Sasha Bruce Youthwork

Taking care of your mental health doesn't have to be complicated.

Sometimes it looks like:
- Taking a walk when everything feels overwhelming
- Talking to someone you trust
- Getting enough sleep (even when it's hard)
- Setting boundaries
- Letting yourself feel what you feel

You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep going.

If you, or someone you know needs support, we're here.

24/7 Hotline: (202) 547-7777

Foster care youth don't need pity. They need preparation, connection, and people who believe in them.

This May, we're sharing what aging out of care actually looks like, and how we can do better.

New blog post: https://www.sashabruce.org/what-turning-18-really-means-inside-foster-care-transition/

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.

At Sasha Bruce, we believe every young person deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are.

LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness face unique challenges—but they are also powerful, resilient, and deserving of safe spaces where they can be their full selves.

We provide:
- Affirming, trauma-informed care
- Safe housing for LGBTQ+ youth
- Support without judgment
- Programs like the Resilience Project (cash assistance and coaching for LGBTQ+ and Latino youth)

You belong here. Always.

Why does trauma-informed care matter?

Because many of the young people we serve have experienced violence, abuse, neglect, or family separation.

Trauma doesn't just live in the past; it shapes how youth see themselves, trust others, and move through the world.

Trauma-informed care means:
- Recognizing the impact of trauma on behavior and development
- Creating environments where youth feel physically and emotionally safe
- Building trust slowly and consistently
- Responding with empathy, not punishment

At Sasha Bruce, this approach isn't optional—it's how we do the work.

Every young person deserves care that meets them where they are.

Pride doesn't wait for June, and neither do we. 🌈

Mark your calendars: Sunday, May 31, at

We're bringing you Drag Brunch for a Cause, a dazzling afternoon of fierce performances, bottomless brunch, and unapologetic LGBTQ+ joy.

Hosted by the legendary , internationally recognized illusionist, America's Got Talent alum, and the FIRST drag queen ever invited to perform at the White House. (Yes, really.)

Featuring special guests Capri Bloomingdale and Kabuki B. Lee.

Doors: 12 PM | Show: 1-3 PM

Your ticket directly supports LGBTQ+ youth served by Sasha Bruce, providing safe shelter, affirming care, and life-changing resources.

Come for the glam. Stay for the cause. Leave knowing you helped change lives.

Mark your calendars: Sunday, May 31, at Johnny PistolasgBrunch

A huge thank you to the incredible students and professor. Dr Sara Wilensky from GWU, who spent this semester partnering with us!

Over the past few months the students dove deep into our work, conducting interviews with youth and staff, analyzing data, and creating resources that will help us better serve our community.

What stands out most isn't just the quality of their work, it's the care they brought to it. They listened to our youth. They asked thoughtful questions. And they produced tools that will genuinely help us grow our impact.

Thank you for choosing to spend your semester with SBY. Your work matters, and so do the young people you took time to understand.

We're grateful.

Stay tuned to see the amazing work they created!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

At Sasha Bruce, mental health support is woven into everything we do.

In FY25:
- 82 youth self-reported having a mental health disorder at program entry
- We provided in-house therapeutic services across many residential programs
- We connected youth to external mental health resources when needed

Healing takes time. We walk alongside youth through it all.

This month, we're sharing why mental health care matters for youth experiencing homelessness and how trauma-informed support creates pathways to stability.

Yesterday, we surprised Bradley Holmes.

For years, Bradley has been a steady presence in the Clay Terrace and Richardson Dwellings community, mentoring young boys, running anti-violence groups, and showing up for families when they needed someone most.

He's a neighborhood resident. A Sasha Bruce team member. And a quiet force who has shaped countless lives in Ward 7.

So yesterday, we renamed our Family Success Center in his honor.

It's now the Holmes Richardson Center.

Bradley didn't know it was coming. And when our Chief of Programs, Donnell revealed the sign, the moment said everything.

For more than a decade, this Center has been a hub for families in Ward 7, providing food access, workforce support, youth programming, and the kind of consistent care that keeps families stable and youth safely housed.

Last year, we served 325 residents.

A few years ago, we lost city funding. But we kept the doors open, because this community deserves support that doesn't disappear when budgets shift.

Thank you, Bradley, for everything you've given to this neighborhood.

And thank you to the families of Clay Terrace and Lincoln Heights for letting us be part of your community.

The Holmes Richardson Center is here to stay.

At Sasha Bruce Youthwork, we know that when young people have access to safe, supportive spaces to learn, play, and grow, their potential is limitless, and that’s exactly what events like Pull Up & Play are all about.

We’re excited to help spread the word about this opportunity for youth in Prince George’s County, an afternoon of sports, games, food, music, and community. Moments like these help build confidence, connection, and joy. Things every young person deserves.

Join the fun:
Saturday, May 9 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex
FREE (registration required)

Important Details:
• All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• Bringing a group of 10+? Email [email protected] to register together

Sign up: pullupfund.org/play

Let’s continue showing up for Prince George’s County youth—on and off the field. 💙
Tag a parent, coach, or young person who should be there! 👇

Still feeling the energy from A Night of Hope.

Swipe through to see the moments captured from an unforgettable evening.

Thank you for being part of this community.