StreetWorks, a program of Lutheran Social Service of MN, is a collaborative of youth-serving nonprofits who have provided street-based outreach to youth experiencing homelessness in the Twin Cities since 1994. We are the largest outreach collaborative in Minnesota focused on ending youth homelessness.
In partnership with the State of Minnesota’s Safe Harbor Initiative, StreetWorks offers comprehensive interactive trainings developed in collaboration with youth workers and multidisciplinary professionals from across the state.
StreetWorks currently offers two different training experiences: one for Outreach Workers and Supervisors within The StreetWorks Collaborative, and another for professionals working in a wide range of settings where they may encounter youth. Both trainings reflect an evidence-based understanding of client centered care, cultural responsiveness, safety, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction. These trainings ensure outreach workers and other professionals who may encounter youth in their work, are consistently and effectively trained in best practices for working with young people, with a concentrated focus on youth at-risk of, or experiencing, homelessness and sexual exploitation.
Our Training Approach
Our work is grounded in the “9 Evidence Based Guiding Principles to Help Youth Overcome Homelessness”, developed by the Homeless Youth Collaborative on Developmental Evaluation.
You can find out more about the development and application in the 9 Evidence Based Guiding Principles to Help Youth Overcome Homelessness Report (PDF).
Seven Learning Modules
The StreetWorks trainings cover seven learning modules grounded in the nine principles. Trainees can expect to gain knowledge and practice applying their learning in their unique contexts. The training includes seven learning modules in the following areas:
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Who Should Attend StreetWorks Trainings?
StreetWorks currently offers two different training experiences. Each has been designed for a specific audience:
The StreetWorks Outreach Worker Certification Training
Designed for:
- Staff from StreetWorks Member and Partner Agencies who have been hired as StreetWorks Outreach Workers (OWs).
- Staff from StreetWorks Member and Partner Agencies who supervise StreetWorks OWs.
This training is required for all StreetWorks OWs before they are certified to provide outreach on behalf of StreetWorks and carry the StreetWorks GreenBag. It includes classroom training on best practices for working with young people and field experiences that prepare OWs for outreach work in multiple communities. It also provides Supervisors with the tools and experience necessary to understand the role of OWs, equipping them to provide more relevant support.
To learn more and sign up for this training visit the Outreach Worker Certification Training page.
The StreetWorks Toolkit Training
Designed for:
- Anyone working with youth at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness and/or sexual exploitation (or other vulnerable populations).
- We have had success training both adult- and youth-serving providers and workers supporting all ages are welcome to attend.
This training is designed to support professionals working in a wide range of settings where they may encounter youth. The classroom sessions provide foundational principles that inform safe and effective work. This training is designed to be flexible and help professionals from a wide range of settings develop tools and strategies that meet the needs of youth in their contexts.
To learn more and sign up for this training visit the StreetWorks Toolkit Training page.
Contact
For more information about StreetWorks Training, technical assistance, and support, please contact streetworkstraining@lssmn.org