Giving Tuesday, celebrated annually on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a global day of giving and unity. On this most generous day of the year, we’re matching up to $20,000 in donations to Youth On Their Own, a dropout prevention program committed to supporting the academic success of homeless youth.

Giving on that day means your support can go twice as far, doubling your impact. TEP’s donations will fund stipends of up to $220 a month to help keep students in school with good grades and attendance.

“Private sector support is crucial for Youth On Their Own because it shows our community, and YOTO students, that taking care of our community’s most vulnerable members is a team effort,” said Elizabeth Slater, Chief Executive Officer for the nonprofit, which served more than 2,100 youths last year. “TEP has always been very generous to YOTO, and to our nonprofit partners providing basic needs to Tucson residents.”

Slater said fundraising matches are a great tool for increasing overall donations. In the past year, Youth On Their Own added matches to two annual campaigns, each of which raised 46 percent more than the year before. “YOTO’s donors are motivated by knowing that their contributions can go twice as far with the support of corporate matches.”

Your donation would help homeless students address many needs:

• Basic human necessities, such as hygiene supplies, shelf-stable food or clothing
• Direct payment of rent, utilities, childcare, medical bills, school fees, etc.
• Transportation, such as monthly bus passes, ride share fares, bicycle repair
• Ongoing academic support, including college & career guidance
• Referrals to community partners for housing, healthcare, and other unmet needs.

“We chose YOTO as our match partner because its services provide stability and a path to self-sufficiency for students experiencing housing instability and other associated stressors. Education is a way to help students change their future. Without it, they’re truly at risk of becoming homeless adults with all of the devastating impacts that go along with that.” said Wendy Erica Werden, Manager of Community Investment for TEP. “During this time when there’s so much focus on spending time and money on gifts, this day reminds us to celebrate the spirit of the season by supporting those who are vulnerable.”

In the 2019-2020 school year, YOTO experienced vastly increased demand as the pandemic raged. During that time, the group distributed more than $1.3 million for needs ranging from bill assistance to educational stipends. It also distributed more than 12,000 pounds of basic needs items, 786 bus passes, 1,683 blankets and 36,000 pounds of food.

Time is limited, with the match campaign taking place only on Nov. 30. For more information about the work YOTO is doing to provide support and understanding to young people in need, please visit yoto.org