Here is a list of resources that serve and support the youth and young adults in
Santa Cruz County. Listings include general information and contact information when possible.
Santa Cruz County. Listings include general information and contact information when possible.
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ADELANTE: This is a collaborative program between the Watsonville Police Department, the Police Activities League and the Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance whose primary purpose is to provide early prevention and intervention services to 4th-8th grade students who live in the high crime neighborhood of Landis Avenue, Carey Avenue, and Davis Avenue area in the City of Watsonville.
This program provides individuals case management services, a variety of pro-social activities and parent workshops to support students’ academic and social success in school. |
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Academy for College Excellence (ACE) formerly called Digital Bridge Academy:
The Academy for College Excellence sees community colleges as engines of progress and prosperity in communities. To help community colleges adapt and live up to this role, we offer ideas and tools to transform the education experience for community college students, instructors, staff and administrators. We help community colleges better serve the struggling-but-strong students now coming in search of a pathway toward upward mobility. ACE sets students up for success in college by helping them translate life skills into their academic experience. ACE helps students see themselves as "college material" and gives them the confidence, skills and supports to succeed. Through direct experience, ACE is teaching the behaviors of showing up, hard work, fulfilling commitment, effective listening, having reasoned discussions, and effectively communicate to work in teams with others unlike themselves. These are the same skills that drive effective entrepreneurship and civic engagement. |
Contact:
6500 Soquel Avenue Aptos, CA 95003 Phone: (831)477-3340 ace@cabrillo.edu Monday-Thursday: 10-3 Room 501 Learning Communities Center: Eric Gabriel (831) 477-3296 Paula Hall (831) 477-3341 |
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Adopt a Family Project: As our days grow shorter, many of us shift our thoughts to the joy of the holiday season. Unfortunately, an unprecedented number of local families struggle with poverty, disabilities, abandonment, or economic strain and the holidays are a worrisome time. These families struggle to meet their basic needs and may go without enough food and warm clothing, let alone toys or other holiday gifts.
Each year we support 450 families from Santa Cruz County who have been screened and referred by our 22 partner organizations to ensure that your gift is reaching those most in need. Businesses, individuals, and families are invited to adopt a family of any size. Adopters are asked to provide family packages which include food gift certificates, clothing for the family, a gift for each child, and household items like blankets, towels, or sheets. |
Contact:
Santa Cruz: Phone: (831) 457-9834 Monday - Friday: 10am- 4pm Watsonville: Phone: (831) 722-2364 Monday -Thurs: 10am- 2pm |
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Aggression Replacement Training (ART)
Run by probation staff, this is a 10 week program that focuses on evidence based practice as approach to working with challenging youth. It focuses on three components including: Skill streaming—Building social skills. Teaches participants what to do, helping them replace antisocial behaviors with positive alternatives. Anger Control—Anger management. Teaches participants what not to do, helping them respond to anger in a nonaggressive manner and rethink anger-provoking situations. Moral Reasoning—Group discussion. Helps raise participants' level of fairness, justice, and concern for the needs and rights of others. |
Contact:
303 Water Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: 831-454-2150 Mailing Address: P. O. Box 1812 Santa Cruz, CA 95061-1812 Email: prb.info@santacruzcounty.us |
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Alcance: The mission of ALCANCE is to provide youth and adults with employment services, work skills development and community engagement. We honor and serve those who are under-resourced, at-risk or involved in the justice system. The ALCANCE program offers opportunities for low-income youth and adult to improve their quality of life and to reach their full potential through employment services, leadership development and meaningful community engagement.
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Contact:
Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB) 406 Main St. Suite 221 Watsonville, CA 95076 Office: (831) 763 2147 |
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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Friday Night Group: 11pm From the Heart Group: Mondays, 11pm Young People’s Underground Group: Wednesdays, 11pm - Reprinted with permission of the A.A. Grapevine, Inc. |
Contact:
5732 Soquel Dr, Soquel, CA 95073 Phone: (831) 475-5782 Young People's Underground Group 1080 Emeline Street Basement, Building Santa Cruz, USA |
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Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy: The Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy works directly with young Latino males (ages 13-20) referred to the program due to gang affiliations, violent lifestyles or a high risk of developing them. Most are already probationers, but about 15% are from local school districts and the local County Office of Education. All players and peer mentors are Pajaro Valley residents, primarily from south Santa Cruz County; more than 90% are from very low income families. Our core program is our competitive soccer program for at-risk Latino youth in Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley. In 2015-16, Aztecas’ growing program will enroll at least 50 participants, aged 13-20, in year-round indoor and outdoor soccer practices and games.
Aztecas’ top-level competitive soccer training creates the structure around which we provide counseling, healthy lifestyle choices, career support, and educational activities to replace gang behaviors. We promote positive career choices and nonviolent community engagement for our soccer players. |
Contact:
For more information please e-mail: info@aztecasyouthsocceracademy.org |
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Barrios Unidos:
In collaboration with Encompass Youth Services, Barrios Unidos provides mental health services and counseling. This program is bilingual, culturally sensitive, and personalized to meet the individual needs of youth and to enhance strengths and assets of each family. We provide individual, group and family counseling for youth and families facing the challenges that arise in the process of growing up. Participating in counseling improves family, peer and community relationship, increases self-confidence and school performance, and reduces drug and alcohol use. Counselors schedule regular 50 minute appointments usually on a weekly basis. |
Contact:
1817 Soquel Avenue Santa Cruz, CA. 95062 (831) 457-8208 Fax (831) 457-0389 |
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Baskin Girls in Engineering: A free 5 day (Monday-Friday) non-residential summer camp for Santa Cruz County girls entering 6th through 8th grade. The Baskin Girls in Engineering @ Cabrillo College summer engineering program is designed for female students who want to learn more about the role engineers and engineering play in our lives. This program is aimed at fostering female students’ interest in engineering in our lives. This program is aimed at fostering female students’ interest in engineering as an innovative, creative, and exciting field that shapes our lives. Students will engage in hands-on learning experiences in all areas of engineering designed to nurture their natural curiosity and will apply their creativity to solve engineering design challenges.
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Contact:
Phone: (831)479-6514. or e-mail: cabrillogirlsinengr@gmai |
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BASTA (Broad Based Apprehension Suppression and Treatment): BASTA is a countywide collaborative formed for the purpose of keeping schools and the community safe by reducing and preventing youth gang violence, school truancy, suspensions, expulsions, and alcohol and drug abuse. The BASTA Region 1 and Region 2 Operation Teams engage in information sharing and develop and report on anti-gang strategies and programs. The Regional Operation Teams engage in case management activities of targeted at-risk youth identified by school representatives, law enforcement and probation.
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Contact:
BASTA, Santa Cruz County Office of Education 400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 basta@santacruz.k12.ca.us |
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BASTA/Re-Entry: BASTA is an intensive diversion program with a multi-disciplinary team approach. Youth are supported by a collaborative resource group that may include law enforcement, probation, a case manager, counselor, family members and other supportive resources such as teachers or coaches. BASTA serves to keep youth from entering the criminal justice system by creating a strength based and goal oriented accountability plan, specialized services that utilize local resources and services.
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Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County: Two programs available for youth.
The One-to-One Match Program: This program is what most people think of as the traditional Big Brother or Big Sister role. As a little brother or little sister, children and youth aged 7-14 years old will be matched with a big brother or sister to gain encouragement, friendship and good company. For big brother and big sisters, we make every effort to assure that you are matched with a “Little” who shares your interests so that your relationship will be rewarding and mutually beneficial. Your Little Brother or Little Sister can come from a variety of backgrounds and economic levels, but that is what will make your relationship so unique. Big Brothers and Big Sisters say the time spent with their match is one of the most rewarding events in their life. Best of all, you will give your Little Brother or Little Sister the positive self-esteem all children deserve to have. *All volunteers for this program, like all Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers, are interviewed, screened, and trained by our professional agency staff. The Big Brothers Big Sisters After-School Enrichment Program: This is offered at two housing complexes in South County. An on-site staff member coordinates this program. Mentors assist children in their homework, in the areas of math, science, social studies and writing. The program includes guest speakers on a regular basis to address topics important to the students’ social, health, academic and leadership development. The program was developed in recognition of the fact that many children, especially those with limited English proficiency, are falling behind in their studies, and ultimately dropping out of school. Program evaluation has shown that with additional one-to-one support and academic assistance provided by our volunteer mentors, participating children develop greater interest in school, improve their school performance and are more likely to graduate. *All volunteers for this program, like all Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers, are interviewed, screened, and trained by our professional agency staff. |
Contact:
www.santacruzmentor.org/about-us/ 1500 41st Avenue #250 Capitola, CA 95010 Phone: (831) 464-8691 Fax: (831) 464-8693 or e-mail: info@santacruzmentor.org |
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Bike Church: The Bike Church is a community bicycle shop and tool collective where people can learn to repair their bicycles with the help of knowledgeable mechanics. We offer sliding scale services and affordable used and new parts. As a collectively run organization, we are committed to honoring the contribution of individuals while recognizing the importance of collaboration. The Bike Church is low on volunteer staff and has cut our hours to 3 days and one evening a week. We are currently open Mon, Tue, and Thur 3-7pm, and Wed 6:30-9pm. Thu 10-2 are work trade hours. Visit the open hours section of this site for more information on our open shop hours, as well workshops and classes.
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Contact:
703 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)425-BIKE (2453) or e-mail: thebikechurch@gmail.com |
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Boys and Girls Club: The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz promotes youth guidance through educational, vocational, recreational, social and character development of girls and boys ages 6 to 18. The Club is the only youth service organization in the greater Santa Cruz area providing daily after school drop-in programs five days a week. We also offer a summer day camp program five days a week from mid-June through mid-August, and Winter and Spring break day camps. Members come to the Club looking for fun and a sense of belonging. Our youth meet new friends and learn to develop skills benefiting them over a lifetime.
The Boys & Girls Club has a core of career professionals trained to provide leadership and guidance through individual assistance, small group, and drop-in activities. Locations in Downtown Santa Cruz, Live Oak and Scotts Valley |
Contact:
Downtown: 543 Center Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831)423-3138 Live Oak: 925 17th Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 477-4095 Scotts Valley: 5060 Scotts Valley Dr Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (831) 535-7017 |
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California Conservation Corps (CCC): The California Conservation Corps is a state agency that puts together young people and the environment, to the benefit of both. Corpsmembers- young men and women between the ages of 18-25 sign up for a year of working outdoors to improve California’s natural resources. They also assist with emergency response: fighting fires, floods, earthquakes, and pest infestations. The CCC, modeled after the original Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930’s, is the oldest and largest conservation corps now in operation. Created by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. in 1976, more than 120,000 young people have been a part of the CCC since that time.
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Contact:
Monterey Bay Operations 757 Green Valley Road Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831)768-0150. |
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Caminos: Caminos is a three to six month diversion program for first time offender youth that seeks to prevent further juvenile justice involvement. Students are offered an opportunity to participate in the Caminos program and complete their individualized diversion plan instead of being placed on juvenile probation. Diversion plans are developed in collaboration with the student, the student’s parents and case management team and may include participation in pro-social activities, individual and/or family counseling, parent workshops, and community service hours.
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The Camp: At The Camp’s Meadow Lodge, we work directly with adolescents to help them understand the many dangers of their substance abuse in ways the encourage them to obtain and maintain sobriety. Each day spent at the Meadow Lodge is spent teaching adolescents the benefits of a life free from substance abuse with a strong focus on building their overall motivation to get sober. Our experience of over 25 years of working with teens and their families makes our adolescent program one of the most successful in the country.
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Contact:
3192 Glen Canyon Road Scotts Valley, CA 95066 Phone: (831)438-1868 |
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Camp Sea Lab-Girls only camp: Camp SEA Lab summer camps give youth an in-depth opportunity to experience the wonders of marine environment. Programs vary by theme and utilize a wealth of resources throughout the central coast. From slough to sea, Camp SEA Lab partners with multiple marine organizations along the coast to provide the best possible program for our participants. Health and safety are always our primary concern, and each site is selected for their commitment to maintaining a safe environment. Girls Love Science is geared specifically for girls.
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Contact:
100 Campus Center, Building 42, Seaside, CA 93955 Phone: (831) 582-3681 |
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Cara y Corazon: Is an eight week educational series that focuses on strengthening the parent-child relationship. The lesson goals are to re-integrate family traditions and values that support the unity and harmony of the family. Through the educational series, parents reconnect with their own personal, family and cultural strengths to create and maintain a balance to guide and support their loved ones in their daily lives.
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Center for Employment Training (CET): One of the most successful training programs in the nation, Center for Employment Training has always been a place where the whole person is the focus. Since its humble beginnings, CET has brought together people wanting to work and those wanting the best workers. CET believes in the self-determination of every person. Some of CET's mottos over the years show who we are and what we seek to do in our individual communities. Programs offered include: Custodial Services, Green Building Construction Skills, Medical Clerk, Retail Operations Specialist, and Welding Fabrication.
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Contact:
10 Blanca Lane Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831)728-4551 |
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Children and Youth Program: The Children and Youth Program provides services that give children and youth the opportunity to unlearn attitudes and behaviors that could otherwise cause them to perpetuate the cycle of violence in their adult relationships.
Individual counseling sessions are available by appointment in order to help children and teens understand that domestic violence is not their fault and to teach them alternative coping skills. Please contact our Watsonville or Santa Cruz Office to make an appointment. Support groups for children and teens are held concurrently with the women’s domestic violence and sexual assault support groups on Tuesdays (6:00 – 7:30 pm) in Spanish at the Watsonville office, and in English at the Santa Cruz office on Wednesdays (5:30 – 7:00 pm). Children and Youth program staff also conduct educational/support groups at several high schools, which include group counseling, and domestic violence and sexual assault prevention education. |
Contact:
Monarch Services Watsonville Office: 233 East Lake Avenue Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831) 722-4532 Santa Cruz Office: 1509 Seabright Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 425-4030 |
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Citizen’s Police Academy: The Santa Cruz Police Department’s popular Citizen Police Academy offers city residents an inside look at aspects of law enforcement most have never seen, in a series of free lectures, demonstrations and discussions.
Participants meet one evening a week for 10 weeks at the Santa Cruz Police Department Community Room to learn and discuss how the police department operates, the requirements and duties of officers in various departments, and how law enforcement works with various judicial departments. There are guest speakers as well as an excursion to the 911 Call Center. Each session is facilitated by an expert in their field and participants are encouraged to ask questions for an engaging evening. |
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Community Connection: We believe that each person that walks through our doors has a gift. Our job is to help individuals discover those gifts and reach their full potential. Community Connection empowers adults with psychiatric disabilities and their families with the tools and resources they desire to build stronger community bonds and improve their lives.
Community Connection is funded in part by Santa Cruz County Mental Health Services, State of California Department of Rehabilitation and United Way of Santa Cruz County. We are dedicated to helping adults lead healthier and more productive lives by overcoming mental health and chemical dependency challenges. Through our resources and tools we enable people to provide a life for themselves and their families. We help adults build stronger bridges to our community through education, job, housing and lifestyle support. Most of our program participants are referred to Community Connection by the Santa Cruz Mental Health Department. If you are interested in our services but are unsure of your eligibility then please contact us. We are happy to determine which programs you may qualify for, and connect you with a Program Coordinator who can answer your questions |
Contact:
Santa Cruz: 300 Harvey West Boulevard, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831) 425-8132 Watsonville: 10 Carr Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831) 768-8132 Cabrillo College 6500 Soquel Drive, Accessibility Support Center Room 1078 Aptos, CA 95003 Phone: (831) 479-6512 |
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Community Options: Community Options is a private, non-profit that receives partial funding from the County of Santa Cruz to operate the Court Referral Program. The organization interviews, places, monitors, and sends final reports to court. All clients are placed with non-profit agencies or tax supported agencies.
ELIGIBILITY: Referral by criminal justice (court, probation or other county) agencies. |
Contact:
Santa Cruz: 501 Cedar Street Ste A Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)423-4592 Watsonville: 42-A Brennan Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831) 724-8799 |
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Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA): CASA volunteers are everyday people, trained by CASA and then appointed by judges to advocate for the safety of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers devote 2-4 hours a week getting to know the child and gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. For many children in foster care, their CASA volunteer will be the one consistent adult presence in their lives. For many volunteers, CASA is a life-changing experience that makes a difference in our community.
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Crossroads: Crossroads is a drug and alcohol educational workshop that is both an educational and interactive class. It is presented by the County of Santa Cruz Alcohol and Drug Programs Youth Advisory Team and staff, in conjunction with Friday Night Live. The workshop is aimed at educating youth about the effects of drugs and alcohol use and how to meet those “crossroads” with knowledge. Youth may be diverted to this workshop by Probation when they have been cited for the first time for the following offenses: Alcohol use or possession; marijuana use or simple possession; possession of marijuana/drug paraphernalia. Parents are not required to attend, but are welcome to sit in on the beginning of the orientation of the program. County Alcohol and Drug Program Santa Cruz:
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Contact:
Santa Cruz: 1400 Emeline Ave, Bldg K Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)454-4747 Watsonville: 1430 Freedom Blvd., Suite 101 Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) Phone: (831)454-CLUB (4747) |
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Digital NEST: Digital NEST provides youth and young adults ages 12-24 with free access to computers, software, Wi-Fi, and a full range of state-of-the-art digital tools and classes.
Modeled after successful tech companies that inspire creativity and innovation, Digital NEST is a safe and learning-focused workspace for young people. Through training, collaboration, and professional mentorship, young people master the technological skills they need to pursue higher education, launch careers, and join businesses in our community. |
Contact:
318 Union St. Watsonville, CA. 95076 Phone: (831)722-6378 or e-mail: info@digitalnest.org |
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Electronic Monitoring Program: The Electronic Monitoring Program is a more intensive form of Home Supervision, in that the youth are pending court are supervised electronically as well as through personal contact. Youth are fitted with a transmitter attached to their ankle by a strap, and a receiver is attached to the youth’s phone. If the youth travels outside the home, the receiver reports this to a supervision center, which notifies Probation. The youth placed on this program would generally be in the juvenile hall pending court hearings, but are deemed to be safely placed at home with the reporting device and intensive supervision by the ATD staff.
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Contact:
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office 259 Water Street Santa Cruz, CA. 95060 Phone: (831) 454-7814 |
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Employment and Community Options: The Integrated Employment Program is designed to assist individuals with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities in obtaining either employer-paid jobs or volunteer work in their communities. We support individuals in gaining greater access to and participation in their communities. With customized support plans and schedules, skills training and job placement, individuals experience a better range of choices that increases their levels of independence and overall quality of life.
E&CO identifies individuals whose disabilities (intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, or autism) fall within the moderate to severe range, requiring ongoing supervision, training, and assistance by an E&CO staff person. |
Contact:
340 Soquel Ave., Ste 214 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)464-6796 |
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Families Together: Families Together is an innovative child and family development program providing home-based services to families living throughout Santa Cruz County. The primary objective is to reduce the number of re-referrals to Family & Children's Services by improving safety, child development, and family relationships. Families Together is a Differential Response collaborative.
Families Together home visitors provide individualized services to at-risk families referred by Family & Children's Services. Participation is voluntary and lasts either six or twelve months depending on the family's risk level. Participants collaborate in the formation of goals and are presented with opportunities to learn about parenting, child development, and parent-child attachment. Home visitors support caregivers as they advocate for their needs and form nurturing relationships with their children. In addition to supporting families with basic needs, staff link families with resources such as CalWorks, mental health services, medical services, substance abuse counseling, and domestic violence services, among others. |
Contact:
9057 Soquel Dr., Bldg. C, Suite A, Aptos, CA 95003 Phone: (831)662-1303 or e-mail: lindsay.steigner@encompasscs.org |
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Fiona’s Family House: Fiona’s Family House (FFH) is named to honor Fiona, the daughter of founder, Laurel, who at 32 was diagnosed with terminal rectal cancer. Fiona’s Family House exists to alter existing medical services and safety net services that are missing from our current system and to empower those diagnosed with advanced cancer to live with their diagnosis. Our founders envision a community that is better informed about YA issues; a community in which families are supported, financial needs are addressed, and patients receive advocacy services while also becoming advocates for change.
Operating under the fiscal sponsorship of The Santa Cruz Volunteer Center, the founders of FFH have planned a three-phase process to make these services available in Santa Cruz County before 2020. Using available scholarly research and patient interviews, we have prioritized services that have an immediate need and will have an instant impact on YAs. In phase 1, we will work with patient volunteers and existing cancer resource center staff to create a physician education course, which will be available for use within a year and facilitated by patient and family advocates. In phase 2, we will offer grant scholarships to YAs and their families who have made a difference in Santa Cruz County. The final phase is a stand-alone facility, which will serve as a resource and respite home for YAs and their families. Phase three will require several years of fundraising and relationship development with existing services. |
Contact:
Fiona’s Family House C/o Santa Cruz Volunteer Center 1740 17th Ave. Santa Cruz, CA. 95062 e-mail: laurel@fionasfamilyhouse.org or ghillerson@fionasfamilyhouse.org |
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Food What?!: Food, What?! is a youth empowerment and food justice organization using food, through sustainable agriculture and health, as the vehicle for growing strong, healthy, and resilient teens. We partner with low-income and struggling youth to grow, cook, eat, and distribute healthy, sustainably raised food and address food justice issues in our community.
Youth from Watsonville to Santa Cruz join the FoodWhat Crew through Spring Internships, Summer Jobs, Fall Project Management positions, and leading peer-to-peer education in high schools and big community events on the farm. We create a safe space where youth engage in leadership development, personal growth, and job training. At FoodWhat, we inspire personal transformation by supporting teens in finding their voices and developing lasting confidence in themselves. |
Contact:
1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 Programs Manager: Irene O'Connell Phone: (831)459-5476 or e-mail: irene@foodwhat.org |
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Friday Night Live: The Friday Night Live (FNL) program is designed for high school-aged young people. It is motivated by youth-adult partnerships that create essential and powerful opportunities that enhance and improve local communities. Community service, social action activities, participation in advocacy for safe and healthy environments, and promotion of healthy policies are organized by youth to appeal to youth.
Friday Night Live Programs: Encourage young people to develop programs that are fun and meaningful Promote messages through shared experiences Encourage peer-oriented programming (youth driven and youth led) Are goal-directed, action oriented, and innovative Encourage and empower young people as active leaders and community resources Have broad appeal to diverse ethnic, racial and social groups Encourage youth to care about each other and their environment Offer conferences and trainings for young people to develop leadership skills |
Contact:
Santa Cruz County Alcohol and Drug Program 1400 Emeline Ave., Bldg. K Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831) 454-4747 FNL County Coordinator: Brenda Armstrong Phone: (831) 454-5483 or e-mail: Brenda.Armstrong@health.co.santa-cruz.ca.us |
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Friends Outside: Friends Outside has provided support to the incarcerated, their family members, and those recently released for more than thirty years in Santa Cruz County. Our mission is to engage volunteers to restore justice, provide hope, and support change for those impacted by incarceration. We work closely with community partners to provide a continuum of services from custody to community re-entry.
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Contact:
Phone: (831)427-5078 |
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FUERTE: FUERTE is a four to six month intensive program that aims to address the mental health needs of youth on probation (ages 14-20) and increase parental capacity and skills to care for and address the mental health needs of their children involved in the justice system. Additionally, FUERTE addresses the unmet needs of family members through linkages to community resources.
Services include individual and family counseling in the home, and intensive case management in the home and community settings. Also included are linkages/referrals to mental health advocacy groups, medication management, therapeutic groups, parent education and support, peer support, pro-social connections and outpatient substance use treatment. The FUERTE Mental Health Clinician uses Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) as an evidence-based treatment when providing individual and family counseling. |
Contact:
Bree Bode Phone: (831)688-8856 x3853 |
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Girls Inc.: Girls Inc. of the Central Coast offers programs developed by their national organization as well as local programs designed by staff and volunteers to meet the interests and needs of girls living throughout the Central Coast. The programs developed by the national organization are research-based and tested to be effective in empowering girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Some programs offered by Girls Inc. in Santa Cruz County are: ECHO, a leadership/mentoring program for high school sophomore and junior girls designed to encourage these girls to pursue post-secondary education and plan for future careers; and, Friendly PEERsuasion, a program that approaches drug-abuse prevention as a peer issue using the positive influence of young people modeling healthy behavior.
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Contact:
Girls Inc. of the Central Coast 318 Cayuga St, Suite 206, Salinas, CA 93901 Phone: (831) 772-0882. or e-mail: info@girlsinccc.org |
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Girls in Engineering UCSC: A free 5 day (Monday-Friday) non-residential summer camp for middle-school girls currently in 7th or 8th grade where transportation is provided. The camp introduces the girls to computer science and engineering through a series of hands-on activities using the Scratch programming environment for creating 2D games and animations, and Lego NXT for building microprocessor based robots and interactive art pieces, among other things. Their week includes a visits to several of the Baskin School of Engineering labs from Bio-engineering to Digital Games.
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Contact:
Phone: (831)854-7817 or e-mail: ie@soe.ucsc.edu |
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Graffiti Abatement: Juveniles convicted of graffiti offenses must pay for repairs and attend special classes with their parents conducted on Saturdays by the Police Department. They may be sentenced to probation and community service. Adults convicted of graffiti crimes face fines and probation.
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Contact:
Watsonville: Customer Service/Graffiti Hotline (831)768-3133 Santa Cruz: Graffiti Hotline (831) 420-5303 or email graffiti@cityofsantacruz.com |
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Graffiti Removal Project: A joint project of the Volunteer Center and Santa Cruz County, The Graffiti Removal Project offers a variety of graffiti free services to community members in the unincorporated area of our county.
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Contact:
Santa Cruz Volunteer Center Main Office 1740 17th Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone: 831-427-5070 |
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Gregory Katz: Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment (outpatient) Dr. Katz specializes in Psychology and practices in Santa Cruz, CA.
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Contact:
1663 Dominican Way #214 Santa Cruz, CA 95065 Phone: (831)462-0696 x1633 or e-mail: katzpsyc@cruzio.com |
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Grey Bears: Grey Bears improves the health and well being of seniors through food distribution, volunteerism and community participation. Grey Bears at a glance:
Pounds of healthy food distributed each year to seniors and local charities that serve seniors through our weekly Brown Bag Program and supplementary food delivery program: 2.4 million How many meals that provides: 2,000,000 How volunteers help: quality control, assembly and delivery of weekly bags of groceries; receiving, repairing, pricing and cashiering in the thrift store, bookstore and computer electronics store; listing books, electronics and other items for sale online; composting; office and admin support; and teaching classes and helping with annual events. Please volunteer now by clicking here to complete our simple online form. |
Contact:
2710 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz, California 95065 Phone: (831)479-1055 or e-mail: info@greybears.org |
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Head Start: Head Start has been improving the lives of low-income children and families in Santa Cruz County since 1965 through high-quality, comprehensive child development, and family support services. Head start supports school readiness and promotes healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social services. Enrollment opportunities are available to children aged 3-5 years in our children’s centers or our home base program. These options are located throughout Santa Cruz County. Part day classes and the home visiting program are offered September through May.
Some of the free services include: Early childhood education options: · 3 ½ hour preschool age classes either in the morning or afternoon, Tuesday-Friday or · Our home visiting program with one 1 ½ hour weekly visit and two monthly socializations · Parent Education · Health and dental screening · Parent involvement · Social services · Nutrition and developmental assessments · Resources and referrals for families Early Head Start Early Head Start (EHS) enrolls low-income families with infants and toddlers. The pre-natal months and the first three years of life are periods of incredible growth in all areas of a baby's development. Parents too, experience this exhilarating growth as they engage and get to know their baby. Early Head Start helps children and their parents get off to a good start and establish healthy patterns for life-long learning. |
Contact:
225 Westridge Drive Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831) 688-3802 or (831) 724-3885. or e-mail: jason.panick@encompasscs.org |
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Healthy Girls Santa Cruz: HGSC aims to increase access to resources for girls who are struggling with issues related to body image and self-esteem. HGSC provides training to educators, school administrators, and coaches on the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, depression, self-harm behaviors, other related issues, and what adults can do to help.
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Contact:
Santa Cruz County Office of Education 400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)466-5600 |
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Homeless Garden Project: The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people who are homeless. HGP's vibrant education and volunteer program for the broad community blends formal, experiential and service-learning. The programs take place in our 3-acre organic farm and related enterprises.
Trainees in the program: Take advantage of transitional employment in the safety of a structured environment Learn basic life skills required for employment Learn a variety of other marketable skills Share four hot meals a week with staff, other trainees and volunteers Give to the community by growing food for other programs that serve homeless and needy populations The program serves and depends on a community volunteers, interns, customers, and trainees who form strong bonds through the work. This "strengthened" community breaks down the profound sense of isolation experienced by many homeless people. Together, we work towards common goals that impact individuals as well as other local agencies and services. |
Contact:
Office Address: 30 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)426-3609 Mon - Fri 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. or e-mail: info@homelessgardenproject.org Farm Location: Shaffer Road at Delaware Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Tues-Sun 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
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Home Supervision: Home Supervision is used by the court in lieu of detention in the juvenile hall. In this program, the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) Probation staff, specifically, a group supervisor, supervises youth, seven days a week, in their own homes. Home visits, school visits and phone calls are made at various times during the day or evening. Each group supervisor may supervise a maximum of 10 youth at one time. Youth may not leave home except to go to school, work, authorized treatment programs or other approved appointments, if accompanied by their parent or guardian. This program normally lasts until final disposition.
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Contact:
e-mail: prb.info@santacruzcounty.us |
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Independent Living Program (ILP): Independent Living Resource Center assists current and former foster and probation placement youth ages 15-24 in building the skills, self-esteem, and support system necessary to make a successful transition to independent living in the community. We help youth obtain jobs through biweekly job groups, register for college, enroll in vocational training, find housing, learn budgeting skills, and make healthy decisions and choices for their futures. We facilitate a weekly Mom’s group to support young moms and their children. We also partner with the County Office of Education to provide an on-site Independent Study class for youth to pursue their High School Diploma or GED. The Resource Center is equipped with a cozy living room, kitchen, laundry facility, and computer lab. We also offer counseling services, food and clothing donations, as well as a hot meal. Most importantly, the Center is a safe place to go, and gain support from peers and case managers. Contact Information:
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Contact:
542 Ocean Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)459-0444 or e-mail: css@encompasscs.org |
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Janus: Janus of Santa Cruz is licensed by the State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs to provide the following treatment programs:
Residential Detoxification for Adults Residential and Day Alcohol and Drug Treatment for Adults Residential and Day Alcohol and Drug Treatment for Pregnant Women Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment Opiate Addiction Treatment / Methadone and Buprenorphine First and Multiple Offender Driving Under the Influence Programs |
Contact:
200 7th Avenue – Suite 150, Santa Cruz, California 95062 Phone: (831) 462-1060 or e-mail: info@janussc.org |
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Job Corps: A no cost education and career technical training program administered by the US Department of Labor that helps young people age 16 through 24 improve the quality of their lives through career and academic training.
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Contact:
San Jose Job Corps Center 3485 East Hills Drive San Jose, CA 95127 Phone: (408)254-5627 Fax: (408)254-5663 |
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La Manzana: Our compassionate staff build a warm, friendly, safe place for the Pajaro Valley community to access resources that offer stability and hope for the future. La Manzana Community Resources is part of the Community Bridges family of programs.
Community Advocacy/Drop-in Center:
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Contact:
521 Main Street, Suite Y, Watsonville, CA 95076 Monday-Thursday: 8:15am to 12:30pm; 1pm to 4pm Friday: 8:15am to 12:00pm Phone: (831)724-2997 |
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LGBTQ+ Youth Meet-Ups: Our Saturday group is comprised of youth who have come together to design and implement events and learn leadership skills while connecting with new friends and having a great time. All teens in middle school and high school are welcome to join!
When: Fridays: 3:30 pm — 6:00 pm Saturdays: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm GSA Support The Diversity Center offers support to all Santa Cruz County Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA's). Whether a GSA is planning an event, looking for guest speakers, needs help with organizing, and more, The Diversity Center is here to help. Events The Diversity Center supports events that teens are looking for! We've hosted the Breaking the Silence event, beach bonfires, dances and more! Diversity Center staff work in partnership with local teens to plan events. |
Contact:
Friday Meet-ups: First Christian Church, 15 Madison St, Watsonville, CA Saturday Meet-ups: The Diversity Center (unless there is a special field trip), 1117 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA Phone: (831)425-5422 or e-mail: info@diversitycenter.org |
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Live Oak Resource Center: They aim to improve the quality of life and strengthen families while promoting a healthy and safe community. Much of their work is “Front End” work with families who have not entered the criminal justice system. They are strength based and set goals with their families. They also serve youth and families outside of Live Oak. Some of their services include:
-Parent Education -Counseling (Group and one on one) -Health Care Access -Live Oak Summer Sports League (FREE) -Youth Mentoring -Tutoring -Resume assistance -Neighborhood/Community Events -“Roots and Wings” Program (Foster Parents Support Services) -Community Service Option |
Contact:
1740 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone: (831)476-7284, x 104 or e-mail: KateH@cbridges.org |
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Luna Evening Center: A partnership with Probation, Mental Health and Alcance. The program helps provide additional support to probation-involved youth that are struggling with substance use/abuse and other high-risk behaviors. The Evening Center provides a structured after-school environment where youth can examine the thoughts and feelings that affect their behavior and learn skills to make the best choices possible. It is a short-term immediate intervention designed to maintain youth in their home and in their community.
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Minor DUI Diversion Program: The Minor DUI Diversion program provides educational group counseling to youth convicted of driving under the influence. These youth are referred by juvenile probation and this program meetsall juvenile justice requirements. Participants learn about the overall effects of substance abuse and in particular the devastating effects of drinking and driving.
Teens learn about the effects of alcohol as well as other commonly abused drugs and how use of these substances negatively impact their life in a variety of areas such as health, motor skills and judgment. The curriculum reinforces teens' ability to accurately self-assess their patterns of substance use and the problems they cause. Services are provided in English. Participants must attend a series of eight weekly groups as well as an initial intake with parent(s)/guardian(s) present. In some circumstances, the DMV will require classes for youth to obtain restricted licenses. Our program does not meet these DMV requirements. Who Qualifies? Youth who have been convicted of a DUI What is the Cost? The cost for this program is a total of $380, consisting of one intake session at $60 and 8 group sessions at $40/session. Full payment for the program is expected at intake. |
Contact Info:
Encompass Community Services Phone: (831) 429-8350 x107 |
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Minor in Possession Diversion Program: This 6-hour class is for young people under the age of 21 who have been cited for possession of alcohol and other drugs (MIP). The curriculum focuses on abuse and addiction as well as the negative impacts of substances on health, motor skills and judgment. It also reinforces the participants' ability to accurately self-asses their pattern of substance use and the resulting life problems.
Classes are provided in Santa Cruz County one Saturday per month. The class meets the MIP requirements of the court. Participants are required to do a phone intake before participating in the one-day course. Who Qualifies? Anyone who has received a Minor in Possession citation What is the Cost? $150 fee covers the phone intake and six-hour course. All fees are to be paid before participating in the course. To receive the Certificate of Completion, participants must attend all six hours of the course. |
Contact:
Encompass Community Services Phone: (831) 429-8350 x0 |
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Monarch: Our person-centered services are designed to support individuals in becoming more independent, empowered, and actively engaged in their community. Programs of training and support are highly individualized and developed around the specific needs and goals of each individual. Training may be provided in the home, in the community, at school or work, or within group classes created around shared interests and needs. We provide support in a variety of areas, including:
Community and home safety Domestic skills Budget and bill paying Grocery shopping and nutrition Healthy relationships and personal safety Employment Post-secondary Education Exercise Diet and nutrition Social skills development and boundary awareness Self-regulation Community access and social engagement Mental health and stress management Sexual education Self-advocacy and self-determination, and many other areas. |
Contact:
1414 Soquel Ave. Suite 226 Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone: (831)316-5122 |
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Monarch Services: Monarch Services was founded in 1977, when volunteers secured a grant to open the safe shelter, Mariposa House. The agency continued to grow to meet the need for safe shelter and services to domestic violence victims.
In 1987, the agency became one of the first Rape Crisis Centers to be funded in California, and was instrumental in developing and implementing one of the first Sexual Assault Response Teams in the nation. We currently serve approximate 1,500 victims of domestic violence and sexual assault each year. All of our crisis intervention and prevention services are available in Spanish and English and are culturally sensitive. Printed materials are also available in both languages. Our outreach efforts have concentrated on poor Latino neighborhoods with residents that have several barriers to seeking services, including language, literacy and legal status issues, and cultural biases. We are extremely proud of our success in serving this special population. |
Contact:
Watsonville: 233 East Lake Avenue Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831) 722-4532 Santa Cruz: 1509 Seabright Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone: (831) 425-4030 |
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Mountain Community Resource MCR: Serving the residents of San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley. Some of their services include:
-Parent Education- We offer group classes and one-on-one sessions, helping parents address a wide range of topics including preventing tantrums, traveling in the car, managing chores, the power of self-esteem, and more. Classes are available in English and Spanish. - Teen Program: Support for probation-assigned youth and their families in San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley communities, including case management, community outreach, coordination of court mandates and more. Our afterschool program for middle and high school students is Tues. & Wed. from 2:30 to 4:30pm. -Community Advocacy- Bi-lingual short and long-term advocacy, helping our community access resources and set goals to address issues of housing, employment, healthcare, education, substance abuse, domestic violence prevention, childcare and more. -Food Distribution- Fresh, local organic produce, protein-rich foods, whole grains and more are available to the community every Thursday from 11am to 12pm. |
Contact:
6134 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018 Phone: (831)335-6600 Fax: (831)335-8223 or e-mail: corib@cbridges.org |
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Narcotics Anonymous (NA): NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work. There are no strings attached to NA. We are not affiliated with any other organizations. We have no initiation fees or dues, no pledges to sign, no promises to make to anyone. We are not connected with any political, religious, or law enforcement groups, and are under no surveillance at any time. Anyone may join us, regardless of age, race, sexual identity, creed, religion, or lack of religion. We are not interested in what or how much you used or who your connections were, what you have done in the past, how much or how little you have, but only in what you want to do about your problem and how we can help. The newcomer is the most important person at any meeting, because we can only keep what we have by giving it away. We have learned from our group experience that those who keep coming to our meetings regularly stay clean.
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Contact:
Area Helpline: (831)429-7436 Mailing Address: PO Box 5143 Santa Cruz, CA 95063 |
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New Life: New Life Community Services (NLCS) exists to provide effective reality-based services for individuals and families supporting their transition into society and living meaningful and productive lives. We emphasize the whole person utilizing the most effective substance abuse treatment strategies, with a commitment to the 12-step fellowship strength-based model, with compassionate care is designed to restore health and wellness, treating each person with dignity and respect. The program provides both residential and outpatient counseling services.
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Noble & Moreno Boxing Gym: People of all ages are welcome to join Carina as she's opened up her gym (Noble-Moreno Boxing Gym) to those interested in learning boxing. Next door good friend Eric Verrill (K2 MMA Gym) teaches MMA and Jiu-Jitsu. Students are urged to sign up asap as space is limited.
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Contact:
1715 Unit C., Freedom Blvd. Watsonville CA 95076 Phone: Rick Noble (831) 840-2929 or Eric Verrill at (831) 600-6231 |
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Nuestro Futuro: Nuestro Futuro provides bilingual, culturally competent services to youth from immigrant and migrant families who are experiencing challenges in adapting to their new living environment in the Pajaro Valley. The counselor provides:
• Individual counseling for students at Watsonville High School • Individual and family counseling at our office in Watsonville • Support group for farm-working youth at the Out Of School Academy Nuestro Futuro is a collaborative project between Youth Services, Watsonville High School, and Pajaro Valley Unified School District's Migrant Education program. Nuestro Futuro is staffed by a social work intern from San Jose State University and is funded in part by Driscoll's (Driscoll's Strawberry Associates, Inc.).. Who Qualifies? First or second generation immigrant youth without private insurance or Medi-Cal. What is the Cost? Free of charge. |
Contact:
Encompass Community Services Phone: (831) 728-6390 x6482 or (831) 688-5300 x110 |
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Nueva Vista Community Resources: The Beach Flats Community Center & Familia Center are now known as Nueva Vista Community Resources. Here, our compassionate staff build a warm, friendly, safe place for the Santa Cruz community to access resources that offer stability and hope for the future. Nueva Vista Community Resources is part of the Community Bridges family of programs. Services provided:
Summer Fun:
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Contact:
Main Office 711 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)423-5747 EdgarL@cbridges.org Beach Flats Center: 133 Leibrandt Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)426-2322 ErickC@cbridges.org |
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Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes: Founded in 1989, Loaves and Fishes is a community-based organization dedicated to alleviating hunger among working poor families, farm workers, and elderly, disabled and homeless individuals of the Pajaro Valley. We help sustain the lives of thousands of individuals by assisting them with nutritious food, education and referrals in cooperation with other agencies.
Lunch Program Serving a wholesome mid-day meal every weekday We serve a nutritious hot lunch every Monday through Friday at noon. Each meal is prepared on-site in our certified, health department-inspected kitchen by our Executive Cook, a Certified Professional Food Manager, with the assistance of community volunteers. Some of our volunteers are learning new skills as a part of job training programs funded by other social service agencies. All meals served include a hot entrée … meat or other protein, a side dish such as rice or potatoes, vegetables, salad, fruit and beverages. Our client population includes farm workers and homeless, elderly, and disabled individuals. We serve our weekday hot lunch at no charge to 80 to over 150 people a day, depending on the season. Pantry Program Providing emergency and supplemental groceries Our Pantry Program provides supplemental groceries to individuals and families in need. We receive groceries from a variety of sources including local farmers, community food wholesalers and retailers and the Second Harvest Food Bank. Acquisitions are made through a combination of donations and purchases. The Pantry is open every weekday morning, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 11:30 am and in the afternoon from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. We are the only pantry in south Santa Cruz County open five days a week. Families and individuals in our service area are permitted to receive groceries twice per month. Our primary service area is the neighborhoods of Watsonville, west of Main Street. We also provide emergency food assistance to those referred to us by Second Harvest Food Bank’s Community Food Hotline. The Hotline refers 80% of callers to us. Pantry clients receive non-perishable staple foods, bread and fresh produce. The amount of food allocated varies by family size. We are a host site of Second Harvest’s Food For Children program. Families receive additional food through a monthly on-site distribution. |
Contact:
150 2nd Street Watsonville, CA. 95076 Phone: (831)722-4144 or e-mail: info@pvloavesandfishes.org |
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Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance (PVPSA): is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing education, training, and counseling and prevention services to students, families, and staff of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD). By helping prevent criminal behavior, gang involvement, truancy and school dropout, and drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, PVPSA promotes student success and enhances the quality of life in our community. PVPSA created the dedicated nonprofit agency model, in reference to the unique and special relationship it has with the local school district.
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Contact:
335 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone:(831) 728-6445 |
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PAPAS/Proud Parenting: Increase parenthood knowledge and skills. Includes stipends built into the program for youth that complete the different components.
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Contact:
225 Westridge Dr. Watsonville, CA 95076 (831)724-3885 ext 130 or (831)763-3123 email: deutron.kebebew@EncompassCS.org |
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Parent Teen Mediation: The aim of Parent Teen Mediation is to give teens and their parents/guardians the chance to discuss their issues constructively. The Program Coordinator and CRC-trained mediator teach them positive communication skills, facilitate mutual understanding, work to strengthen relationships, and help parents and teens to develop mutually acceptable agreements that promote healthy interaction and home life.
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Contact:
Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County 1414 Soquel Ave., Ste 218, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone: (831) 475-9733 vodp@crcsantacruz.org |
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Pass Program: Tony Barrera through Youth Services and Encompass works with juveniles placed on 654.2. Tony meets with the youth weekly-biweekly and assists them in completing their counseling and community service hours. In order for Tony to start working with youth, he needs a copy of the terms and conditions and a copy of the case referral sent to him. Tony then meets with the referring PO biweekly to provide updates.
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PODER: Santa Cruz Probation Department’s Positive Outcomes through Diversion for Effective Results (PODER) project effectively collaborates with community partners to increase mental health services to youth on probation to minimize recidivism and address the overrepresentation of Latino youth in the juvenile justice system. PODER’s four year plan monitors and evaluates reduction in recidivism, builds individual and family capacity, and creates system improvements in Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparity (R.E.D) strategies. The project’s target population is youth in the City of Watsonville. Santa Cruz Probation partnered with Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance to facilitate the provision of mental health services to probation youth participating in the Luna Evening Center.
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Contact:
Phone: (831)763-8425. |
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Police Athletic League (PAL): The Police Activities League is a youth crime prevention program that relies on educational, athletic, and other recreational activities to cement a bond among police officers, recreation leaders, youth and their parents. Activities include: Golf, Little Kickers (self defense); karate; tae kwon do; aikido and cadets; girly-girl kick boxing; judo; self defense; mentoring program; and basketball.
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Pride Program: GET INVOLVED! Nothing deters gang activity like getting involved! The Santa Cruz Police Department, in conjunction with Santa Cruz City Schools, has created the Personally Responsible Individual Development in Ethics (PRIDE) program - a multi-faceted approach to early gang prevention for local intermediate school-aged kids. The program is designed to educate, mentor and guide troubled youth in the decision-making process.
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Rivers Crest Dragon Slayers: Provides therapeutic animal and horsemanship for people with physical disabilities. Includes grooming, feeding and training of horses and other animals and birds. Independent learning skills training. Appointments required. ELIGIBILITY: Must be physically disabled and have physician's approval. All weekly lessons are private and tailored to maximize each student's physical and personal potential. Josef Rivers is the guiding force that inspires this school of champions. Having polio as a child further qualified Josef to teach and understand the physically challenged.
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Contact:
P.O. Box 1051 Aptos, CA 95001-1051 Primary Phone: 831-688-6699 E-mail: postmaster@josefriversdragonslayers.org |
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River Street Shelter: River Street Shelter is a 32-bed emergency shelter for homeless adult men and women. The Shelter space is a beautiful art-filled homelike sanctuary, where residents feels safe and valued and are treated with respect and kindness. In this environment, they can begin or continue the process of rebuilding their lives, maintaining sobriety, and re-connecting with the community. Breakfast and dinner are provided, movies night happen in the cozy living room, and birthdays and holidays are celebrated. Residents pitch in to help in the running of the Shelter, and many are able to contribute skills that have not been utilized in a long time, which helps them remember they are a valuable member of the community.
Shelter staff work individually with residents to assist them in connecting with community resources for obtaining benefits, physical health services, employment, and housing. Specialized counseling is available for those residents with mental health issues, to support them in maintaining psychiatric stability and achieving individualized goals. On-site Recovery and Seeking Safety groups support the recovery process for those with substance abuse issues. Art therapy is provided by a Master’s level Art Therapist and resident art is framed and proudly displayed on the Shelter walls. The shelter opens at 3:00 pm and closes at 8:00 am. A Shelter stay is typically 30 days. About 60% of the beds are reserved for individuals referred by County Mental Health and four beds are reserved as crisis beds for County Mental Health and the Behavioral Health Unit; these beds are intended for a brief stay of 2-5 days. The remainder of the beds are distributed on a waiting list basis. People on the waiting list need to check in every two days to stay on the list. |
Contact:
River Street Shelter 115C Coral St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831) 459-6644 Hours: Open 3:00 pm to 8:00 am. |
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San Andreas Regional Center (SARC): San Andreas Regional Center provides case management and community services for residents of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties whose intellectual or developmental disabilities cause severe impairments in their daily lives. Regional center services are a voluntary entitlement through the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, the state of California’s first-of-its-kind civil rights law for such individuals. The Lanterman Act dedicates regional centers to serve individuals with intellectual disability or other similar conditions, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy who require assistance to remain a part of their community. The regional centers also partner with the counties’ offices of education to administer and provide early intervention services for children before their third birthday who have or are at-risk for developmental delays.
Individuals (or their representative) who believe they may be eligible for services and who reside in one of our four counties may contact our office nearest to them to see if an intake is appropriate. |
Contact:
1110 Main Street Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831) 728-1781 Fax: (831) 728-5514 |
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Santa Cruz AIDS Project: The Santa Cruz AIDS Project (SCAP) serves men, women and children who are HIV positive living in Santa Cruz County. Our mission is to promote and participate in a comprehensive and compassionate response to HIV and AIDS through education, advocacy, and supportive services. All care services are free, confidential and offered within a non-judgmental environment. Care services include case management, financial assistance, benefits advocacy, wellness opportunities, and access to our food pantry. SCAP is a welcoming place. We celebrate and value each person entering our doors for services regardless of age, race, culture, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, lifestyle, background, religion, ability, or income.
The Santa Cruz AIDS Project was founded in 1985 by a group of dedicated volunteers with the mission to lead a community response to the ever-changing HIV/AIDS pandemic, to enhance the quality of life through powerful support programs, to advocate effectively for the health and dignity of those living with HIV, and to reduce the spread of HIV through results-oriented and measured education and prevention programs that are tailored to specific at-risk community groups and focused on the health of Santa Cruz County. |
Contact:
716 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831) 427-3900. |
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Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE): SCCOE The Santa Clara County Office of Education is committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success.
Santa Cruz County Outpatient Recovery Experience SCCORE: SCCORE is an intensive outpatient treatment program structured to introduce an individual to the various tools available to obtain a drug-free lifestyle while also addressing any additional support necessary to sustain recovery, including mental health needs.
The program is a comprehensive eight week curriculum that includes several domains of education and information that the individual can use to learn how to develop the skills to improve healthy decision making, set goals, and learn new ways of dealing with pressures and temptations of everyday life. The program includes, but is not limited to the following topics: Emotional regulation Healthy coping strategies Dealing with Denial Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Post-Acute Withdrawals (PAW) Building a Support Network Relapse Prevention (RPT) Engaging in Healthy Activities Discovering Academic and Career Goals Improving Family Relationships |
Contact:
For general info call: (831) 466-5600. Contact:
To make a referral, send the CMH referral form, specifying SCCORE and email it to Steve.Capasso@santacruzcounty.us |
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Santa Cruz Public Libraries: The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) system delivers information, education, enrichment and inspiration through a network of 10 neighborhood library branches, a web-based digital library, a Bookmobile and community-based programs. SCPL serves children, teens and adults with innovative programming, professional services and community facilities that spark imagination and support discovery. Residents can explore a wide range of interests from academic research, book clubs and literacy programs to digital photography, locally-produced music and local history. Branch locations include Aptos, Boulder Creek, Branciforte, Capitola, Downtown Santa Cruz, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, Live Oak and Scotts Valley.
Santa Cruz Pop Warner: Since 1967, SCPW continues to be an outstanding educational & athletic organization. The mission of SCPW is to enable children to benefit from participation in team sports and activities in a safe and structured environment. Our focus is to teach fundamental values, skills and knowledge that children will use throughout their lives, on the field and off.
Why choose Santa Cruz Pop Warner No tryouts or cutting of roster Feel like an important part of the team regardless of performance Every child is guaranteed to participate based on the Mandatory Play Requirements Emphasis on Academics, required to perform adequately in the classroom Learn lifelong values of teamwork, dedication and a superior work ethic On-field coaching is allowed for younger age levels Players are matched by age and weight levels Equipment is Upgraded and Certified Annually Athletes encouraged using the principles of positive coaching All Coaches, Board Members, and Volunteers undergo an annual comprehensive background check Fundraising and Play for Free available Ask us how! |
Contact:
Call: (831)427-7713 Text: (831)264-0647 |
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Santa Cruz Residential Recovery: Santa Cruz Residential Recovery (SCRR) is a residential treatment program utilizing the newest and most innovative clinical techniques available today. The “Denial Management” counseling method is an accelerated strategy used to facilitate change in thinking and behavioral patterns.
Today’s world demands results. SCRR offers a two-month residential program with a “continuum of care” approach supporting each client with “aftercare” outpatient counseling and strong connections with the 12-Step community. Family seminars educate the entire family about addiction and the treatment process. Housing support is provided through, Sober Living Environments (SLE’s) where graduates maintain their sobriety while continuing their life-changing process. The program focuses on behavior and attitude change, enabling residents to learn to deal constructively with responsibilities and coping with the tasks of living drug and alcohol free everyday. Counselors are trained in the clinical skills approach called “Denial Management”. Educational seminars followed by written assignments focus clients on identifying the “denial patterns” supporting their addiction which negatively impact their lives. Residents are assigned a primary counselor who develops a treatment plan tailored to their particular needs. Group counseling sessions are incorporated where clients learn to identify “denial” patterns used by themselves and their peers. Group process facilitates development of communication skills and provides feedback and support. “Relapse prevention” educational seminars and written assignments educate clients about their own relapse “triggers”. Residents participate in 12-Step meetings weekly and are encouraged to develop an ongoing relationship with a supportive sponsor. Recovery from addiction is addressed as a lifelong process. SCRR provides the first steps toward establishing sobriety with the tools necessary for success. |
Contact:
125 Rigg St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831) 226-3728 |
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Second Story: Second Story is a six-bed house which serves as a respite and a voluntary opportunity for individuals to learn to use relationships to move out of old roles and patterns. Staffed by “peers,” (people with lived experience of mood swings, consuming fears, voices, visions,...) who have learned to be with some discomfort, the household provides an opportunity to experience what change feels like, and to learn new responses through relationships with each other. With the expectation that everyone is capable and inherently knows what they need, both paid staff and guests create a space for those qualities to surface. Along with creating a home, we share stories to connect and understand each other’s experiences, gently challenging ourselves to listen to the untold story. The hope is not to rebuild a culture of illness, but instead generate some sparkling moments of connection and trust, lessons which will spill over into the future.
Second Story is not a substitute for psychiatric hospitalization. Those who are drawn to the program develop, with staff, ahead of time, a plan for dealing with feelings and behaviors that in the past have led to inpatient stays. The first contact with staff is the beginning of using different views, working together to figure out what might be different. The summary of this meeting is kept on file until a time comes when a potential guest wants to stay at Second Story. The plan is updated and used as a guide to get good results from the time together at Second Story. Second Story offers a maximum stay of 13 days in a home environment, and provides guests with opportunities to identify and plan for changes they feel will benefit them once they have returned home. All former guests are offered ongoing telephone support, and are welcome to visit when they need encouragement from their peers and Second Story staff. Program participants also have opportunities to enroll in Intentional Peer Support training and learn to be of assistance to others. The start-up has been funded by a 2010 Federal Transformation award and is open to Santa Cruz County Mental Health clients 18 and over, who have housing, and have completed a proactive interview or first contact interview. |
Contact:
Phone: (831) 466-0967 |
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Senior Tech Day Project: As "digital natives," young people are the perfect candidates to help seniors enhance their technology skills. Seniors are invited to drop in for free workshops to gain the skills they desire to stay connected with family and friends online.
Volunteers will be on hand to show seniors how to use social media and personal electronic devices or answer any other technology questions. All workshops are led by local teens with an adult supervisor to answer any advanced questions. |
Contact:
Santa Cruz Volunteer Center Main Office: 1740 17th Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone: 831-427-5070 Email: volunteer@scvolunteercenter.org |
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Seven Challenges: Intervention and education groups teach youth about the concepts of substance abuse and addiction. The program utilizes the Seven Challenges curriculum and helps youth develop positive decision-making skills related to drug and alcohol use choices. This reduces the physical, emotional and social risks and consequences of drug and alcohol use.
Who Qualifies? Youth with a substance abuse issue ages 12 – 17 What is the Cost? Free of charge |
Contact:
Watsonville: (831) 688-8856 x0 Santa Cruz: (831) 429-8350 x0 |
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Side by Side: Side-by-Side is a unique early childhood mental health/consultation/social service program. The mission of the program is to address the mental health needs and improve the social/emotional functioning of children between 0-5 years of age who are exhibiting challenging or concerning behaviors in the state-subsidized childcare and pre-schools they attend within Santa Cruz County. Due to the innovative design of the Side-by-Side Program, we can serve children who would not otherwise receive mental health services. All Side-by-Side Program services are available in English and Spanish.
Childcare & Pre-school Services The Clinician/Consultants observe children in their childcare and pre-school settings, and offer consultation, education, and support to the administrators and staff. Our goal is to help them promote and support the social/emotional well-being of the children, and improve their ability to effectively intervene with children who exhibit challenging or concerning behaviors. We also help foster positive working relationships between the childcare providers/pre-school staff and the families. Child & Family Services We provide counseling, education, support and social services to families in the Side-by-Side Program. The goals of these services are to address the children’s mental health and social/emotional needs, and assist families in resolving the difficulties in their lives which may be adversely affecting their children. A Family Resource Specialist helps the families identify and access necessary community resources and supports. We meet with families at their homes, approved Child and Family Development Program sites throughout the county, and the childcare and pre-school centers. Community Education We offer free educational opportunities to raise community awareness about early childhood mental health, promoting the well-being of children in childcare and pre-schools, and the importance of early intervention with mental health and social/emotional difficulties. The Side-by-Side Perspective · Positive relationships with significant others are central to an infant/young child’s development and well-being. · Social/emotional and mental health problems of infants/young children must be addressed within the context of their relationships with significant others. · The earlier a child can receive intervention the better. · Infants/young children are helped the most when the significant adults in their lives receive the support they need. · A comprehensive approach is necessary to help infants/young children, their families, and those who educate/care for them. |
Contact:
For more information please call (831) 724-3885 |
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Siena House: We are dedicated to helping women find positive solutions for themselves and their children, before and after birth. With respect for each woman's unique circumstances, our staff, volunteers, and outside agencies work together to assist in every facet of a pregnant woman's needs. Mothers and their babies may remain at Siena House for up to three months after delivery. During this time, we:
provide guidance in the areas of baby care, breast-feeding and nutrition help our mothers prepare for the future with an emphasis on family values encourage counseling for family reconciliation whenever possible offer transitional care and support to ensure a positive and healthy experience of independent living for the new family Services pre- and post-natal care parenting and living skills development opportunities through referrals, for educational and vocational training and community service involvement professional individual counseling as well as group support sensitive support and referral for counseling for women considering the adoption alternative |
Contact:
108 High Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: 831.425.2229 Fax: 831.425.0138 E-mail: info@sienahouse.org |
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Si Se Puede: Sí Se Puede is a residential treatment program certified and licensed by the State to provide comprehensive rehabilitation service to men with drug and alcohol abuse problems. Services are provided in English and Spanish.
Although Sí Se Puede is designed to be culturally sensitive to the needs of Latino men in recovery our program also serves all other male populations, races and ethnicities. The program provides opportunities for men to face their addiction and build a strong foundation for recovery. Individuals who complete the program will gain the ability to: Live in a drug free, crime free, non-violent fashion Identify and pursue vocational and educational goals Return to their communities as responsible members of society. The program focuses on behavior and attitude changes, enabling residents to learn to constructively deal with the responsibilities and real tasks of drug and alcohol free living. It is based on the Denial Management Counseling (CENAPS® Model) and peer support encompassing the philosophy that residents are responsible for their own thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The program consists of 3 to 6 months of residential treatment which includes on-going assessment, primary treatment and education, exit planning and referrals for continued care upon completion of Sí Se Puede. |
Contact:
Phone: (831) 296-1521 (831) 761-5422 |
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Smart Start: The California Highway Patrol is offering a traffic safety program for teenage drivers and their parents. The Start Smart Program is aimed at helping future and newly licensed teenage drivers become aware of the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of being a licensed California driver. This program is designed as an educational tool for parents and teenagers in an effort to reduce the number of teenage injuries and deaths resulting from traffic collisions. Traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds. The primary objective of the program is to provide teens and parents with an understanding of how poor choices behind the wheel can affect the lives of numerous people. The Start Smart program also provides teens and parents with information on defensive driving, traffic laws in California, dynamics of traffic collisions, tips on avoiding traffic collisions, and DUI awareness.
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Contact:
Santa Cruz CHP Office: Phone: (831) 662-0511 |
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Starlight Children’s Center: The Starlight Children's Center is a new collaboration between Early Head Start and First 5 of Santa Cruz County, with funding provided by First 5. This innovative program offers a wide variety of comprehensive bilingual services for expectant parents and families with infants and toddlers in the Watsonville area of south Santa Cruz County. A key goal is to create a "learning community" that promotes early literacy skills and helps lay a solid foundation for school readiness.
Services include: • pre and post-natal support to ensure healthy outcomes • assessments on health, nutrition, and developmental areas • ongoing parent education workshops • individualized home visits and goal-setting • infant and toddler play groups • referrals to community resources The Starlight Children's Center follows Early Head Start guidelines that promote early intervention, encourage parent involvement, and build on the strengths, interests, and needs of each family. The program works closely with other community partners and CFDP programs, including PAPÁS and Families Together. |
Contact:
Starlight Children's Center, Phone: (831) 688-3802 or (831) 724-3885 |
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State Pre Kindergarden/Literacy Program: State Prekindergarten/Family Literacy Program is a half-day preschool program funded by the State Department of Education Child Development Division. The program offers two preschool classes in Watsonville for 4 year olds where children receive comprehensive services to ensure school readiness.
· Free pre-k classes for 4-year old children · Classes Monday through Friday, either in the morning or afternoon · Bilingual program (Spanish and English) · Prepares children for kindergarten by implementing a developmentally appropriate active learning curriculum · Support for literacy and math skills · Strong home/school connection · Parent workshops · Connection with Monterey Bay Aquarium · Raising a Reader Lending Library Program · Healthy Beginnings Nutritional & Physical Activity Curriculum · Second Step Social Emotional Curriculum · Healthy snack provided |
Contact:
(831) 688-3802 or (831) 724-3885 |
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Strange: In 1999, a group of individuals came together through the Cantú Center at UCSC to create a supportive program for LGBTQ youth and allies. At one of the first meetings, the group brainstormed on a name. One of the youth raised her hand and said that her roommate always asked if she was going to “that strange group.” They embraced the name and capitalized the title. In 2001 Encompass Community Services adopted STRANGE as one of their programs.
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Contact:
For more information about STRANGE, please call: (831) 427-4004 |
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Sueños: Sueños helps teenagers and young adults (ages 16 to 24) develop workplace skills that will prepare them to enter and thrive in an increasingly competitive labor market. Sueños is a Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE) program funded by the Workforce and Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA).
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Contact:
Nohemi Macias: (831)466-5710 |
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Tattoo Removal: Catholic Charities Applicants must complete 20 hours of community service before applying to the program. Sessions that would normally cost around $200 are $20 and provided by doctors who are volunteering their time.
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Contact:
www.catholiccharitiescentralcoast.org Andrea Flores: (831)316-9121 |
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Teen Challenge: Teen Challenge Monterey Bay (TCMB) is a long-term Christian residential discipleship program for adult men or women with life-controlling issues. Those entering are program are referred to as “Students”. There is no cost for a student to enter our program. Individuals interested in the program should be willing to commit to a minimum of 13 months. |
Contact:
Pajaro Men Center ph: 831-722-2074 fax: 831-722-9410 Freedom Women’s Center ph: 831-724-2898 fax: 831-722- Pajaro Induction Center for Men ph: 831-724-9576 Pajaro Rescue Mission ph: 831-724-9576 fax: 831-722-9410 |
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Teenage Parent Program: The purpose of this program is to enable teen parents to attend and graduate from high school as parents of young children. It is a priority of this program to teach parenting skills through modeling and instruction. A caring, close-knit team of teachers assists students to engage in academic, social and emotional health. Students in the TAP Program and Watsonville Community develop a strong sense of belonging and learn to recognize the worth and value of others. A high percentage of teens attain academic success because the school's expectations of students are clear, concise and realistic.
Individual learning plans are developed to help those students who are also parents. Students are able to continue their education and learn the skills that help them to be effective, nurturing parents. We welcome all teen parents to the Watsonville TAP program and we look forward to supporting them in their academic and parenting challenges. |
Contact:
Joan Wilkinson: (831) 728-6390 ext 6441 |
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Teen Peer Court: The Teen Peer Court Program is operated out of the Student Services Division under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and the Program Coordinator of Student Support Services. The Teen Peer Court is a program run by teens for teens. Teen offenders between the ages of 13-17, who have committed a misdemeanor crime, have their cases heard by a jury of their peers. The teens perform the roles of prosecuting and defense attorneys, bailiff, clerk and jury. A local volunteer judge or attorney presides as Judge and is the only adult directly involved in the court proceedings.
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Contact:
Amelia Bonilla Program Coordinator, Student Support Services (831) 466-5709 Fax:(831) 466-5719 |
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Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS): TBS is a Medi-Cal mental health service. It provides short-term one-to-one assistance to children or youth under age 21 who have behaviors that are too hard for their families or foster placement to handle—such as tantrums, assaultive behavior or destruction of property.
TBS can be provided to children at home, in a group home, in the community, during evening and weekends, and at other times and places as needed. The county mental health plan develops a behavior intervention plan and assigns a trained behavior aide (also known as a “shadow mentor” or “coach”) to a child/youth for as many hours per day as needed. The county may also authorize another mental health organization to develop the plan and assign the behavior aide. |
Contact Information:
(800)952-2335. |
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Transitional Housing Plus: Transitional Housing Plus (THP Plus) is a supportive housing program that serves former foster and probation youth between the ages of 18-24. THP Plus participants receive assistance securing independent housing in the community, and meet regularly with their THP Plus Coordinators to work on independent living goals. Throughout this process, participants receive financial assistance with rent, utilities, food, and educational expenses while also saving money for when they leave the program. They also receive emotional support, life skills coaching, and connections to valuable community resources. Eligible participants have emancipated from the foster care system or an out of home probation placement, and have some form of income to maintain housing as program subsidies decrease.
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Contact Information:
542 Ocean Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831)459-0444 email: css@encompasscs.org |
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Triangle Speakers: At this very moment LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex, queer and ally) volunteers may be leaving their jobs or homes for one of hundreds of events where they will have an honest, heart-felt talk with a group of total strangers.
Their experience of overcoming adversity: the joys and the struggles, the fear and the love, the highs and the lows is what makes these panels impactful. This is the Diversity Center's Triangle Speakers Program. At Triangle Speakers we work to eliminate fear, prejudice, and hatred towards LGBTQ+ people so that a healthy environment exists where all members of our community can thrive and live full and healthy lives. Hundreds of speakers have shared their incredible human stories of triumph and hope to thousands of people along the Central Coast for over 22 years. This educational speakers’ bureau is one of the most important ways we have been breaking down barriers throughout Santa Cruz County for decades. |
Contact:
Lesley-Reid Harrison, Triangle Speakers Coordinator Phone: (831) 425-5422 x106 or e-mail: trianglespeakers@diversitycenter.org |
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Triple P: The Triple P Positive Parenting Program is a world-renowned program available to families in Santa Cruz County who have children ages birth to 16, including children with special needs. Backed by more than 30 years of international research, Triple P equips families with proven strategies for strengthening relationships with their children and for preventing or managing a full range of parenting challenges. This program is available to all families in Santa Cruz County through a partnership between First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Health Services Agency and the Human Services Department.
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Trips for Kids: We provide kids (ages 10-18) with everything they need to have a safe, fun experience riding a mountain bike in the great outdoors, all at no cost to them. We fit the kids individually with a bike, helmet, and gloves, and provide a healthy lunch, transportation, skills instruction, and moral support. We provide the equipment, transportation, moral support and skills instruction to help kids discover mountain biking and the great outdoors.
We mentor kids on a mountain bike and give them an opportunity to learn new skills and overcome challenges. We believe the trust, self-confidence, and enjoyment of mountain biking will lead to greater change in the lives of youth. |
Contact:
Phone: (831)687-8533. |
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Tyler House: Tyler House is a four to six month residential treatment program for teens with drug and alcohol issues. This therapeutic program provides the support and guidance necessary to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle.
Tyler House Residents • Are provided with 24-hour supervision in a safe living environment • Learn to understand and effectively communicate their thoughts and feelings • Practice teamwork through assisting one another with daily responsibilities • Enjoy recreational and social activities that do not involve substance use • Build strong, healthy relationships with friends and family • Attend an accredited high school in a supportive clean and sober environment Who Qualifies? Adolescents with drug and alcohol issues aged 14 – 17. At least one caregiver must be willing to participate. What is the Cost? Federal, State and County funding support Tyler House. Families are expected to pay a share of cost based on income and family resources. Cost is generally small and varies by family. |
Contact:
2716 Freedom Blvd. Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831)688-6293 x117. |
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Unchained: UnChained is a 501(c)3 non profit organization that partners with local schools and organizations to help reduce violence in our homes, schools and communities by implementing humane education and innovative animal-assisted therapy programs, in an effort to teach children and adults the values of respect, empathy, good citizenship and kindness towards one another.
There is an established link that shows when people can learn to feel compassion and empathy towards animals, these same values are transferred to human interaction, thus creating more healthy, positive sustainable relationships. Everyday, we learn of bullying incidents on school campuses, or of children becoming victims of abuse by their own parents. UnChained works to reduce and prevent interpersonal violence, child abuse and animal cruelty through education, outreach and animal assisted therapy, by collaborating with both human welfare and animal welfare organizations. |
Contact:
Mailing Address: PO Box 441 Soquel, CA 95073 Phone: (831)818-8738 |
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VALOR: This is a collaborative program between the PVUSD Student Services Department and PVPSA whose primary purpose is to prevent school dropout by supporting expelled youth with re-enrolling in school and addressing the social, emotional, and academic barriers to success. Students develop an individualized support plan that includes individual case management and counseling services and participate in volunteer community service hours to complete their requirements for re-enrolling in the school district.
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Contact:
Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance Phone: (831)728-6445 Fax: (831)761-6011 or e-mail: adriana.mata@pvpsa.org |
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Victim Offender Dialogue Program: Victim Offender Dialogue Program provides a forum for victims, juvenile offenders, and family members to meet and talk in a safe, respectful and constructive environment, facilitated by the Program Director and a trained Community Volunteer. At the dialogue, the parties discuss the effects of the crime on all of their lives and develop a mutually agreeable plan for the offender to follow that addresses the harm caused by the crime. The program handles a wide variety of cases, ranging from non-violent to violent offenses and from misdemeanors to felonies.
Victim Offender Dialogue is transformative in that it promotes the healing process of victims, encourages the responsibility of offenders, includes family and community participation, and provides an opportunity for the victim and offender to have a highly effective and satisfying discussion. Many victims who participate in the program experience support, validation and the satisfaction of having a voice in the justice process by telling their story directly to the person who caused them harm. After a dialogue, victims are often able to go on with their lives with a new sense of empowerment and promise. By meeting face to face with the victims, offenders are given the opportunity to gain a fuller understanding of the impact of their actions, to develop more empathy, remorse and accountability, and to make things right. Through this process, offenders can develop competency and experience productive reintegration into community life - which has the added benefits of lowering recidivism and improving public safety and community building. |
Contact:
Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County 1414 Soquel Ave., Ste 218, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone: (831) 475-9733 |
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Village Santa Cruz: Our goal is a vibrant, caring community, neighbors of all ages helping each other, so we can stay in our homes and engaged in our community, through all the transitions of aging.
In April, 2015, the executive director of Monterey Bay Village came to Aptos to talk about the Village Model. Out of that meeting a group of Santa Cruz county residents formed to plan how we could bring a Village to our area. As we met, talked, and learned more about the Village Movement, we discovered that each Village is unique, a product of its members' vision and its community needs. We sketched out a plan for our vision of a Village Santa Cruz that includes all of Santa Cruz county - a very diverse area. We chose to establish community circles within the county-wide Village. With this organizational structure, we can recognize the unique character and needs of the different neighborhoods and areas within the county. |
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Volunteer Match: At the Volunteer Center, we provide in-person, phone and electronic matching services to connect you with a volunteer role you will love at and we work with more than 300 community programs countywide to ensure you find the right fit.
Our Match team will help you find a volunteer position that effectively utilizes your time, talent, and interest. Call our office to receive an in-depth phone consultation to explore the range of volunteer options available and get connected with a cause you care about. |
Contact:
Santa Cruz: 831.427-5070 Watsonville: 831.722-6708 |
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Walnut Avenue Women’s Center: Dedicated to improving the quality of life for women, children, and families in Santa Cruz County for over 80 years. Strengths-based, supportive programs in childcare, youth development, parenting, domestic violence awareness & prevention, and advocacy are our primary focus. Many of the families participating in Walnut Avenue programs are from under-served populations due to poverty, early pregnancy, homelessness and/or domestic violence. Walnut Avenue seeks to improve the economic, physical, and emotional well-being of all the families we serve. Services include:
-Teen Support Groups - Our teen groups are for youth age 12 – 18 to explore feelings and talk about a wide range of topics including healthy relationships, friendships, emotions, healthy body image, communication, healthy decision making and stress relief. Groups are held at the Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center and eight week sessions can be implemented -Mentoring- The mentor program is a fun and great way to provide support, and to build assets in young people. We offer two mentor programs; Drop in One-on-one mentoring for youth ages 12 – 18 and group mentoring (Kids Group) for children ages infancy – 11 years old -I Decide – “I Decide” is a comprehensive sex education program that promotes healthy decision making. “I Decide” investigates assumptions and beliefs about gender and sexuality through the exploration of healthy relationships, sexuality, birth control, reproductive anatomy, understanding consent, ways to deal with peer pressure, problem solving, and communication skills. |
Contact:
303 Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)426-3062 |
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Women Infants and Children (WIC): WIC is a safe place for families to receive a sense of hope, comfort and security, allowing women, infants and children to thrive. WIC is part of the Community Bridges family of programs. Goals of this program are:
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Contact:
Watsonville: (831)722-7121 Santa Cruz: (831)426-3911 Felton: (831)426-3911 |
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Willie Stokes: Gang intervention and youth mentor.
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Workforce Santa Cruz: Workforce Santa Cruz County (WFSCC) is a partnership of local organizations that serve job seekers and businesses in the community.
Our network of 4 (four) conveniently located Career Centers and CalJOBS offer an array of no cost services for businesses, employees, and job seekers. Workforce Santa Cruz County is overseen by the Workforce Development Board of Santa Cruz County (WDB Santa Cruz County). Services for Job Seekers:
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Contact:
Watsonville Career Center 18 W. Beach St., Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831) 763-8700 Capitola Career Center 2045 40th Ave., Suite B, Capitola, CA 95010 Phone: (831) 464-6286 Goodwill Central Coast Career Center 350 Encinal St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831) 423-8611 Watsonville Youth Center Aspen Way, Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831) 466-5672. |
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Wraparound: This is a multi-system, family driven, strength based approach, aimed at keeping youth successful on probation in their homes. Each probation officer is a team member in a Child and Family Team consisting of the youth, their family, a Children’s Mental Health team facilitator, a family specialist (substance abuse services clinician) a parent partner and any other support person(s) identified by the family. Wraparound supports values of teamwork, cultural awareness, communication, and personal responsibility. Youth are active team members in the development of individualized, family driven case plans and are encouraged to participate in programs such as anger management, drug and alcohol counseling and victim awareness on an outpatient basis. Youth and parents are provided with other outpatient services such as individual skill building activities, educational advocacy, substance abuse services, parent support and coaching sessions as well as linkages to community resources and pro-social activities for youth and families.
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Contact:
Santa Cruz Probation Dept. E-mail: prbap@santacruzcounty.us |
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YES School: YES School in Santa Cruz provides sobriety-seeking teens with the information, skills and support necessary for establishing and maintaining a clean and sober lifestyle. YES is a fully accredited recovery high school operated in collaboration with the County Office of Education. Students are expected to actively participate in all classroom activities and attend counseling groups as a core part of the school day.
Who Qualifies? Any young person in the community is eligible for admission so long as they have expressed a desire for assistance with substance abuse recovery. What is the Cost? Services are free thanks to partnerships with County Office of Education, Santa Cruz County Children’s Mental Health and community donations to Youth Services. Donations are encouraged. What is expected of participants? YES students are expected to fully participate both in the classroom and in group, individual and family counseling sessions. Students must make a commitment to be completely clean and sober and attend twelve-step meetings on their own time. The YES School provides a safe place for young people to be in recovery. The students support each other in remaining clean and sober and through their common struggle build a clean and sober youth community. |
Contact:
380 Encinal St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: (831)275-5327 |
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Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA): The Watsonville YMCA Family Center is a charitable organization offering membership and programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. We offer a wide variety of opportunities for people of all ages including Health and Wellness Programs, Aquatics, Youth Sports, Family Programs, Active Older Adult Programs, Child Care, Day Camp, School Break Camps and Teen Leadership Programs.
Newly built and renovated facilities include a large lobby, locker rooms, wellness center, indoor pool, group exercise studio, racquetball/handball courts and a youth and family center. A Kids Zone area is available for members when they are using the facility. Financial assistance is available thanks to our generous donors whose contributions to the annual YMCA Community Support Campaign help kids and families in need. |
Contact:
27 Sudden Street Watsonville, CA 95076 Phone: (831)728-9622 |
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Youth N.O.W.: An after school program focused on helping South County youth with tutoring and support programs. Youth N.O.W. is comprised of two separate program sites, one for high school students located on Carr Street and one for middle school students located on Madison Street. Each site has both a learning center space and a recreational social space. Our learning centers offer individualized contracted tutoring, homework help, independent study, school project resources, computer labs, and printing services.
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Contact:
124 East Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA. 95076 Phone: (831)768-7998. |
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Youth Resource Bank: The Youth Resource Bank is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that works with professionals in our community, including social workers, teachers, and public health nurses, to meet the practical needs falling outside of available public services for at-risk youth. We provide items such as backpacks, sports equipment, school supplies, and jackets. The Youth Resource Bank believes that small things can make a big difference in the life of a child.
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Contact:
1844 Capitola Rd, Capitola, CA 95010 Phone: (831) 689-9609 or e-mail: youthresourcebank@yahoo.com |
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YouthServe: Do you want to make a difference in our community? YouthServe is dedicated to connecting youth, ages 11-17, with rewarding volunteer projects across the Santa Cruz County. Our aim is to connect local youth who have a passion to help those in need with meaningful opportunities to do so.
Whether you have an hour to give or would like to dedicate a year to bettering your community. There’s work to do and we can’t do it without you! Make new friends and join fellow teens who want to contribute their time and talent to affect local change |
Contact:
Santa Cruz Volunteer Center 1740 17th Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone: (831)427-5070 or e-mail: volunteer@scvolunteercenter.org |
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