As we reflect back on the work of the Youth Project, we are reminded of the pain, trauma and anguish experienced by the teens we serve... but we also get a healthy dose of the hope, inspiration and GROWTH they felt as well. We see kids in their most vulnerable state of mind and being able to offer support, guidance, kindness, and compassion, is such an honor and something we do not take for granted.
As adults, it is easy to think we have all the answers and that we always know best. Maybe some of us do. But most of us, if we are honest, have no idea how to navigate the teenage years any more than our teens do. It's confusing. It's chaotic. It's scary. It's exhilarating. It's exhausting. It's amazing. And yes, it can even be a little isolating. But, we are all in this together and if we give ourselves permission to not always be the perfect parent, to not always be right, and to remember that sometimes silence is golden. And,
sometimes listening to understand is far better than listening to respond
.
Our kids, this valley, my staff and I, we are so lucky to be part of a community that cares so much about the health and well being of our young people. Because of your kindness, 100% of the funds we raise stays in Santa Clarita and provides individual counseling, support groups, education/outreach and crisis intervention FREE to thousands of kids. While you may not see firsthand the direct impact that your donation and support has, I can promise you it's far reaching and heartfelt.
Just a few examples of who we help & how they feel:
~14 year old male student is working with his Youth Project counselor to decrease his suicidal thoughts.
~15 year old female student has been working with her Youth Project counselor to reduce her anger, develop healthy coping skills and improve her communication by significantly reducing her lying behavior.
~ 17 year old female student is working with her Youth Project counselor to decrease her anxiety. Student expressed that her anxiety at the beginning of the semester was so severe that she would often miss half of her classes throughout the day.
~ 13 year old male student is working with his Youth Project counselor to build self-confidence and self-esteem as he navigates his sexuality.
"My Youth Project counselor always has an encouraging attitude which makes me feel more comfortable.
Being able to relate with my peers on many issues makes me feel like I am not alone. I appreciate the Youth Project helping us."
"My Youth Project counselor has really helped me with this difficult time in my life. It's honestly been hard and I'm glad that I get to be a part of this program."
We say it every year, because it is always true:
The young people in our program are so brave and inspiring; their desire to be healthy, strong, safe, ALIVE, sober, loved and heard ... keeps us motivated.
Thank you for letting us be part of the journey.
Happy Holidays to you and yours and we will see you in 2019.
All Best,
Kim Goldman, Executive Director
