Supporting Youth and Families
Asian Youth Center has been proudly providing services in the Antelope Valley for more than 15 years, and in 2023, AYC was finally able to buy a facility to provide more consistent support to youth and families in need.
Youth Diversion and Development
Youth Diversion and Development (YDD) provides intensive case management and youth development support services for high-risk youth ages 12-18 who have had contact with law enforcement. YDD assists participants with developing a care plan based on their identified needs and interests. This program helps clients to remain in the community; participants receive case management and are linked to community services that consist of but are not limited to mental health services, substance abuse treatment programs, academic assistance, Aggression Replacement Training, peer mediation, job readiness, recreational activities, and other youth development support.
For more information, contact Richard Toledo, YDD Program Manager, at (310) 628-4558 or richard.toledo@aycla.org.
Level Up Next Gen
The Level Up Next Gen Program (LUNG) seeks to provide pathways out of poverty, non-carceral intervention, and prevention services to low-income, BIPOC, systems, and justice-impacted youth ages 14-24 to overcome barriers to success in their family, school, community, employment, health, and life. The program provides 36 hours of mentoring on life skills, peer mediation/conflict resolution, post-secondary education, and career readiness within 6 – 8 months to reduce delinquency and recidivism, eliminate barriers, and attain self-sufficiency. In addition, youth will be offered at least 80 hours of paid work experience to increase family income, bridging the gap between poverty and wealth. Logistical barriers, such as but not limited to transportation or access to the Internet, will be removed. AYC will also provide youth with local opportunities to complete community service and three field trips, each focusing on social, cultural, and educational experiences.
For more information, contact Richard Toledo, LUNG Program Manager, at (310) 628-4558 or richard.toledo@aycla.org.
Youth Employment
The Youth Employment Program provides job readiness workshops and paid work experience to youth ages 14-25. Job Preparation and Readiness Workshops will be conducted in small groups or individualized instruction over 8 hours to develop skills including resume writing, interview skills development, customer service, and soft employment skills. This program also helps youth to remove barriers, such as helping participants gather right-to-work documents, CA ID, birth certificates, Social Security cards, etc., including transportation assistance, internet, and more. Job Placement Services will include 8-20 hours per week of paid work experience and on-the-job training for participants who lack work experience and/or need additional skills. Participants will be hired as part-time employees at AYC in entry-level jobs to develop good job skills and be better prepared for a similar position. AYC and other partners will hire participants engaged in paid work experience into any open permanent positions depending on work ethic, availability, and other factors.
For more information, contact Johanna Cuevas, Community Services Block Grant Program Manager, at Johanna.cuevas@aycla.org.
Youth Recreation Program
The Youth Recreation Program is a safe haven for low-income, at-risk middle and high school youth, providing them with a supervised and positive alternative to the streets. Friday Night Club (FNC) occurs every Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. It aims to prevent delinquency and gang involvement while giving youth a space to develop social, teamwork, and behavior improvement skills and experience cultural and art activities. The program includes arts and crafts, learning languages, financial literacy, emotional intelligence lessons, mental wellness information, movie nights, game nights, and field trips. This program also helps youth to remove barriers such as transportation, the cost of sports equipment, and much more.
For more information, contact Johanna Cuevas, Community Services Block Grant Program Manager, at Johanna.cuevas@aycla.org.
Reentry Action for Youth (RAY)
Reentry Action for Youth (RAY) seeks to support youth ages 12–25 through comprehensive reentry services designed to help them successfully reintegrate into their communities and overcome barriers to long-term success. Eligible participants must have been released from a juvenile facility within the past six months, have an open court case, or be on active probation. The program provides outreach, engagement, and enrollment for up to 12 months. Youth may be referred and connected to services such as substance use, mental health treatments, housing resources, social service benefits, family counseling, parent education, financial literacy, legal support, etc. In addition, the youth’s primary goal would be to secure employment and enroll in an educational or vocational program. Additionally, Mentors would provide client support services to help remove barriers such as basic needs (food, car, hygiene, etc), housing support (Hotel/Shelter, Rent/Mortgage, Treatment Facility, etc), and other clients/family support (educational, medical, dental, optical, sports transportation, school supplies, etc).
For more information, contact Cinthia Alvarado, RAY Program Manager, at (310) 628-4774 or cinthia.alvarado@aycla.org.
Youth Parent Leadership Development Program (YPLD)
Youth Parent Leadership Development Program (YPLD), designed for Anti-hate where students can get involved and become advocates and leaders among their peers in the community, is currently provided at Piute Middle School Monday through Friday. Piute Pilots Dream Center is a space created by students, teachers, parents, and guardians to build community, strength, and acceptance through sharing struggles, victories, and history. The mission is to support the students in their academic, social, emotional, and financial needs. Dream Center is a safe space that supports undocumented immigrants, students of color, and their allies with resources. It promotes wellness and healthy human connections. It provides food, a hygiene pantry, academic support, student leadership, social justice advocacy, and student and family support.
For more information, contact Michael Sanders, YPLD Program Manager, at (310) 628-4530 or michael.sanders@aycla.org.