​Janna, Asia & Norah -youth enrolled at the Gately Youth Center in Cambridge, MA-share about the importance of their relationships with staff at Gately. Through their stories, we gain a unique perspective on the role of these relationships in the process of youth self-discovery. As Janna explains it: "the staff at Gately believe in me."

Guiding Questions

• How do you create an atmosphere that fosters positive staff/youth relationship building?
• Where do you see evidence of young people discovering who they are based on your relationships with them?

Our Takeaway

• The power of positive adult/youth relationships might get lost in the day to day, yet we must never forget what strength-actions like encouragement, lending an objective listening ear, patience and individualized assistance build inside of young people.