A NEW NAME FOR A GROWING VISION
With the ever-growing needs of at-risk youth in the Pacific Northwest, Transitional Youth rebranded to Braking Cycles in January 2026, reflecting its expanding vision to break cycles of poverty, exploitation, and hopelessness.
Through our housing programs, mentorship through Faithful Friends, and apprenticeship through the Braking Cycles Coffee & Bike Shop, our organization empowers youth to reclaim their stories, discover their God-given worth, and step confidently into hope-filled futures.
OUR MISSION
Empowering youth to reclaim their stories, discover their God-given worth, and step confidently into hope-filled futures.
OUR VISION
At Braking Cycles, we believe every young person is created with purpose, and immeasurable potential. As a faith-based non-profit, we exist to break cycles of poverty, exploitation, and hopelessness by walking alongside vulnerable and at-risk children, youth, and young adults. Through safe housing, transformative job training, and life-changing mentorship, we’re breaking cycles of poverty, exploitation, and hopelessness—one story at a time.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God. We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, in his virgin birth, in his sinless life, in his death on the cross, in his bodily resurrection, in his ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in his personal return. We believe people receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life through a relationship with Jesus.
2024
Creating Brighter Futures With Faithful Friends
In November 2024, Faithful Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to child mentorship, officially merged with Transitional Youth—bringing together more than 40 years of combined experience serving at-risk youth. Under this unified structure, Faithful Friends has continued its trusted mentoring program while operating under the umbrella of Transitional Youth, expanding proactive support and long-term relational care for children and families across the Portland and Vancouver metro areas.
2016-2019
Creating Pathways to Stability & Independence
Between 2016 and 2020, Transitional Youth launched three housing programs serving young adults ages 18–24, each designed to meet residents at different stages of life and independence.
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Vida's Ark in Vancouver, WA for young mothers and babies
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Fortify in Wilsonville, OR for young men pursuing self-sufficiency
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Harmony House for young women in partnership with Echo Ranch
Together, these homes reflect Transitional Youth’s holistic approach to breaking cycles of instability by pairing safe housing with mentorship, skill-building, and purpose-driven opportunity.
2012
Expanding Opportunity With The Braking Cycles Coffee & Bike Shop
In 2012, Rhona Mahl launched the Braking Cycles Coffee & Bike Shop with a mission to serve at-risk youth in Portland through apprenticeship programs that offer hope, tangible job skills, and opportunity. In 2016, Rhona became the Executive Director of Transitional Youth, integrating this innovative model and opening new pathways for youth to build confidence, receive real-world knowledge, and unlock their potential.
1991
Rooted in Compassion Since 1991
Founded in 1991 by Bert and Susy Waugh, Transitional Youth began with a simple yet powerful calling: to support homeless and at-risk youth in the Pacific Northwest.
What started as a grassroots effort offering financial and material support to local youth programs soon expanded to include the first housing program for vulnerable youth in January 2005.
