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Recently, the Youth Council collaborated with students from an art class offered by Interface to paint a mural at the SPFRC. The mural entered into an annual contest held by the National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth (NCFY). |
Santa Paula Youth Council nurtures teen leaders
April 11, 2012
Santa Paula News
By Claire Palermo
For the Santa Paula Times
Every Tuesday and Friday afternoon, the sound of laughter, song, poetry and camaraderie can be heard at the Santa Paula Family Resource Center (SPFRC). It’s the Youth Advisory Council, meeting to plan art or service projects, discuss current events, and focus on the positives. The Council is a shining example of what local youth can achieve with mentorship from adults and support from each other.
“We meet youth who are facing obstacles like family or dating violence, teen pregnancy, and violence in their communities,” said Jackie Paredes, a Youth Specialist who works with the Council. “It is so rewarding to see them connect and grow as individuals despite the difficulties that they face.”
The Santa Paula Family Resource Center is a satellite location of Interface Children & Family Services, and the Youth Council is one of many programs offered there. The group is open to youth of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, schools and personality types.
“At first, differences make the youth feel distant from one another, especially when we get new members,” Jackie said. “However, the ‘veteran’ youth realize that they have more in common with the new ones than originally thought, look past their differences and build positive, supportive peer relationships. High school students become mentors for middle school kids. As these relationships strengthen, they learn from each other and it assists their progress toward adulthood.”
The Youth Council also hosts activities for fun. Guest speakers or volunteers are invited to meet and work with the Council. Recently, they collaborated with students from an art class offered by Interface to paint a mural at the SPFRC. The mural entered into an annual contest held by the National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth (NCFY). They were asked to represent themselves, their community, and the SPFRC. Murals were judged on creativity and the role of positive youth development in the process.
The Council’s mural was a finalist in the NCFY contest, but did not win. However, the process taught the youth important lessons about commitment and friendship.
