Youth Support Services

Below is a list of agencies within Tompkins County that offer services for individuals looking for help with housing, mental health support, food security, legal advice, or other supports.

Support agencies for all youth in Tompkins County:

The Learning Web

The Learning Web

The Learning Web Youth Outreach staff assist young people facing housing instability by connecting them to vital resources like the Housing Scholarship Program and the Tompkins Community Homeless Housing Wait List. Their drop-in center at 320 W Buffalo St, Ithaca, NY, offers a safe space with free meals, hygiene products, Wi-Fi, showers, laundry, and more. Open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, it provides essential support for youth in need—contact the Learning Web for more information.

Village at Ithaca

Village at Ithaca

The Village supports students and families through advocacy, mediation, and assistance in overcoming barriers to school engagement, such as transportation and technology. It facilitates meetings with students, families, and school personnel to develop success plans while ensuring regulatory compliance.

For more information contact Youth and Family Advocacy Programming.

Mental Health Association

The Mental Health Association in Tompkins County (MHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting mental health and well-being in the community. They provide a variety of services, including mental health counseling, crisis intervention, peer support, and educational programs. MHA also works to reduce stigma around mental illness and advocates for better mental health resources. Through these services, they aim to empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Tompkins County Whole Health

Tompkins County Whole Health provides a range of integrated health services aimed at promoting the overall well-being of individuals in the community. They offer primary care, mental health support, and addiction services, focusing on a holistic approach to healthcare. The organization also provides support for chronic disease management, behavioral health counseling, and preventive care. Their goal is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have access to comprehensive and compassionate care.

 

 

Support agencies for youth 18-24 years of age:

Advocacy Center

Advocacy Center

The Tompkins County Advocacy Center provides free and confidential support to individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. They offer crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and assistance with safety planning. Committed to empowering survivors, the center works to promote healing and prevent future violence through education and community outreach.

For support or more information, contact the Tompkins County Advocacy Center.

 

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities of Tompkins County provides compassionate support to individuals and families in need, offering services such as emergency assistance, housing support, and immigrant services. Committed to promoting dignity and stability, they help address financial hardships, food insecurity, and other critical needs.

For assistance or to learn more, contact Catholic Charities of Tompkins County.

DSS Emergency Assistance

DSS Emergency Assistance

The Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) Emergency Services provides immediate support to individuals and families facing urgent situations, including emergency housing, food assistance, and crisis intervention. They offer resources for those in need of temporary relief, helping to stabilize situations and connect clients with ongoing services.

For assistance, contact DSS Tompkins County Emergency Services.

 

Human Services Coaltion

Human Services Coalition

The Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County strengthens the community by connecting individuals to vital resources, supporting local nonprofits, and advocating for systemic change. They provide health and human service referrals, nonprofit capacity-building programs, and community collaboration initiatives.

For more information or assistance, contact the Human Services Coalition.

LawNY Ithaca

LawNY Ithaca

LawNY Ithaca provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families, assisting with issues such as housing, public benefits, employment, and family law. Committed to justice and advocacy, they help clients navigate legal challenges and access the resources they need.

For legal assistance or more information, contact LawNY Ithaca.

OAR

OAR

Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources (OAR) supports individuals impacted by the criminal justice system through advocacy, reentry services, and alternatives to incarceration. They provide resources such as housing assistance, employment support, and court navigation to promote successful reintegration and reduce recidivism.

For more information or assistance, contact OAR of Tompkins County.

 

Open Doors

Open Doors

The Open Doors initiative by The Learning Web supports young people in Tompkins County (up to age 21) facing homelessness or housing insecurity. It offers confidential, trauma-sensitive services to ensure safety and well-being for youth and their families.

To refer someone or seek assistance, call or text the Open Doors warmline.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of Ithaca provides essential support to individuals and families in need, offering services such as food assistance, emergency shelter, and financial aid. Committed to uplifting the community, they also run programs focused on housing stability, youth development, and crisis intervention.

For assistance or to learn more about their programs, contact The Salvation Army of Ithaca.

Tompkins Community Action

Tompkins Community Action

Tompkins Community Action empowers individuals and families by providing essential services such as housing assistance, early childhood education, and energy conservation programs. Dedicated to reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency, they offer support for basic needs, financial stability, and community development.

For assistance or to learn more, contact Tompkins Community Action.

 

Workforce Ithaca

Workforce Ithaca

Workforce Ithaca empowers job seekers by providing career development resources, job training, and employment support. Their programs help individuals build skills, connect with local employers, and overcome barriers to securing stable work.

For more information or to access their services, contact Workforce Ithaca.

 

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please dial 911 or 988 for immediate assistance.