Youth Services
Director's Message
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. We help them bring positive change into their lives by exposing our youth to the outdoors, workshops, positive learning, and providing a support system that will last a lifetime. By us believing in our kids, they can believe in themselves and positively move forward into the future.
-Ralph Flores
Our Division
WLCAC has established a legacy of service that tells stories of the heart. The advocacy we provide extends beyond immediate needs to encompass long standing impacts in an individual’s life. Our youth and families have found our WLCAC site as a place that will always be open to provide the highest quality of care and advocacy in their journey to success. We provide opportunities of growth and positive memories in the lives of every child that comes through our doors!
G.R.Y.D Prevention/Re-entry/Outdoor Equity (Youth Development Programs)
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 by connecting them to jobs, mental health services, 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 outdoor parks, lakes, and recreational centers in an effort to encourage families to explore their natural surroundings.
Our Impact
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.
Our Team
Ralph Flores
- Youth Services Director
- rflores@wlcac.org
Esmeralda Melara
- Youth Services Deputy Director
- emelara@wlcac.org
Karen Gayles
Prevention Program Coordinator GRYD
Martin Gonzalez
- GRYD Prevention Program Coordinator
- mgonzalez@wlcac.org
Tequila Castro
- GRYD Prevention Program Coordinator
- tcastro@wlcac.org
We Offer
Intensive Case Management
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:
- Mental Health Services
- 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
Recreational/Educational Activities
We offer a wide array of activities for youth such as art, skate, and surf classes. We also partner with organizations like the Young Eagles, which teaches aviation; Horses in the Hood, which provides mentoring with horses; and East Side Riders bike club, which promotes good health by cycling and teaches kids how to repair bikes.
Field Trips
Youth participants go on field trips to theme parks, museums, beaches, and lakes. We expose them to places and experiences (like hiking and camping) that will introduce them to a positive path that will lead to a well rounded lifestyle that every child deserves.
Outdoor Equity Program
We bring local outdoor education and recreation to families by providing all camping necessities, such as: 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.
Staff Stories
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.
Client Stories
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