Programs and Services
Outreach / Volunteer Services - Youth Development Program (Y.D.P.)
"Where every Monday counts"
Also see: School Outreach Program (S.O.P.)
A LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR TEENS:
Casa's Youth Development Program is designed to develop leadership skills in high school students, ages 15 to 18. The program offers personal growth through seminars about teen abuse, victims of abuse, creative listening, suicide, crisis phone calls, communication skills, boundaries, and confidentiality.
The Youth Development Program is focused on the communities surrounding the Shelter with activities such as:
- Peer support
- Community outreach
- Prevention Activities
- Program design, planning and management
- Special event coordination
- Publicity/Marketing
- Recreational supervision, and
- Board of Directors representation
Peer Support:
Casa's Youth Development members network with local schools to assist in identifying helpful resources for young persons on campus.
Community Outreach:
As Youth Development members, the group helps introduce Casa Youth Shelter to the community through speeches, forums, agency days, and literature handouts. The resulting awareness furthers Casa's mission to reach out to children in need and expand its base of involved young people.
Prevention Activities:
Our youth participate in activities where they can spread the awareness issues regarding alcohol, tobacco, homelessness, bullying and other concerns of youth.
Program Design, Planning and Management:
Who can better understand and help direct needed services for youth than members of their own peer group? The program involves young leaders in the development and implementation of Casa's programs and services.
Special Event Coordination:
YDP members participate in Casa events, as well as develop and sponsor their own support activities.
Publicity:
With access to school publications, publicity is developed, prepared and placed to inform both the students and the staff about Casa's programs. In addition, YDP members have the responsibility to publicize their own community-based events when appropriate.
Recreational Supervision:
Informal interaction with Casa's residents offering opportunities for recreational activities.
Board of Directors Representation:
Two members of the Youth Development program attend Casa's Board of Directors as full voting members.
Requirements:
To become one of Casa's Youth Development Program members requires an interview with the program leader. Following a successful interview, 10-12 hours of training covers issues of youth violence, abuse, confidentiality, boundaries, crisis phone calls, and creative listening. When training is complete a minimum of four hours of service time are required monthly. Meetings are conducted by officers elected by membership.
Program Leadership:
Maribel Contreras, Community Outreach Coordinator of Casa Youth Shelter, leads Casa's Youth Development Program bringing more than 10 years of experience working with young adults. Aiding in the training for this program is Heather Burrage, Outreach Counselor who brings more than 4 years of counseling and group facilitation experience. Together they are committed to making a difference for youth as a role models, teachers and mentors.
Rewards:
For Casa's Youth Development members, concern for others is a crucial prerequisite. These young volunteers want to make a positive difference and in so doing will gain a better understanding of themselves, society and their peers with knowledge that lasts a lifetime.
If you are a young adult age 15 to 18, with the potential of becoming a youth leader, or are aware of a young adult with those qualities, please call Maribel Contreras at Casa Youth Shelter (714) 995-8601 or (562) 594-6825 or email ydp@casayouthshelter.org
