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

Click on the link below 

to enjoy the Virtual Youth Arts Festival!

 https://youtu.be/E4A5gn6tZGQ  

Many extremely gifted youth artists participated in our  2020 Virtual Youth Arts Festival, featuring performing and visual artists from the community. The youth put in many hours of hard work and we welcome you to check it out!

All visual artwork is available for purchase; sold items will be updated as they are purchased. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in purchasing a particular piece. 100% of all sales go directly to the artists.

A link to the virtual event will be available later this week. 

Meija B.

#1: $20; #2: $30 (SOLD); #3: $25; #4: $20; #5: $30 (SOLD); #6: $30 (SOLD); #7: $40; #8: $30

Juan M.

#1 Rainbow Designs: $400; #2 Going Wilder (SOLD); #3 Going Wild (SOLD); #4 Keeping It Simple (SOLD); #5 Sun (SOLD)

Talia T.

#1 - #7: $2.50 each

James Z.

$20

Devan H.

$20 (SOLD)

Keenan S.

$25

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 9, 2021
• Golden Anniversary Event, Thursday, November 4, 2021 (at Brassworks)

We invite the public to celebrate with us as we revisit Briarpatch history, Through the Decades. Watch here for more details on planned events and how you can take part.