FAQs

Not exclusively. Our program aims to improve youth success through healthy coping skills, decision making and goal setting. Our program benefits all youth whether or not they have traditionally defined “problems.” If we identify that a kid has substance abuse problems, anger issues, or mental health issues that require more attention than we can offer, we refer them for counseling or other services.

Our services are 100% free for the youth that we serve. Our organization is funded from grants from private foundations, and generous donations from community members, businesses, parents and organizations. You can make a helpful contribution by donating online, over the phone or in person.

We currently serve any youth from ages 8 to 19.

We are not licensed counselors. Instead, we are youth advisors who engage in life coaching strategies and provide a safe place for kids to come to talk and vent openly with an experienced adult. We listen. Many kids don’t feel comfortable speaking with their parents or someone at school about their problems or challenges so they are able to openly communicate with us.

Through our Client Release/Authorization Form and through our verbal communication, we advise parents and youth that if they have thoughts of harming themselves or others, committing suicide, we will divulge this information to parents and refer the youth for assessment for suicidal or homicidal ideation. Also, if we receive reports of physical or sexual abuse or parental neglect we divulge to parents and are required by law to report to police and or confirm previous reports through police, or social services. If kids tell us they have drug or alcohol problems we advise them that we have to let their parents know in order to get them help if the child is under 18.

We help kids identify positive & healthy coping skills, help them make better decisions through our values clarification exercise and help them set goals. We use our experienced staff to listen to kids and parents and to coach them to improve their relationship with one another by using our parent/youth exercise. This exercise encourages each to identify changes that they can make in order to improve their relationship.

Yes. Every kid and adult can benefit from completing our exercise that includes positive & healthy coping skills, improved decision making through our values clarification and goal setting, as well as having an experienced adult to talk to.

Yes. More often than not these services are not duplicated and kids benefit from both.

Yes, we currently have 2 bilingual staff members.

We ask for a commitment of 4 appointments but they can return for as many as they need.

By calling us or by clicking any Donate button on this website.