The fluorescent lights in the Loma Portal offices of San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) flickered before abruptly shutting off, leaving Walter Philips, the recently retired CEO, momentarily backlit by the sun’s glow. Moments later, the lights popped back on as he reflected on his momentous career while making way for new leadership.
Philips, who stepped down on June 30, leaves behind a legacy at a crucial nonprofit organization that serves at-risk youth throughout San Diego. With a robust operating budget of $33 million, SDYS provides essential services including shelter, job training, mental health care, and food assistance to around 14,000 young individuals each year.
Initially, Philips never envisioned himself stepping into the role of CEO. After earning a master’s degree in social work from San Diego State University, he focused on youth and family mental health at various nonprofits. His path shifted when he learned from the previous CEO of SDYS about an opening in the leadership position.
Intrigued by the organization’s goals, Philips decided to apply. “I threw my hat in the ring and got lucky enough to get hired 25 years ago,” he recalled. “It’s been the best decision I made for my career.” He expressed how well the organization’s values and mission aligned with his own.
A pivotal moment in his career occurred through a conversation with Father Joe Carroll, founder of Father Joe’s Villages. Carroll’s insights regarding youth homelessness resonated deeply with Philips. “Service providers like SDYS are competing against pimps, drug dealers, and other abusers for kids spending their first night on the streets,” he stated. This realization reinforced his mission to prioritize getting young individuals off the streets.
Philips also emphasized the importance of building relationships within the community. Early on, he cultivated ties with experienced leaders from partner agencies, learning from their expertise and establishing collaborative efforts that benefited youth homelessness initiatives.
For many years, SDYS was the sole service provider in San Diego dedicated to addressing youth homelessness. Limited funding was a significant barrier, with the majority of its resources coming from Federal Youth Service Bureau grants prior to 2017.
The landscape began to change in 2017 when a national initiative, Voices of Youth Count, recognized San Diego as a pilot city for examining youth homelessness. The initiative’s findings revealed that one in ten young adults experienced some form of homelessness over a year, with LGBTQ youth facing double the risk compared to their peers.
In response to this crisis, SDYS partnered with the YMCA and the San Diego LGBT Community Center to establish the LGBTQ Safe STAY Wellness Center. This facility offers shelter and support services for young adults and connects them to case management resources. Since its inception, the wellness center has successfully assisted eleven young adults in transitioning to stable housing.
Beth Davenport, COO of the San Diego LGBT Community Center, praised Philips for his unwavering commitment to youth advocacy. “Walter’s work has changed lives, not just through policy or programs, but through the way he has shown up with heart, integrity, and a deep belief in every young person’s worth,” she said.
Davenport also highlighted the profound impact Philips has had on her own career and the lives of countless others.
“Walter has been a personal source of mentorship and guidance for me. His wisdom, kindness, humor, and unwavering belief in doing what’s right have shaped not only my path, but the paths of so many others,” she expressed.
In its 2023 annual report, SDYS noted that approximately 82% of its expenses are dedicated to program costs, with 16% allocated for administrative and general costs, and a mere 2% for fundraising efforts. The organization employs a “no wrong-door philosophy” ensuring that youth receive the necessary services regardless of their situation.
Philips understands the urgency of addressing youth homelessness. He emphasized that each night a young person spends on the streets increases the likelihood of encountering dangerous situations.
The dedicated staff and volunteers at SDYS are motivated by their desire to create a positive impact on youth. “They want to have an impact on — making sure — that youth have a brighter future and have the opportunities to succeed,” Philips stated.
Reflecting on his achievements, Walter Philips expressed gratitude for his time at SDYS and the relationships he developed along the way. As he embarks on retirement, he leaves behind an organization that continues to advocate effectively for vulnerable youth, ensuring that many in San Diego have access to critical resources and support.
image source from：timesofsandiego
