Youth Development

Our Mission

The Mission of the Youth Department is to revolutionize the role of youth in society and to raise their expectations of respect and safety through role modeling, advocacy and education.

We are working towards the time when all youth are treated with respect regardless of religion, race, class, age, gender or sexual orientation.

What we do

We offer three different categories of programming to the community through life skills workshops, mentoring, and gender specific groups. Most of the programs are brought directly to the youth in schools, group homes, or community organizations.  All of our programs are a dynamic integration of Positive Youth Development practices. The youth development framework is an approach to working with young people that encompasses four things: it is designed to meet the developmental needs of youth; it builds on their assets and potential; it views young people as resources and builds partnerships with youth to create positive, sustaining change. No one person, group or organization acting alone can ensure that all youth acquire the assets, skills and support they need to succeed and live their dreams. It takes all of us working together with vision, courage and dedication to help reclaim the futures of the youth in our community.

Life Skills Workshops

Walnut Avenue Women’s Center offers life skills workshops that stimulate discussion and awareness about a variety of important and often hard to talk about topics.  These workshops encourage young people to critically examine themselves, their communities, and society as a whole.  Trained facilitators lead workshops in classrooms, after school programs, group homes, and other community based organizations.

Our programs create an atmosphere that fosters self-esteem and self-awareness amongst everyone participating.

The Healthy Relationship Workshop

The “Healthy Relationships Workshop” is a creative and interactive workshop which promotes healthy relationships and dialogue around issues of dating and domestic violence. This workshop has been created based on the high prevalence of teen dating violence and domestic violence across the United States and the world.  Topics include teen dating violence, power and control, gender, and healthy relationships.  Facilitators create a comfortable atmosphere for youth to share and express their own values and beliefs around relationships. They are taught about local resources and ways to help their friends who may encounter teen dating violence or domestic violence.

“I really liked your program.  I learned a lot, and it was really, really helpful.  Thank you!”  – Workshop Participant

I Decide

“I Decide” is a comprehensive sex education program that promotes healthy decision making.  The facilitators use concrete lessons in order for youth to grasp and retain the valuable information. “I Decide” investigates assumptions and beliefs about gender and sexuality through the exploration of healthy relationships, sexuality, birth control, reproductive anatomy, alternatives to sex, ways to deal with peer pressure, and problem solving and communication skills. This workshop promotes critical thinking skills so the youth are reminded that they are the experts in their own lives in order to think about their future based on their current decisions.

“I liked how you explained things.  I learned a lot, like where you can get help.” – Workshop Participant

“I like the fact that you guys were so open, and even shared with us your own personal experiences.” – Workshop Participant

Live In Your Skin

“Live in Your Skin” is a media awareness and body image workshop. It challenges body image ideals and promotes positive body image. The workshop breaks down media messages and images and examines the negative impacts they may have on self-esteem. It also explores ways that youth can build positive self images. “Live in your Skin” critically examines how main stream media influences a person’s choices and thoughts about who s/he is.  The workshop discusses the role that media corporations play in world affairs and different ways students can continue to think critically about media corporations’ roles in their lives.  Students leave the workshops feeling empowered and aware in ways they had not been exposed to in the past.

“I have learned a lot from your expertise and I really enjoyed it.  I have lot more knowledge about this subject thanks to you guys.” – Workshop Participant

Mentoring

One on One Mentoring

The mentor program is a fun and great way to provide individual support, and to build assets in young people.  In the mentor program each youth is paired with a trained Youth Advocate, and together they build a trusting and supportive relationship.  The Youth Advocates offer a safe, supportive space to talk about challenging situations and learn problem solving skills.  A truly amazing program!

“I can tell my mentor anything!  We have so much fun too.” -Mentee

Youth Adventures Club (YAC!)

The Youth Adventures Club (YAC) is a weekly summer adventure program.  Each Friday during the summer youth are given the opportunity to explore the many sides of Santa Cruz through fun adventure outings.  Through role modeling and low cost activities, youth learn how to have safe and healthy fun in a supportive group setting.

Support Groups

GirlZpace

A one of a kind teen girl group where high school girls get together, participate in fun, creative art activities, go on fieldtrips and hang out with cool women from the community. Each week, we gather to cook, eat, and listen to each other. Every week there is a new theme to explore at Girlzpace, whether it be dating, healthy relationships, drug use, self esteem, body image… it all gets addressed here. Through fun, innovative activities, we explore what its like to be a teen girl and learn to support one in other. GirlZpace is offered in Santa Cruz, Felton and Watsonville.   Click here for more information.

Girl Talk

“Girl Talk” is a FUN and INNOVATIVE support group for girls 12-16 who need extra support in their lives.  Through games, art, journaling and discussion we explore feelings and talk about a wide range of topics including healthy relationships, friendships, emotions, stress relief, and what it’s like to be a girl.  Groups are held at the Walnut Avenue Women’s Center and eight week sessions can be implemented in other settings, such as schools or community based programs.

“One thing I really liked about the group was the fact that it gave me a place to feel comfortable.”  – Girl 14

“I learned to respect myself and others.”  – Girl13

“The facilitators are great; without them I wouldn’t be a completed person, I feel so much better.” – Girl12

Wise Guys

Wise Guys is a support group for young men ages 12-16 where they can just be guys.  Through discussions, role modeling, activities, and games, young men are given the opportunity to examine what growing up as male is like, and to begin to explore who they want to become.  Topics covered in group include communication, masculinity, problem solving, puberty, healthy decision making, and more.  Groups are held at the Walnut Avenue Women’s Center and eight week sessions can be implemented in other settings, such as schools or community based programs.

“I feel different after Wise Guys.  Like, more ready live the rest of my life.  This was really important to me,” –Boy 15

“I like that I can talk to the leaders about whatever is going on in my life.”  – Boy 13

“We play games and do different activities each week, it’s fun!” –Boy 12

Youth Advocacy Training

Our programs would not succeed without the aide of community volunteers!  We hold a 7-week long Youth Advocacy Training on Saturdays each fall.  If you are interested in volunteering with the Youth Department and want to sign up for training, email Rita Martinico at rmartinico@wawc.org.

Contact

If you are interested in our programs or want to find out more information, contact Youth Development Services @ (831) 426-3062