Supporting At-Risk Youth and Families in Minnesota with Outreach, Mental Health, and Housing Services
Move Forward is a nonprofit organization in Minnesota offering free, trauma-informed services for at-risk youth ages 11–24 and their families in the West Metro. Since 1990, we’ve supported over 7,000 young people through youth outreach services, case management, mental health care, crisis intervention, and transitional housing programs. Whether you’re facing homelessness, family conflict, or mental health struggles, we meet you where you are—with no judgment and no barriers.
As the only organization in the West Metro combining free therapy, youth homeless prevention, and case management, we walk alongside youth and families as they move toward safety, stability, and hope.
WE ARE A trusted partner in the west metro
At Move Forward, we break down barriers for youth and their families, empowering them with the tools, resources, and support needed to achieve safety, stability, and lasting well-being. Together with our community of donors and volunteers, we create opportunities for transformation—one young person, one family at a time.
a future where every young person can thrive
Our Vision
Move Forward breaks down systemic barriers to housing and mental health care, building safety and stability for youth and families in the West Metro community.
Our mission
Keep families together when possible—or help reconnect youth and caregivers.
Help youth process trauma and regain a sense of control over their future.
Partner with families and schools to create healthy, sustainable solutions.
Support students to stay in school and access resources.
Offer free therapy and mental health services in schools and the community.
Provide safe, stable housing for homeless youth and young parents.
WE STRIVE TO:
Formerly known as Teens Alone, Move Forward was founded by school social workers who saw a growing need for crisis intervention and youth housing in Minnesota’s western suburbs. Our roots are in school-based youth outreach services, but our work has grown to include crisis stabilization, drop-in center support, and housing programs for young adults.
We’ve helped over 7000 youth find stability in the face of family conflict, school challenges, homelessness, and mental health struggles.
Helping Homeless Youth and Families Since 1990
Our Story
We bring together youth, families, and communities to create lasting change, together.
Collaboration
We support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—because everything is connected.
Holistic
You have strengths, skills, and resilience—we see them, celebrate them, and help you build on them.
STRENGTHs-based
Every young person deserves to feel valued, capable, and in control of their own future.
positive youth development
We show up, stay consistent, and build trust—because real support starts with real relationships.
trusting youth-adult relationships
We focus on safety first, meeting youth where they are while working toward long-term solutions.
harm reduction
No shame, no labels—just support, understanding, and a belief in you.
non-judgemental
We understand how trauma shapes lives, so we create safe, supportive spaces for healing and growth.
trauma-informed
Your past is part of your story, but it doesn’t define your future—we’re here to help you move forward.
Journey-Oriented
*Our core values are based on the 9 Evidence-Based, Guiding Principles to Help Youth Overcome Homelessness and can be found HERE.
At Move Forward, our values guide every conversation, every decision, and every step we take with the youth and families we serve. These principles shape how we show up—with empathy, consistency, and a commitment to meeting people where they are. We don’t just talk about change—we live it, grounded in trust, collaboration, and the belief that every young person deserves safety, connection, and the chance to thrive.
The foundation of everything we do
Core Values
a different approach
We don’t wait for a crisis—we meet our youth where they are and walk with them through it. Our services are built to remove barriers and empower youth who are too often overlooked by traditional systems.
WE are the only agency in the west metro providing free, trauma-informed therapy, crisis support, and youth housing programs all under one roof
Ready to Move forward?
If you or someone you know needs support with mental health, youth housing, or crisis intervention, we’re here to help.
We can help
