Two youth organizations have joined forces to better serve South Whidbey teens. Teens Unlimited has been taken under the wing of the South Whidbey Youth Connection, or SWYC.

Both are non-profit organizations that serve youth in a variety of different ways.

“This is a very exciting development for the Youth Connection,” said Holly Morgan, executive director of the 15-year-old youth organization.

“For the Youth Connection, bringing Teens Unlimited on board as a program means that we can expand our vocational and service-learning opportunities for young people with the very creative focus on fashion that Teens brings,”

Morgan said.

Teens Unlimited operates the Walk-In closet in Langley, a destination for stylish and affordable clothing for teens. The organization formed when a group of local citizens wanted to provide clothing and assistance to homeless and disadvantaged teens.

The group also raises awareness about homeless teens and works to create service learning and job experience for teens.

By continuing under the auspices of the Youth Connection, Teens Unlimited will benefit from the organizational resources of the Youth Connection while the Youth Connection will diversify its program offerings through the incorporation of an increased focus on service-learning, vocational opportunities, and support of homeless youth/youth in transition on South Whidbey.

“Combining the strengths of the two organizations in this way will provide fuller and more effective services for youth on South Whidbey,” Morgan said.

Teens Unlimited will be included in the programs under the SWYC umbrella; the Hub after-school drop in, Tutor/Mentor at the high school and middle school, Youth Leadership Council and Seeds of Change.

The existing Teens Unlimited Board of Directors will become an advisory committee to the SWYC board.

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