Cornerstone – Our first charity house
Our first house was named Cornerstone for two reasons. Firstly, to symbolise that the house was intended as “the first of many” and secondly, ‘Stone’ is the surname of our founders Patsy and John, who spearheaded the charity. Foster carers named the house in recognition of the sterling contribution made by Patsy and John to make this charity a reality. It is a wonderful semi-detached house, with 5 bedrooms where 4 young people and a supervisor can live. There’s a lounge, kitchen, study, bathroom, shower room and medium size garden. The live-in supervisor oversees the house and supports the young people as required.
Young people pay rent to live here. We work with them to create a personal development programme which will provide them with opportunities and activities that they may have missed out on, which will build hope, self esteem and ambition as well as skills capacities and capabilities. The aim is to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.
While they are in the house, they have as much independence as possible coupled with the right balance of emotional and practical help from the charity’s workers and volunteers.
Rebecca – Our second charity house
Our second house, which was opened in 2018, is known as Rebecca House. Housing three young people and a live-in supervisor, it is run on the same lines as Cornerstone.
The house is named after Rebecca, a young lady who met one of our Patrons, Mrs Gillian Reid when she was working as a magistrate in court where Rebecca had been brought, in trouble and on drugs. Rebecca told Mrs Reid that if she had had somewhere to live and some support, she would not have been in trouble like this.
She told Gillian that she felt abandoned and did not know where to go for help. Gillian had a similar dream to the founders of YPACF and soon became involved as a trustee when she discovered the charity. More recently she has retired as a trustee and taken on the role of patron.
Hope House – Our third charity house
Hope House was opened in October 2021. It is a beautiful house, being a home to three young people.
This house is owned by our wonderful supporters, Gill and Graeme Leech. They have both supported the charity for many years and this house has meant we are able to support four more vulnerable young people.
It is named Hope in memory of Gill’s mother.
Where your donations go
All donations, whatever their size, are much appreciated and enable us to offer continued support to disadvantaged young people in West Berkshire.
We are working towards opening more houses within our 5-year business plan and offering move-on accommodation. To make these other homes a reality, we need your support, either through monetary donations, volunteering your time or by donating goods.
“The direction in which my life was going… was not good, the YPACF project has changed my direction and my life.”
How you can get involved
Need Help?
Are you aged 16-25 and due to leave care, homeless or sofa surfing and need our help?
Donate
Help us house and support care leavers and young homeless by making a donation today.
Be a friend or sponsor
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