Meet Larry Cervarich of Homeless Youth Connection in Avondale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Cervarich.

Larry, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I first became aware of homeless youth from an article in the local paper West Valley View. I went to a local high school to discuss the situation with a counselor to learn more about homeless youth. At first, she thought I wasn’t serious, but a month later through efforts of a committee that I formed, we returned to the high school with hygiene products, clothing, and school supplies.

I decided to raise funds for this program and had a car wash that raised $500 for the homeless youth. I really didn’t know, at the time, where this would all lead to, but it got the attention of our local community. Year after year, it continued to touch the hearts of many individuals and corporations within the West Valley. Our first one-room office was donated to us for approximately a year. This was a great help to the growth of our charity.

After three expansion, location moves over the last ten years, we are continuing to support the homeless youth.

Today, we are providing support to over 84 high schools throughout Maricopa County. Over 2,500 students have been able to have a better future through the love and care that Homeless Youth Connection has provided.

They are our future.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wish I could say it was a smooth road, but the first two years were a struggle. The main issue was to gain confidence within school administrations that we wanted to support the homeless youth with essentials that they would need to continue their education. Trust had to be obtained between HYC and school administration. Today we are grateful for the trust that we have obtained.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Homeless Youth Connection story. Tell us more about it.
What I love about my work is working within a nonprofit charity that sets out to fill the need of individuals that need support to succeed. You become very proud of the organization when you witness the continued growth, and success of it’s a mission.

I have been very fortunate to be able to surround myself with individuals and business that have the same passion that I have. Providing support for others.

From Dana Bailey: Larry has a gift for seeing a need and understanding the issue and identifying a solution. He is a master at the start-up phase of a non-profit – bringing stakeholders together, telling the story with passion and making it compelling so people want to help be part of the solution! He truly works hard and does what he does for others and not for himself – Larry is humble and kind-hearted.

Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
My favorite memory of my childhood is to have the love of a mother and father that gave me support in all of my challenges

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hycaz.org
• Phone: 623-3743747
• Email: dbogart@hycaz.org
• Instagram: HYC_Arizona
• Facebook: HomelessYouthConnectionAZ
• Twitter: HYCArizona

Image Credit:
Forever Focused AZ foreverfocusedaz@gmail.com www.foreverfocusedaz.com 623-335-2095

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