AYA Youth Collective

What AYA Youth Collective does

AYA Youth Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered at 320 State St SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving youth ages 14-24 experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Formed in February 2020 through the merger of 3:11 Youth Housing (founded 2012) and the HQ Drop-In Center (opened 2014), AYA operates a unified three-pillar service model: a Drop-in Center providing basic needs (showers, laundry, meals, hygiene items), technology access (computer lab, recording studio), and on-site support services (nurse station, mental health counseling, housing navigation); a Supportive Housing program of 12 duplex-style homes (with a 13th under construction) where youth live with on-site mentors at $300/month rent; and a Comprehensive Health Initiative (Resource Innovations) launched in 2019 that co-locates clinical partners including Widscom, Center, Health Net of West Michigan, and GVSU Family Health Center. A documented on-site MDHHS eligibility specialist (since October 2023) addresses benefit-access barriers.

The organization's business model is grant- and donation-funded, with revenue drawn from individual donations (including the Join the Collective monthly recurring donor program targeting 500 donors by FY2027), corporate sponsorships (Old National Bank, Acrisure, Union Bank, Blue Cross Complete, Eastbrook Homes, Bissell, among others), three annual fundraising events (Coming Home Gala, Golf Outing, Concert in the Park), United Way partnership, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, volunteer in-kind contributions, and government grants including a $2M ARPA award in December 2022. All core services are provided free to youth participants. The leadership team is led by CEO Lauren VanKeulen (founding Co-Executive Director of 3:11), with five VPs covering Programs, Strategic Growth, Advancement, and Finance & Administration, and a board drawn from regional corporates including Acrisure, Bissell, Cascade Engineering, Herman Miller, Pfizer, Henry Ford Health, and GVSU.

Operationally, AYA serves close to 800 unique youth annually at the Drop-in Center, 569 unique youth through healthcare/resource navigation in the past year, and houses 35 youth at a time across its 12 homes. Programmatic outcomes include a 90% rate of youth in transitional housing achieving safe and stable housing or family reunification, and over 100 youth helped recover vital documents in 2023. The organization holds a 2022 BBB Torch Award for Ethics, Candid Platinum Transparency status, and United Way Funded Partner designation, and is led by a management team of approximately 27 staff serving Kent County, Michigan.

Name

AYA Youth Collective

Legal name

AYA Youth Collective

Website

https://ayayouth.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AYA Youth Collective is a Grand Rapids, Michigan nonprofit serving youth ages 14-24 experiencing homelessness through a Drop-in Center, 12 supportive housing homes, and an on-site comprehensive health initiative, funded by donations, events, corporate sponsorships, and government grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Homelessness Services

NAICS

Temporary Shelters (624221), Child and Youth Services (62411), Community Housing Services (62422)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK), Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD), Youth-to-Adult Transition & Life Skills (Independent Living, Soft Skills) (EDAAAFAN), Homeless, Foster Care & Highly Mobile Youth Education Services (EDAJAEAG), Behavioral Health for Children & Adolescents (Youth Services) (HLAFACAL)

Keywords

• Youth homelessness services
• Supportive housing
• Drop-in services
• Community youth support
• Transitional housing

Headquarters

HQ city

Grand Rapids

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: AYA receives donations from individual supporters, including one-time gifts and monthly recurring donations through the Join the Collective monthly donor program.
2. Event Fundraising: AYA hosts annual fundraising events including the Coming Home gala, Golf Outing, and Concert in the Park, generating revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and auction items.
3. Volunteer Contributions: Volunteers provide meals, childcare, and other in-kind support, reducing operational costs.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors fund specific events or programs, providing both financial support and visibility for sponsors.
5. IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions: AYA accepts Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRA owners age 70½ and older, allowing tax-free donations up to $105,000.
6. Government Grants: AYA receives government funding including ARPA funds ($2 million awarded in 2022) and partnerships with MDHHS.
7. United Way Partnership: AYA is a United Way Funded Partner Agency, receiving ongoing support through this relationship.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

AYA Youth Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides integrated services for youth ages 14-24 experiencing homelessness or housing instability in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Its core offerings are: (1) the Drop-In Center, which delivers basic needs (showers, laundry, meals, hygiene items, clothing), a computer lab, art supplies, vital document recovery, and connections to employment, education, mental health, and housing resources; (2) Supportive Housing across 12+ mentor-supported homes where youth ages 18-24 pay $300/month and work toward independence; and (3) Resource Innovations (Comprehensive Health Initiative), providing healthcare navigation, healing-centered therapy, and holistic wellness activities. All youth services are provided free of charge and are funded by donations, sponsorships, grants, and fundraising events.

Product overview

AYA Youth Collective is a nonprofit organization that provides a unified portfolio of services for youth ages 14-24 experiencing homelessness or housing instability in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The organization operates three core service programs: the Drop-In Center offering immediate access to basic needs (showers, laundry, meals, hygiene items), technology resources (computer lab, recording studio), and support services (nurse station, mental health counseling, housing navigation); Supportive Housing providing transitional residential placements in shared homes with mentors for youth ages 18-24 at $300/month rent with weekly house dinners; and Resource Innovations (Comprehensive Health Initiative) providing healthcare navigation, healing-centered therapy, and holistic wellness activities. The organization also runs annual fundraising events including Coming Home Gala, Golf Outing, and Tour Night, plus the Join the Collective monthly donor program. AYA was formed in 2020 through the merger of 3:11 Youth Housing and HQ Drop-In Center.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Drop-In Center A resource center for youth ages 14-24 experiencing housing crisis or instability in Grand Rapids, MI. Provides showers, laundry, meals, hygiene items, computer lab access, recording studio, art supplies, a nurse station, mental health support, employment and education resources, vital document recovery, and housing referrals. Operates Monday-Friday, 10AM-5PM by appointment, with special Wednesday hours for parenting youth.
• Supportive Housing (AYA Homes) Transitional supportive housing program where youth ages 18-24 live in shared duplex-style homes with 1-2 on-site mentors (3-4 youth per home). Youth sign lease agreements, pay $300/month rent ($50 of which covers utilities), participate in weekly house dinners, set goals with mentors, and may earn up to $1,200 in move-out scholarships based on rent payment and goal achievement. Currently houses up to 35 youth at a time across 12 homes.
• Resource Innovations (Comprehensive Health Initiative) Health and wellness program providing healthcare navigation, healing-centered therapy, holistic wellness activities, on-site Medicaid enrollment support, and system advocacy. Delivered through on-site partners Widscom, Center, Health Net of West Michigan, and GVSU Family Health Center, and includes a dedicated MDHHS Eligibility Specialist stationed at the Drop-In Center.
• Coming Home (Annual Gala) AYA's annual fundraising gala celebrating youth accomplishments and raising funds for youth homelessness programs. Held each March with tiered ticketing (e.g., Lunch Seat $35, Lunch Table $250, Dinner Seat $85, Dinner Table $600) and sponsorship tiers.
• Golf Outing Annual golf fundraising event held at The Mines Golf Club supporting AYA programs and youth housing stability. Includes sponsorship tiers and is paired with hole sponsorship opportunities.
• Join the Collective (Monthly Donor Program) Monthly recurring donor program that builds consistent donation income for AYA. Donors gain access to special events and newsletters and are recognized as part of a community of recurring supporters.
• Volunteer Program Volunteer opportunities including meal provision, childcare, serving meals, and running lists of essential items needed at the Drop-In Center. Volunteers provide in-kind contributions that reduce operational costs.
• Tour Night Quarterly event providing tours of AYA's Drop-In Center, administrative offices, and an AYA Youth Home to educate supporters and prospective donors about AYA's work and youth homelessness.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of youth in transitional housing find safe and stable housing or reunite with family
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2023MDHHS stations an Eligibility Specialist (Rachelle Blauwkamp) at AYA's Drop-in Center to help youth apply for benefits, handle paperwork, and access food, housing vouchers, and medical/mental health care. This partnership addresses the barrier that less than 15% of youth applying for state assistance at AYA previously received it. In her first week, the specialist resolved pending issues on 15 active cases.
• WidscomcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2019Widscom is a core partner in AYA's Comprehensive Health Initiative, providing healthcare navigation and access services on-site.
• CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2019Center is a core partner in AYA's Comprehensive Health Initiative, providing mental health and wellness services.
• Health Net of West MichigancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2019Health Net of West Michigan is a core partner providing healthcare access and navigation services as part of AYA's Comprehensive Health Initiative.
• GVSU Family Health CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2019GVSU Family Health Center is a core partner in AYA's Comprehensive Health Initiative, providing healthcare services to youth.
• Network180supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health services partner providing support within AYA's Drop-in Center.
• Red ProjectsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing services at AYA's Drop-in Center.
• Safe HavensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing services at AYA's Drop-in Center.
• Catherine'ssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing services at AYA's Drop-in Center.
• Grand Valley State University (GVSU)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner providing services and support at AYA's Drop-in Center.
• West Michigan WorkssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment services partner providing job training and placement support at AYA.
• Mel TrottersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomeless services partner in Grand Rapids providing support and resources.
• Covenant HousesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational youth homeless services organization partnering with AYA.
• Coalition to End HomelessnesssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal coalition working to end homelessness in Kent County, partnering with AYA.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Network180: Network180 is the Kent County community mental health authority and an existing AYA partner providing mental health services on-site. Comparable as a regional behavioral-health provider serving vulnerable populations, though broader than youth-only.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids: Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids serves youth ages 6-18 with after-school programs, mentoring, and basic-needs support in the same Grand Rapids market. Comparable in target geography and youth-development orientation but focused on younger school-age youth, not homeless youth.
• Mel Trotter Ministries: Mel Trotter is a Grand Rapids-based emergency shelter and homeless services provider that AYA already partners with for referrals. Comparable in client population and geography, though broader in age range (serving adults and families) rather than youth-specific.

Others

• National Network for Youth: National Network for Youth is a national advocacy and capacity-building organization serving youth experiencing homelessness. Not a direct operator peer but a comparable ecosystem player — providing training, federal advocacy, and resources to youth-serving organizations including AYA.
• Schoolhouse Connection: Schoolhouse Connection is a national nonprofit focused on the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Adjacent rather than directly competitive — provides policy and resource infrastructure that supports AYA's education-navigation services for unstably housed youth.

Direct peers

• StandUp for Kids: StandUp for Kids is a national volunteer-driven nonprofit serving youth ages 12-24 experiencing homelessness and at-risk youth, with drop-in centers, street outreach, and mentoring — directly comparable mission and population focus to AYA.
• Larkin Street Youth Services: Larkin Street provides housing, drop-in services, mental health, and education support for youth experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. Closely comparable model — drop-in center plus supportive housing plus wraparound services — and a useful peer for outcome benchmarking.
• Family Promise: Family Promise operates a national network of shelters, transitional housing, and homelessness-prevention programs primarily for families with children, with local affiliates in Michigan. Comparable service model (housing + case management + volunteer support) and shared national youth/family focus.
• Covenant House: Covenant House is the largest national nonprofit serving youth experiencing homelessness, operating shelters, housing, and outreach programs across the U.S. and already partnered with AYA. Directly comparable in mission, target population (youth 14-24), and service mix (housing + supportive services).

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids: YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids offers youth development, housing, and family services in the same region, including residential programs. Broader than AYA in scope (serving all ages and health/fitness) but overlapping on youth housing and community-services mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/aya_youth
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCGzwMOI9X_7rfrGnA_aN1pA/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/AYAYouthCollective
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/grand-rapids-hq
• Instagraminstagram.com/ayayouthcollective

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about AYA Youth Collective