Servicios para Jóvenes
Mensaje del director
As WLCAC’s Youth Services Director, I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve the youth of Watts and South LA. For the past 25 years, our team has earned the trust and respect of the communities we serve. Having a staff made up of former youth participants, reflects the positive impact of our youth programming and services. Our alumni bring healing, trauma informed care, and testimonials that can attest to the effectiveness our programs have had in shaping their lives and the community.
Our commitment to upholding the mission and vision of WLCAC lies at the core of how we connect and engage with all of our youth and their families to help them bring positive change into their lives. We do this by exposing our youth to the outdoors, workshops, positive learning, and providing a support system that will last a lifetime. We believe in our kids, so they can believe in themselves and positively move forward into the future.
Nuestra División
WLCAC ha establecido un legado de servicio que cuenta historias del corazón. La defensa que brindamos se extiende más allá de las necesidades inmediatas para abarcar los impactos duraderos en la vida de una persona. Nuestros jóvenes y familias han encontrado nuestro sitio WLCAC como un lugar que siempre tendrá los brazos abiertos para brindar la más alta calidad de atención y defensa en su viaje hacia el éxito. ¡Permitiendo oportunidades de crecimiento y recuerdos positivos en la vida de cada niño que entra por nuestras puertas!
Prevención GRYD/Reingreso/Equidad al aire libre (Programas de desarrollo juvenil)
WLCAC’s city-funded strategy for youth development is focused on providing a safe haven for young people to grow and play, serving them through a variety of enriching programs throughout Watts, and South and South East Los Angeles.
- G.R.Y.D Prevention- Services youth ages 10-15 living in Watts and parts of South Central LA. Case Managers provide assessments for each participant, and design a holistic care plan for each individual that includes recreational and educational activities, mentorship, mental health, and life skills. We meet them in their homes and school, or at our headquarters where they are given daily meals, go on trips, and are transported home at the end of the day.
- G.R.Y.D Re-entry- Services young people ages 14-21 that are referred to us by law-enforcement. We provide them with intensive Case Management that includes visits and healing circles. We assist in integrating individuals back into their community connecting them to jobs, mental health, basic needs, school enrollment assistance, and supporting those trying to achieve personal goals.
- Outdoor Equity- Services young people ages 10-18, providing programming that explores the outdoor parks, lakes, recreational centers in an effort to encourage families to explore their natural surroundings.
Nuestro impacto
Over 75% of our staff were directly impacted by our youth programs and/or still reside in the areas we service. The experience of Youth Alumni gives validity to the program’s effectiveness in building trust with the families we’ve been serving since 1965.
Nuestro equipo
rafael flores
- Youth Services Director
- rflores@wlcac.org
Esmeralda Melara
- Youth Services Deputy Director
- emelara@wlcac.org
karen gayles
Coordinador del Programa de Prevención GRYD
Martín González
- GRYD Prevention Program Coordinator
- mgonzalez@wlcac.org
Tequila Castro
- GRYD Prevention Program Coordinator
- tcastro@wlcac.org
Ofrecemos
Manejo intensivo de casos
We hire case managers that take a holistic approach to connecting and serving participants in all aspects of their life at school, home, and individually through:
- Servicios de salud mental
- Trauma Focused Workshops
- Grief and Loss Counseling
Basic Necessities
We ensure youth and their families have access to backpacks, shoes & socks, hygiene kits, school uniforms, and baby items so that they can focus on developing their skills and self-esteem. We also offer:
- Gift Card Giveaways
- Parenting Workshops
- Parent Appreciation Days
Actividades recreativas/educativas
We offer a wide array of activities and classes for youth such as art, skate, and surf classes. We also partner with organizations like the Young Eagles to teach aviation, Horses in the Hood, and East Side Riders bike club.
Field Trips
Youth participants go on field trips to theme parks, museums, beaches and lakes, hiking and camping, and more to expose them to places and experiences that will introduce them to a positive path that will lead to a well rounded lifestyle that every child deserves.
Programa de equidad al aire libre
We bring local outdoor education and recreation to families by providing all camping necessities like camping gear, transportation, and park fees. This allows families to create new traditions, connect with nature, promote environmental justice, and participate in campfire healing circles.
Historias del personal
Thanks to the employment opportunity given to me at WLCAC I now have a brighter future and career!
WLCAC took me on my first beach trip, Dodger game and Disneyland. They helped me discover my self esteem and brought security to my life, allowing me to believe in myself.
I came to WLCAC as a youth because I knew the case managers cared about me and I loved the environment!
As an Adult working for GRYD I do my best to provide all the support the Youth need. I am proud to give back to my Community.
Historias de clientes
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