The Briarpatch Youth Shelter provides shelter and other services to homeless or runaway youth, or youth at risk of separation from their family due to conflict or other reasons. Opened in 2015, our shelter has eight beds and welcomes youths of all gender identities ages 12-17. There are an estimated 300 youth in Dane County who are homeless every night. This shelter was created to help these youth get off the streets and provide them with a safe place and services to succeed. Aside from providing shelter, we offer individual counseling, family counseling, case management and a 24-hour help line.

 2020 Impact:

• 56 youth received shelter with assessment, counseling, and case management services
• 557 nights of safe housing were provided in our youth shelter
• 100% of youth attended school while in shelter

We are currently recruiting all artists interested in participating in this year's Youth Arts Festival. 

If you are an artist between the ages of 10-21 and care to submit visual artwork or perform on Saturday, October 16, 2021 please complete the applicable registration form and submit it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Performing artist's registration form

Visual artist's registration form

2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of Briarpatch Youth Services. Over the years we have adjusted to the needs while always staying committed to the Youth and Families of Dane County.

In 1971 a small group of volunteers came together for the welfare of the many runaways in the Madison area. They began seeking funding through collaborative partners to create a place for kids on the run to obtain appropriate shelter, counseling and referrals to assist the family in the resolution of their conflicts. These volunteers sought to create a place where kids would come to talk when they were ready; a place that would work to change laws and educate the people.

Fifty years later, after mergers, moves and name changes, Briarpatch Youth Services exists with many of the same goals and continues to expand services to support needs of youth in Dane County.

In 2021, we celebrate 50 years of service and most importantly, we celebrate the youth who have touched our lives and helped us improve the work that we do!

With COVID-19 restrictions expected, Briarpatch is planning to celebrate the best we can in 2021 and we have many things being planned! The main events of the year include:

• Open House, Saturday, September 18, 2021
• Youth Arts Festival, Saturday, October 16, 2021
• Golden Anniversary Event, Thursday, November 4, 2021 (at Brassworks). Registration is now open for this event. Please visit the Eventbrite link to sign up today!

We invite the public to celebrate with us as we revisit Briarpatch history, Through the Decades!!  

Briarpatch is grateful for the 50th Anniversary Sponsors:

Anniversary Sponsors:

 Media Sponsor:

• MG&E

Event Sponsors:

• Park Bank TASC

Entertainment Sponsors:

• J.H. Findorff
• Johnson Block CPAs

Table Sponsors:

• Alexander Group
• Patrick Properties

Curbside Sponsors:

• Badger Popcorn
• Baer Insurance Services, Inc.
• Intuitive Biosciences
• UW Law School, Center for Patient Partnerships

On Saturday, September 11th, 2021, Briarpatch Youth Services will raise the 9/11 Flag of Honor. 

Location: Madison Fire Station #1, 316 W. Dayton St., Madison, WI 

Time: 8:30 am

Sixty communities nationwide have been selected to organize this tribute to the 2,983 lives lost on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. Each of the 60 communities will remember fifty of teh sould lost by readhing their name, sharing where they are remembered in the the North Pool or South Pool at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. 

Sixty Flags of Honor have also been distributed to these chosen locations to be raised during a memorial ceremony. Each flag contains the names of the 2,983 victims of these tragic days. 

Guest speakers include:

• Chief Barnes, MPD
• Asst. Chief Tracy Burrus, MFD
• City Council President, Syed Abbas
• Executive Director of Briarpatch, Gloria Reyes
• United States Air Force Retired Master Sergeant Jason Raffel

This event is open to the public. Youth volunteers are needed to help read names of the victims.