Two underlying tenets of the Evergreen House philosophy when working with youth and families are:

1. Human behavior is influenced by a combination of life experiences and heredity that may or may not be controllable by the individual.
2. An individual's response and their behavior can be changed.

An individual will respond to situations based upon his or her "world view", which is comprised of their values, assumptions, beliefs and life experiences. It is the obligation of Evergreen House staff to learn as much as possible about the "world view" of those served as part of helping them to make positive changes in their lives.

• Encouraging, respecting, listening and supporting youth and families - to empower them to regain control over their lives in a confidential manner
• Helping youth and families to identify and build upon their strengths
• Including youth and families in the development and implementation of services
• Respecting and affirming diversity amongst youth and families
• Assisting youth and families to positively resolve problems
• Assisting youth and families to positively resolve problems
• Serving as their advocate and speaking out when youth and families are unable to do so themselves
• Helping youth to make their own significant life decisions and empowering them to successfully transition to independent living as adults
• Encouraging healthy family relations after a youth's transition to adulthood
• Strengthening families to stay together or reunite as swiftly as possible and as deemed in the best interests of both youth and families
• Assisting families to identify and implement solutions in ways that best meet their needs
• Teaching and assisting youth and families to take responsibility for their behavior and the natural consequences that may result
• Being proactive educators and advocates for runaway, homeless and high-risk youth and families at local, regional, state and national levels

Evergreen's programs strive for solutions that are in the best interests of both the child and family. Safety is the primary concern. Family reunification, when appropriate, is the ultimate goal. Evergreen House believes it is important to provide a safe environment for runaway, homeless and high-risk youth; an environment free from harassment, abuse, threats, discrimination and intimidation. This environment must provide them with the opportunity to stop running, to begin working on their issues, and to reunite with their family and community.

Evergreen House believes its programs have a responsibility to instill a positive value system for runaway, homeless and high-risk youth and families served. This includes respect for themselves and others, honesty, dignity to make choices and self-empowerment.

Diversity needs to be recognized and celebrated. Programs need to provide services that meet the unique needs of youth and families including racial, ethnic, spiritual, sexual orientation, gender and alternative life styles. In addition, the agency must strive to reflect the diversity found in its service population among its Board of Directors, employees and volunteers.

Evergreen House is committed to maintaining the highest level of professional standards and integrity in the provision of services to youth and families. This includes staff, program volunteers, the Board of Directors, peer leaders and contractual providers.

Evergreen House believes it must work in partnership with communities, being open and resourceful to new and creative ways of serving runaway, homeless and high-risk youth and families. Program development and service delivery systems must be inclusive of youth and families.