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