Our History of Service

1970

Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. was incorporated as a private, community-based 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization. YFA was created to meet the needs of vulnerable members of the community and opened a ‘drop-in center’ in New Port Richey, serving local children in crisis due to child abuse and neglect, drug use, truancy, runaways, and teen pregnancy. 

1982

YFA received an appropriation by the Florida legislature to start a runaway shelter, Runaway Alternative Program (RAP), in Pasco County.  

1991

YFA opened a centralized intake and non-residential services for CINS/FINS in Pasco and Polk Counties. 

1993

YFA expanded non-residential Children in Need of Services/Families in Need of Services (CINS/FINS) into Citrus and Sumter Counties. 

1994

YFA opened our second crisis youth shelter, originally named Cornerstone and now known as the George W. Harris Youth Shelter (GWHYS), in Bartow, Polk County. 

2000

YFA opened our third crisis youth shelter, New Beginnings Youth Shelter (NBYS), in Brooksville, Hernando County. 

2004

YFA commenced Foster Care and Adoption case management services to high and imminent risk youth and families in Pasco County. 

2009

YFA commenced Adoption Services in Sumter, Hernando, Marion, Citrus and Lake Counties.  

2011

YFA implemented Caring Schools Community (CSC), a school-based substance abuse prevention program in seven (7) Pasco County schools. 

2016

YFA became the single case management and adoption services provider for Hernando and Citrus counties. 

 In partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF), Premier Community Health Care, and Gulfside Elementary School, YFA implemented the Community Partnership School (CPS) located at Gulfside Elementary, a Title I school in Pasco County.  

2018

YFA started Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) in Polk County. 

2019

YFA purchased land and built a six (6) unit apartment building providing supportive housing to developmentally disabled adults. 

2020

YFA was awarded the Basic Centers Grant for New Beginnings Youth Shelter.

2021

YFA began providing Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) services in Pasco County. SNAP is an evidence-based resource for at-risk youth ages 6-11 and their families, teaching how to effectively manage emotions and behaviors.  

 YFA opened Candace Behavioral Health (CBH), funded by Sunshine Health, and serving youth and adults.  

 YFA was awarded the Basic Centers Grant for RAP.

2022

YFA was awarded the Basic Centers Grant for George W. Harris Youth Shelter.