GOALmodels: The Top Ten
PAY has put together a GOALmodels “Top Ten” group. The goal of the group, which meets every month and continues to grow, is to help us enhance and expand the GOALmodels program. Here’s a list of the movers and shakers involved in this group with their bio. Read the rest of this entry »
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Setting Sail With Youth
Thanks to volunteer, Barry Bourdon, several lucky members from PAY’s youth group “Youth On The Real” were able to spend an afternoon sailing on Barry’s boat at Marina Del Rey. Currently we have 3 youth groups, and through them we are able to reward positive behavior by offering nature trips and sporting events to the kids involved. Stay tuned for an update on the latest events.
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Chaz Lamar Shepherd
Actor, Chaz Lamar Shepherd (“Set It Off”, “The Temptations”, “7th Heaven”), spoke to the students at Mid Valley Youth Center and the probation school next door in Van Nuys. Chaz spent 5 hours speaking to 3 groups of students about the importance of “purpose” in one’s life. “If you don’t have a purpose for your life, something that you’re about”, Chaz said, “then you’ll be about nothing, and have no reason to turn away from whatever is offered to you (gang life, drugs, crime).
The GOALmodels program has been bringing role models, such as Chaz, to speak to the students at Mid Valley Youth Center and the probation school for the past year. Many of the kids join our youth groups and begin getting involved in positive activities. GOALmodels is much more than a speaking program because we believe that “If you speak to kids they will learn something, but believe in them and they’ll change the world”.
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Blue Sheild Helping Kids Succeed
Some lucky kids at Liggett Elementary School in Panorama City received backpacks filled with needed school supplies. The successful backpack drive was spearheaded by Sandra Klepas. PAY would like to thank all the wonderful employees of Blue Shield of California in Woodland Hills for making this school year just a little more special for the kids.
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Cheers for Mankind
Former WWF wrestler Mick Foley (aka Mankind, Cactus Jack and dude Love), thrilled the youth with personal stories of his matches with other wrestlers, as “The Rock”, while delivering the message of the pitfalls of fame and the dangers of drug abuse. Mid Valley Youth Center provides residential treatment and educational services to approximately 90 at-risk youth. Positive Alternatives for Youth has been bringing GOALmodel speakers to the school every Thursday morning for the past year.
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Verdict: Kids Win
At James Monroe High School approximately 400 legal-minded students gathered together to learn from two of the top attorneys in the business. District Attorney Steve Cooley, a successful former prosecutor and Los Angeles Police Department reservist, answered some tough questions from the students ranging from the three strikes law to the ongoing Iraqi crisis. Steve answered each question in a very candid manner, and even threw in a little humor now and then.
PAY’s own GOALmodel speaker, Lee Kanon Alpert shared his story of growing up poor in Detroit, and being a minority as well. He sent the message that regardless of their color or background, the field of law is available to anyone willing to work hard enough to achieve their goals. Lee also spoke about the many different types of law and how the students should go about pursuing their interests.
After the presentation, several students seized the opportunity to speak one-to-one with Steve and Lee. PAY, Monroe High School, and all the students who took part in this rare opportunity very much appreciate these high-powered attorneys taking the time out of their busy schedules to inspire the future’s great legal minds.
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PAY Featured Artists
PAY is proud to be working with many talented artists. Check back soon for featured artwork from the youth at PAY
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Timeline History of PAY
Positive Alternatives for Youth has been providing community building services in the San Fernando Valley for over thirty years. The Agency traces its history back to the 1989 merger of 2 community-based agencies; Bridge: A Way Across, incorporated in 1970, and Focus Center for Education and Development, incorporated in 1977. Read the rest of this entry »
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Fast Facts
A few fast facts about the operations, services and history of Positive Alternatives for Youth. Including a brief background of our 30 year history of service, volunteers, counseling services, youth development programs, and runaway/homeless youth services. Read the rest of this entry »
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New Therapist Training Program
THERAPIST TRAINING PROGRAM
We have long enjoyed a fine reputation as a training center for Marriage and Family Therapy interns and trainees, as well as doctoral level Psychology students. Counseling Services are provided by Master’s or doctoral level students or by individuals working on post-graduate hours needed for licensure. All trainees and interns are under the supervision of a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Read the rest of this entry »
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