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Youth Prevention Services (YPS) is a drug and alcohol prevention program for low-income youth. Programs take place at 6 public housing sites in Portland.
Services strengthen families by offering culturally-informed activities and support shaped by community input, including fun family and youth activities, homework clubs, parenting education, and substance abuse and gambling prevention education.
Volunteers play an integral part in facilitating positive
after
school
activities.
Children living in poverty are at a
greater risk of things such as high school drop out, teen pregnancy,
drug abuse, and gang
activity
. Volunteers serve as role models and safe adults to engage with youth in healthy ways. The primary activities are after school tutoring and lots of fun activities like games, sports, field trips, and more.
Each housing site also hosts a monthly community night where residents are invited to an evening of food, fun, and resources. Individuals can drop-in for a one-time volunteer opportunity (See more in the article to the right.). This is the perfect way to check out the program without making a long term commitment. Although we always hope you come back! Clair Raujol and her staff make sure volunteers are engaged and having a blast!
What are volunteers saying about YPS?
"I gained a tremendous amount of experience. I built long lasting relationships and I was able to give back to others, which is an amazing feeling."
"I'm currently doing a women's youth group and so far LOVE it so much! I am hoping I can be a program coordinator/director for a youth program. I am just looking for the right people to be around to expand my experience and connections. I can tell I am going to learn great things."
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August. It was a joyful day for medically fragile seniors to enjoy the wind on their faces as they were pedaled down the street to Peninsula Park for a picnic. This event is such an innovative way to engage seniors in a beloved activity they don't often get to enjoy anymore. 
