Summer 2018 news & updates
We've been having a fantastic, fun-filled summer here at Teen Court. Read all about it!
CAYC Summit Trip
Humboldt Sponsors helped fund our annual trip to the CA statewide Youth Court Summit. Thank you!

The 13th Annual California Association of Youth Courts' Summit took place June 21-23 at Sonoma State University. The Summit is an annual opportunity for Youth Courts from around the state to share ideas and learn the about the latest developments in criminal justice reform through a weekend of workshops and speakers that challenge teens to think big .

Adam Foss, founder of  Prosecutor Impact  and dynamic  TED Talk  speaker challenged the students to step up as the next generation of civil rights leaders. While speaker Ashanti Branch worked with participants on increasing their levels of empathy and emotional intelligence. Sharing insights and lessons from his work with the Ever Forward Club which is highlighted in the award-winning Jennifer Siebel Newsom produced film,  The Mask You Live In .

"This past CAYC Summit I attended was my third one and they just get better and better every year. Being part of Teen Court and having the opportunity to attend the summits has been life changing, because you get to bond with so many people not only from your local court, but other courts from all over the state." -Alex
we wear our eyes open

you might not know from looking at us but
we are informed
our eyes worn open

we are crazy-
crazy motivated
crazy inspired
crazy fun freshman
fifteen and fortunate to
know that now the future depends on us

you might not be able to tell just from looking at us but
we are forceful
our vulnerabilities are dancing
and we dance with our eyes open, informed

our memories are more than late nights and fun adventures
because we are full hearted, united
because we’ve made
new friends and new connections

you may not have guessed just from looking at us but
we are connected and quick
we wear our eyes open, informed
in hot dry cities
in sweaty dorm rooms
in our own sweet neighborhoods
we’re grateful and wild
we’re dope and we’re lit
we’re dreaming of
open futured possibilities

prepare to be impressed
because you never would have guessed just from looking at us but
we are young and with a purpose
our eyes are wide open, we’re informed
-poem by new Program Coordinator, Jenny Downs with word prompts by the youth
Recent News
Year End Appreciation Party
On June 7, we celebrated our teen volunteers with an appreciation party at Paul’s Live from NY Pizza. We had over 20 youth attend this event, which was held after our court session. These youth are dedicated and engaged. Over 5 youth participants also joined us!

Student Attorney Training
On July 17 & 18, we trained 4 new student attorneys.

Leaders Strategy Planning Meeting
On July 26, Leaders met to discuss new innovations they want to implement at court, and how they wish to structure their Leaders program this coming year.
Volunteers of the Month
June: Ashley Montero Cabrera
Ashley only started volunteering for us very recently, but has consistently been volunteering her time, helped out at the Second Chances Art Show, received training as a student attorney and turned in her application to be a Leader. We look forward to watching her participation grow.


July: Alex Riggs
Alex served as one of our 6 youth representatives at the CA statewide Youth Court Summit this year, and recently joined our Leaders program along with serving as an attorney. She has many contributions to make towards a vibrant Teen Court program.


August: Gwen Shernock
Gwen has just signed up as a new Teen Court Leader and served as a new student attorney at our August 16th court session. She has steadily been volunteering as a juror this past year and has just recently jumped both feet in to major leadership duties. Thank you!
Restorative Assignment
Empower Eureka is a great new community partner related to our community service sentence assignment. They can help teens find the best volunteer opportunity based on the youth's interests and timeline.
Empower Eureka is a program designed for community members who desire to improve and enrich the quality of life in Eureka. Residents are matched with meaningful volunteer experiences that create positive change in practical ways.

Upcoming Schdule
Teen Court Sessions 
1st & 3rd Thursdays of the Month
4:15-6:15 pm
Eureka Courthouse, 825 5th St, 2nd floor
September 6 & 20 
October 4 & 18
November 1 & 15
December 6 & 20

*Jury Councils will be scheduled as needed on Tuesdays or Wednesdays

Peer Panels
2nd & 4th Thursdays throughout the summer
Teen Court Office
Leaders meet with participants half-way through their sentence to see how things are coming along.

Leaders Orientation and program start up   
Thursday, August 30 and then 2nd & 4th TH of the month throughout the school year
4:15-6:15 pm
Teen Court Office
Youth Leaders engage in a wide range of innovative programming for Teen Court.
Current Mentors
Mentor Judge  
Judge Christopher Wilson  
 
Mentor Attorneys  
Shelley Addison   Christina Allbright   
Luke Brownfield   Bryan Daley   Randall Davis   
Natalie Duke  Neal Latt   Anne Nguyen   
David Nims   Greg Rael   Erin Rowe   Casey Russo   
Jeff Slack   Jessica Watson   Megan Yarnall 
Trent Timm  Brent Kling  Damara Moore 
Nate Zwerdling Heidi Holmquist-Wells
Teen Court | Boys & Girls Club of the Redwoods
707-444-0153 | hcteencourt@bgcredwoods.org | hcteencourt.org