Every year the month of February represents a time to celebrate and learn about Black History. A history that for so long was silenced by White Supremacy and institutionalized racism.  As we celebrate this month, let us not forget that Black history is to be celebrated EVERY month. It is important that we recognize the challenges and continued racism that exists still in every part of our society for Black people in this country. There is still much work to be done.

While we acknowledge prominent figures, such as Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Langston Hughes, Barack Obama and others that have made a profound impact in history to fight for racial and social justice, let us not forget that Black History is so much more. Shirley Chisholm, Madam C.J. Walker, Joan Higginbotham, Percy Julian, Claudette Colvin and Audre Lorde. It is Marsha Johnson, Assata Shakur, John Henrik Clarke, Toni Morrison and Benjamin Banneker.

At Briarpatch Youth Services, we also want to celebrate the Black leaders in our very own community who have dedicated their lives to racial and social justice and improving the lives of Black people in this community.  Those leaders who have made a profound impact in working through systems of oppression and racism despite all odds who have made Madison and Dane County a better place for all.   

Due to COVID-19, Briarpatch has implemented the following protocols:

• All youth and family members receiving services at Briarpatch are asked to wear a face mask. Persons who choose not to wear a face mask will be asked to leave the Briarpatch building.
• Youth and family members receiving services at the Briarpatch building will be asked to have their temperature taken with a no touch thermometer. Persons with a fever, or persons who choose not to have their temperature taken, will be asked to leave the Briarpatch building.
• Youth and family members are asked to bring their own face mask when coming to Briarpatch for services.
• The Briarpatch Youth Shelter is open with social distancing protocols in place.

Please call 608.245.2550 or 608.251.1126 with any questions.

 In Dane County it is estimated approximately 300 youth go to bed homeless each night. 1 in 3 youth will be approached for sex in exchange for food, shelter, drugs, etc. within 48 hours of leaving home; 75% of these youth have already or will drop out of school. These are good kids in bad situations and they need our help. The staff at Briarpatch Youth Services work with these youth to make sure they have the resources and support they need in order to succeed. Learn more here. 

 Copies of our Annual Report are available to the public and may be found here.

Briarpatch Youth Services is a 501(c)3 organization. 

EIN 39-1391737