Youth Development

Our mission

To revolutionize the role of youth in society and to raise their expectations of respect and safety through role modeling, advocacy and education.

Who we serve

In one-on-one settings, support groups, facilitating or participating in workshops, our programs are designed to empower youth by providing a space for their voices to be heard. Throughout all our work, we consciously strive to foster youths’ self-esteem, self-awareness and the growth of developmental assets.

All youth deserve respect regardless of religion, race, class, age, gender, or sexual orientation.

What we do

Through our support groups we provide services to youth primarily from families who have experienced domestic violence.  We also serve various youth in our community through our education workshops that are implemented in local schools.

Educational Workshops

Stimulate discussion and awareness about a variety of important and often hard to talk about topics.  We encourage young people to critically examine themselves, their communities, and society as a whole.  Throughout all our work, we consciously strive to foster self-esteem and self-awareness.

The Relationship Workshop

Promotes healthy relationships and dialogue around issues of violence. Topics include violence, gender, oppressions (racism, adultism), sexual harassment and healthy relationships.

I Decide…

Teaches healthy decision making though a comprehensive sex education program. We investigate assumptions and beliefs about gender and sexuality through the exploration of healthy relationships, sexuality, birth control, alternatives to sex, ways to deal with peer pressure, and problem solving skills.

Live In Your Skin…

Challenges body image ideas and promotes positive body image. We break down media images and examine the negative impacts they often have on self-esteem. We explore ways that we can build positive self images.

Picture This!…

Picture This! is a media awareness and education workshop. We critically examine how main stream media influences our choices and thoughts about who we are.  We discuss the role that media corporations play in world affairs and what alternatives to mainstream media are available to us.

Youth Adventures Club (YAC)

This program offers a variety of creative, healthy activities to  broaden horizons, build  leadership skills, and have fun!  Activities include hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, beach soccer/volleyball, art projects.

One on One Mentoring

A program in which trained youth advocates meet one-on-one with youth to develop a successful mentoring relationship.  Advocates offer a safe, supportive space to talk about challenging situations and facilitate problem solving options.

Support Groups

GirlZpace

Through self exploration and identity development, girls are taught to think critically about contemporary social issues that affect their daily lives. Topics include:  gender expectations, team building, body image, communication, privilege, prejudice, discrimination, allies, activism, media awareness, leadership, and self defense.

Girl Talk

A support group for girls 11-16 who have witnessed and/or experienced domestic violence.  Through games, art, journaling and discussion we explore feelings and talk about a wide range of topics. Topics include healthy relationships, friendships, anger, fear, sadness and ways to cope with difficult emotions.

Wise Guys

A support group for boys who have experienced or been exposed to domestic violence. Our goal is to provide a safe space to talk about masculinity, gender roles, violence and peaceful alternatives. Boys will learn to problem solve, resolve conflict and communicate without violence. Boys leave with improved decision-making skills and greater respect for themselves and others.