since.

Continued Growth

Youthworks expands into Grand Forks, offering more programs to young people and families in the region.

Elevating Youth Leadership

Youth leadership is formally recognized and celebrated at the inaugural Youth Leadership Awards in Fargo.

Youthworks launches the “See Their Strength” blog, elevating youth voice and challenging how communities understand young people.

Still Showing Up

Forty years later, Youthworks continues to adapt, listen, and show up alongside young people. The work has changed. The commitment has not.