For 20 years a valley shelter has served as a safe place for at-risk and homeless youth.
"The Sanctuary Youth Shelter" and "Sanctuary Outreach to the Streets" sites received a big boost as Congressman Jim Costa announced newly available federal funds for the programs.
The programs were each awarded $200,000 dollars.
Kids who have stayed at the shelter say it's changed their lives.
"It's also given me a lot of self confidence and motivation. Given me options that i never knew were there a whole new awareness of the possibilities i have," said Jessie Scales.
The Sanctuary is the only 24 hour emergency shelter of its kind between Stockton and Bakersfield.
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