Homeless Youth Connection marked its 15th anniversary with a reunion in Goodyear, drawing early supporters, staff and community partners to Goodyear, where the nonprofit began.
The event brought together founder Larry Cervarich, employees and longtime advocates for coffee and conversation as they reflected on the organization’s growth from a small volunteer effort into a multi-county nonprofit serving hundreds of students each year.
Founded in 2010, HYC was created after Cervarich read about the challenges facing homeless high school students in the West Valley. Working with his Rotary club and a local church, he began helping students at Agua Fria High School meet basic needs so they could stay in school.
“When I first went to a school and said I was interested in helping homeless youth, the counselor looked at me like nobody was interested in them,” Cervarich said. “But they’re there. They’re going to school every day, and you may never know what they’re going home to.”
Cervarich said he encountered teens living in abandoned homes, vehicles and other unstable conditions while attending classes. He recalled one student who did homework by flashlight in a home without electricity and later graduated.
“The day we saw him walk across the stage with a cap and gown, smiling and waving, you couldn’t help but feel tears,” Cervarich said.
During the 2024-25 school year, the organization supported more than 700 students, including 129 seniors who graduated and went on to college, careers or military service. HYC partners with more than 130 high schools in Maricopa and Coconino counties, according to the organization.
Robin Telle, the nonprofit’s community engagement manager, told the Daily Independent that helping students graduate remains its central goal.
“Our overall mission is to help these young people graduate from high school,” Telle said. “We help them navigate barriers that could interrupt their education, whether that’s not having a laptop, lacking transportation or not having access to health care.”
Julie Rewerts, a youth coach who has been with HYC since its early days, said the anniversary marked both a personal and professional milestone.
When she joined the nonprofit 15 years ago, she said, it was still defining its structure. She previously worked at a school and chose HYC over another job offer because she felt drawn to the mission.
“It kind of tugged at my heart,” Rewerts said.
In the beginning, she said, there was little formal structure.
“We didn’t really have a job description,” she said. “We were just figuring out what students needed and how to help.”
As the organization expanded, so did its programs. Efforts that began with informal housing assistance evolved into a host family program that matches youth with volunteer families who provide temporary housing and support.
Rewerts said the core of the work remains the same: helping students build stable, self-sufficient futures.
“Every case is different. Every student is different,” she said. “You go in, figure out what needs to be done, and help them do it.”
She recalled a student who initially struggled to speak because of trauma. Years later, Rewerts attended the former student’s wedding and met her child. The woman has since shared her story publicly as a speaker for HYC.
Organization leaders said community donations and volunteers have sustained its growth over the past 15 years.
“Community involvement is incredibly important to us,” Telle said. “Once people learn how many teens in their neighborhoods are experiencing homelessness, they want to help.”
Staff members said the reunion served as both a celebration of the nonprofit’s history, hope for expansion in the future and a reminder of the ongoing need to support students experiencing homelessness today.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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