The mission of BHNC’s Youth Services Department is to prevent harm to children, youth and families, and to improving their social, economic and educational well-being. We are a training ground for youth leadership and mentoring, a force for violence prevention, a safe alternative for after-school and summer recreation, a resource for employment services, and an advocate of healthy youth development. We offer the following programs:

Gang Prevention and Case Management:

BHNC’s gang prevention/case management program helps at-risk youth connect to and benefit from positive alternatives. Youth are recruited into services through street outreach, referrals from teachers in schools, and the juvenile probation system. The Case Managers work with youth to develop healthy goals, self-respect, and a strong sense of community.

Youth Leadership Development:

Youth today have strong opinions on what is right and wrong in their schools, neighborhoods, families, and society. They want to see conditions improve and they are willing to dedicate themselves to learning and teaching the skills needed to make change. Our leadership development program trains youth to give presentations on gang and youth violence prevention. Equipped with knowledge, skills and confidence these youth become leaders to their peers and their community.

Job Training and Placement:

The Youth Services Department offers two job training and placement program: MYEEP and Youth Employment Services (YES).

MYEEP:

Each year the MYEEP program places over 100 youth ages 14-18 to work in non- profit organizations. Through the support of the job counselor, youth receive employment skills, educational assistance, and leadership development.

YES Program:

The Youth Employment Services program provides intensive job readiness and job development services to youth 16-24 years old. The YES Job Developer assists youth in creating a realistic job search plan and preparing for employment with soft skills training or technical writing assistance. The YES program also offers an on-site Job Board and bi-annual job fair.

For information regarding the YES job development services please contact Tina Nguyen at (415) 206-2140 ext 139 or by email at tnguyen@bhnc.org

Looking for a Summer job? Come to the JOB FAIR on April 10, 2008 at the Bernal Heights Recreation Center from 4:30-6:30, for more information click  here or please contact Tina Nguyen at (415) 206-2140 ext 139 or by email at tnguyen@bhnc.org

The Excelsior Youth Center:

BHNC's  Excelsior Youth Center (ETC) offers:

• Leadership Development

• Employment Training and Placement

• After-school Tutorials and Recreation

• Excelsior Youth Drop-in Center (Open to youth ages 11-18 every Monday-Friday from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at 4468 Mission Street)