Services for Youth

Surviving Parenthood Resource Directory » Services for Youth

The major adolescent problems of today are depression, drug and alcohol dependency, pregnancy and suicide. The following six major factors in teenage depression deserve attention:

  • Lack of self-confidence, feelings of guilt, lack of energy, brooding and sadness often accompany lack of self-confidence.
  • Social abandonment. Feelings of emptiness, death wishes and social frustration.
  • Loss of interest. Difficulty in interpersonal communication.
  • Sadness. Weight changes, grouchiness, frequent crying and feelings of hopelessness.
  • Somatic symptoms. Disturbed sleep and eating habits, feelings of loneliness.
  • Acting out. Desire to run away from home, aggressiveness and lack of self-confidence.

The following programs are specifically geared to helping adolescents and their families:

Big Brothers/Big Sisters Of The Bay Area

Website: bbbsba.org
Telephone: (415) 503-4050
Telephone: (408) 586-0150
Telephone: (510) 836-8713

Any child between the ages of 6-16 living in one of our five county service areas (Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties) can enroll in one of our mentoring programs. Once matched, children can remain in the program through the age of 18 or until they graduate from High School, whichever comes later. Enrolled children must want to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. We will not enroll a child based solely on the wishes of a parent or guardian. Every enrolled Parent/Child must agree to participate in periodically issued surveys to rate your match experience. These surveys are critical to our agency’s ability to raise funds and help us to provide services free of charge to enrolled families.

Brighter Beginnings: Teen Services

Website: brighter-beginnings.org
Telephone (Oakland): (510) 437-8950
Telephone (Richmond): (510) 236-6990

Serves the pregnancy and postpartum needs of teens. Emphasis on the needs of disenfranchised low-income teens. In Alameda County only. Home visits are also provided by Social Workers and trained staff.
Services are free.
Services are available in Spanish.

FIERCE Advocates (Formerly Building Blocks for Kids – BBK)

Website: fierceadvocates.org
Email: [email protected]
Address: 312 9th St., Richmond, CA 94801
Telephone: (510) 232-5812

FIERCE Advocates amplifies the voices of Black, Latinx and other parents and caregivers of color. We partner with them to advance equitable access and opportunities for all youth to have quality education and all families to achieve emotional and physical well-being. We realize our goals through healing-centered care, leadership development, and parent-led advocacy. Please contact us for more information on programs.
Our hours are Mon-Thurs, 9AM-5PM.
English and Spanish services are offered.
Services are free.

Calli House: Homeless Shelter for Youth

Website: cchealth.org/h3/calli-house.php
Address: 845-B Brookside Dr., Richmond, CA 94801
Telephone: (510) 236-9612
Telephone: (800) 610-9400

Calli House, based in West Contra Costa, is a short-term housing and supportive services program for up to 4 months. It is designed to address the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth ages 18-24 in Contra Costa County. Available 24 hours a day, the program is a safe haven off the streets, with the capacity to serve up to 15 youth. Youth receive intensive case management services and are reintegrated back into the community.

Center for Recovery and Empowerment (C.O.R.E.)

Address: 1160 Brickyard Cove Suite #111, Richmond, CA 94801
Telephone: (510) 215-6009

Our Intensive Outpatient Program for adolescents addresses substance abuse and addiction along with any underlying co-occurring mental health concerns. We also focus on developing good social and academic habits and strive to help these young people become more like the person they want to be, without using substances to get there. Our services include Individual and Family Therapy, Adventure Therapy, Onsite Education towards High School or GED completion, Peer Recovery Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling and Psychiatric Nursing.
Services are free of charge.
Hours of Services: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish.

City of San Pablo Community Services

Website: sanpabloca.gov
Address: 2450 Road 20, San Pablo, CA 94806
Telephone: (510) 215-3080

Community Services offers recreational classes and programs for ages 3 years and older. We offer programs in art, music, dance, sports and fitness, as well as youth, family and senior services.
Our hours are Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
English and Spanish services are offered.

Community Violence Solutions E.C.E. Youth Center (Educate. Connect. Empower.)

Website: cvsolutions.org
Telephone: (510) 237-0113

We offer the following services:

  • 24-hour Crisis Intervention and Stabilization
    Telephone (1-800) 670-7273
  • Advocacy and Accompaniment
  • Counseling Services
  • Comprehensive Case Management
  • Safety Planning
  • Criminal Justice Advocacy
  • Street Outreach
  • Linkages to Resources

Contra Costa County Children and Family Services Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP)

Website: cocoilsp.org
Telephone: (925) 957-2404
Toll Free: (866) 994-ILSP

ILSP provides services to current and former foster youth between the ages of 15.5 to 21. The goal of ILSP is to prepare our young adults for responsible adulthood through the offerings of workshops and individual services for employment, vocational training, education, housing, and overall wellbeing.
Office hours are Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-5:00 PM and Tues and Wed evenings until 8:00 PM.
We offer services in English; however, we have a limited Spanish Speaking Staff.

Contra Costa County Office of Education: Youth Services Department

Website: cocoschools.org/ys
Email: [email protected]
Address: 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Telephone: (925) 942-3300

Youth Services (YS) provides a broad range of coordinated services for youth who are in foster care or homeless or experiencing barriers and need support to finish school, find a job or pursue a career path. Our programs are designed to prepare students to become self-confident, self-sufficient, and independent adults.
Hours of Service: Mon-Fri, 7:00 AM-5:30 PM.
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish.
No charge for services.

Covenant House

Website: covenanthouse.org/homeless-shelters/oakland-california/
Address: 200 Harrison St., Oakland, CA 94607
Telephone: (510) 379-1010

Youth 18-24 Crisis Shelter, Case Management, Life Skills, Substance Abuse Workshops, Job Training, Educational Resources, Medical and Psychological Care.

Crossroads High School

Website: crossroads.mdusd.org
Telephone (Concord): (925) 689-6852

We offer the following services:

  • Academic classes working toward high school diploma
  • Parenting Classes
  • Free on-site childcare for children up to 3 years of age

Office hours: Mon-Fri, 8:15 AM-2:30 PM.
Services are free of charge.
Services are in English and some in Spanish.

Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch

Website: gbfofantioch.org
Address: 3415 Oakley Rd., Antioch, CA 94509
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (925) 522-2017

Offers youth services such as GYM Ministry (held on 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM), and youth fellowship. Benevolence fund is also available. Free meals are served at the church during summer months; van pick up is available. Grace Closet provides the community free food and clothing on Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00 PM. Requirements are ID and proof of income. Recovering program for adults called “Overcomes” Thursdays at 7:00 PM. For more information regarding any of the above services, please call.
Hours of Services: Tues-Fri 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday 8:00-11:00 AM, Wednesday 7:15 PM
Languages Spoken: English.

Foster Youth Services at Mount Diablo Unified School District

Website: mdusd.org/fys
Olympic Continuation High School: 2730 Salvio Street, Concord, CA 94519
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (925) 682-8000 ext. 3055
Fax: (925) 566-6692

Education support for foster children in the Mount Diablo Unified School District, K-12. We exist to positively impact students in foster care by removing barriers to academic and social-emotional well-being through empowerment, advocacy, and compassion. Ages served: approx. 4-19.
LGBTQIA+/Gender services available.
Services are free.
Hours of services: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, excluding school holidays.
Languages: Spanish & English.

Homeless Outreach Program for Education (H.O.P.E) at Mount Diablo Unified School District

Website: mdusd.org/hope
Olympic Continuation High School: 2730 Salvio Street, Concord, CA 94519
Telephone: (925) 682-8000 ext. 3656

Ages served: approx. 16-24.
Services are free.
LGBTQIA+/Gender services available.
Hours of services: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:30 PM excluding school holidays.
Languages: Spanish & English.

Stride Company: Insight School of California

Website: k12.com
Telephone: (866) 968-7512

Insight is a tuition FREE, diploma granting, fully online, WASC and NAAS accredited, public high school. Quality state certified teachers, academic support, 24-hour technical support and 24-hour tutoring. 110+ courses including AP, honors, and dual college credit. Socialize at dances, clubs, social activities and graduation. FREE use of laptop, printer, headset and microphone. Helps pay for internet cost.
Hours of services: School is 24/7. Enrollment hours are 7:00 AM-8:00 PM.
Spanish enrollment counselors are available.

Kelley House

Telephone: (800) 610-9400
Intake Telephone: Dial 211
Homeless Shelter for youth 18-24 years of age

STD and AIDS Information from CDC

Telephone: (800) 232-4636

Free Sexually Transmitted Disease information and clinic referrals.

People Who Care Children Association

Website: pwcpittsburg.org
Address: 2231 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg, CA 94565
Telephone: (925) 427-5037

People Who Care (PWC) Children Association Afterschool Program serves at-risk youth ages 12-21 and families in East Country Costa County by providing mental health services (i.e. individual and family therapy, groups, case management, etc.) at no cost to families. PWC Clinical Success Program utilizes a Triage Model consisting of a Clinical Therapist, Intervention Specialist, and a Peer Counselor. PWC also offers community service, vocational and green jobs training, and social development.
Hours of services: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM-6:00 PM.
Languages spoken: English & Spanish.

Project SUCCESS at Center for Human Development

Website: chd-prevention.org
Telephone: (925) 349-7349

Alcohol and other drug prevention education groups, process groups, individual mentoring, and brief intervention for middle school students. Services are provided at nine middle school sites throughout Contra Costa County.
Please call for hours and schedule.

Richmond Rosie’s Girls Program (City of Richmond Community Services Department)

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (510) 620-6793

Based on a national program designed to build self-esteem, leadership, and physical confidence in middle school girls through an exploration of trades and non-traditional activities. During the two weeklong camp sessions, girls will learn and apply skills in carpentry, horticulture, electrical maintenance, plumbing and other technical trades. Rosie’s Girls will also develop their critical thinking skills as they explore issues such as gender roles, body image, and social pressure. Call for hours of services. Participants must complete a registration form and have it signed by a parent or guardian.

RYSE Center

Website: rysecenter.org
Email: [email protected]
Address: 3939 Bissell Ave., Richmond, CA 94805
Telephone: (510) 374-3401

RYSE provides trauma-informed individual counseling and individual case management to young people. RYSE Counselors work in collaboration with individuals to identify and work toward goals around personal health and wellness, increased self-empowerment, and/or ways to process trauma and stress. Services can be accessed in multiple ways: Members can approach any staff directly for such supports and they will be directed to the appropriate staff, partner agencies may refer young people to RYSE, and family or kin may bring their young people to RYSE to set up supports.
Services are free.
Hours of operation:
Sept-Jun: Mon-Fri 12:00-8:00 PM, Thurs 2:30-8:00 PM
Jul-Aug: Mon-Fri 11:00 AM-8:00 PM, Thurs 2:30-8:00 PM
Languages of services: English/Spanish.

Safe Place for Youth (Northern California Family Center)

Website: ncfc.us
Telephone: (800) 718-4357

The Northern California Family Center is a non-profit, licensed Foster Family Agency that has been serving the needs of youth and families for over 38 years. Our staff are dedicated professionals on-call 24 hours a day to provide experienced clinical care and assessment for a wide range of personal and family problems. The Northern California Family Center works with youth who have run away, have been kicked out, are truant, are out of parental control, or homeless. We provide four services:

  • Outreach/Safe Place
  • Short-term shelter for youth
  • Family Mediation
  • Follow-up counseling

St. Vincent De Paul Society

Website: svdp-cc.org
Telephone: (925) 439-5060

Emergency Food and Clothing.

St. Peter Martyr Church

Address: 740 Black Diamond St., Pittsburg, CA 94565
Telephone: (925) 432-4771

Provides counseling by appointment. Offers youth services such as: youth groups, teen support. Family support related classes occasionally offered. Food bags are available on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month, 1:00-2:00 PM. For more information regarding any of the above services, please call.

Take It Down

Website: takeitdown.ncmec.org

Take It Down is a free service that can help you remove or stop the online sharing of nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit images or videos taken of you when you were under 18 years old. You can remain anonymous while using the service and you won’t have to send your images or videos to anyone. Take It Down will work on public or unencrypted online platforms that have agreed to participate.
It’s scary when this happens to you, but it can happen to anyone. You’ve taken the first step, and we’re here to help you with the next steps. Take It Down is a service provided by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

West Contra Costa Unified School District: Families in Transition Program

Website: wccusd.net/Page/246
Telephone: (510) 215-4670

The Families in Transition office provides support for homeless school-age children and foster youth who attend or wish to attend WCCUSD schools. The Families in Transition Office provides homeless youth with the following services: assistance getting back into school/enrollment disputes, transportation assistance, counseling, school supplies, and referrals to community agencies.
Services are free.
Hours of services: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Languages of services: English/Spanish.

Contra Costa Youth Service Bureau

Website: wccysb.org
Telephone: (510) 215-4670

Contra Costa Youth Service Bureau is a comprehensive community-based agency designed to improve coordination of services to children, youth, and families residing in Contra Costa County. The Bureaus’ direct service programs include Wraparound Services for Medi-Cal eligible children/youth 8-18 years old, a Kinship Support Services Program for relative caregivers, family preservation support services, and youth development. Serves west, central and east regions of Contra Costa County.
Services are free.
Hours of services: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM

Year Up

Website: yearup.org
Diablo Valley College: 321 Golf Club Road, L-100: Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Telephone: (925) 338-8545

Year Up at Diablo Valley College is an intensive, one-year training and internship program that connects young adults 18-24 years old to higher education and career in the tech industry. Program highlights include a six-month internship with a top Bay Area company, a bi-weekly stipend for the duration of the program, and college credits towards an Associate’s degree in Computer Network Technology. No fee for the program. However, students are required to enroll at Diablo Valley College and pay for classes. Financial aid assistance available. Students also receive a bi-weekly stipend.
Hours of Services: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM.

Youth Employment Services (Y.E.S.) at Mount Diablo Unified School District

Website: mdusd.org/yes
Olympic Continuation High School, 2730 Salvio Street: Concord, CA 94519
Telephone: (925) 682-8000 Ext. 3098

MDUSD’s YES Program is designed to support youth to enter the workforce and obtain career readiness while working on completing education and/or employment goals. Youth involved in the YES Program will develop skills to prepare them for employment and careers though educational programs offered in the community.
Services are free.
Ages served: approx. 16-24.
LGBTQIA+/Gender services available.
Hours of services: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, excluding school holidays.
Languages: Spanish & English.