Urban Oasis Youth Center

Community safety

South LA Central LA

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

The YMC Urban Oasis Youth Center (UOYC) is located on Vermont Ave near Manchester, in the significantly marginalized community of Central LA. Created through segregation and redlining policies of the past, South-Central LA remains a marginalized community of mostly BIPOC (97%), high poverty (33%), low educational attainment, (of those aged 25 and older 29% high school graduates/GED and less than 2.8% of a BA degree), and high crime/gang activity rates which can lead young people to feel hopeless about their future. Through YMC’s innovative and proven Gift Centered Approach—by uncovering our wounds, we find our gifts—and through an instant community of mentors, mentees, and staff, youth find purpose and meaning to help them thrive. The UOYC incorporates this in a place that offers youth a place to be their authentic selves, feel safe, and connect with peers and mentors. Building hope and resiliency in South-Central LA at-risk youth builds a safer community for all.

UOYC will increase community safety in South-Central LA by providing a hub of opportunity and hope, integrating youth into the YMC community of mentoring and youth development activities. Opened in January 2025, the UOYC dedicated full-time staff, a licensed therapist, computer stations, and workshops and activities to support YMC youth. The UOYC has initiated a Youth Advisory Council, led by a YMC mentee alumni, to assist in identifying and building programs and activities that will best support youth into adulthood.
At the center of all UOYC programs, workshops, and activities is YMC’s innovative Gift Centered approach. Since Opening in January, the center has served over 85 youth, with many coming from the SEED School, a residential school for foster youth, located across the street from the center and Options for Youth alternative High School located one block away. Youth have participated in volunteerism to aid fire victims; learned African drumming with YMC partner Rhythm Arts Alliance and written expression with Street Poets; Athletes Journey that combines mentorship with physical fitness; a STEM workshop; ECHO monthly sharing circles; a skating party; movie night, and so much more. This funding will allow the UOYC to apply YMC's proven Gift Centered approach to expanded programing including adulting workshops; Film Academy program; employment readiness; and so much more.

In the short term, youth will have a safe place that provides an alternative to less positive behaviors that can lead to criminal activity, educational failure, and other negative outcomes. They will come together in a community of mentors and staff with lived experience that care and guide them. In this community of love and support, they will heal their wounds and uncover their gifts. The wide variety of program offerings and activities will engage their gifts and imaginations as they grow into adulthood.
Long term, the UOYC will be a stable and vibrant beacon of hope in the community for generations to come. Program offerings will be developed with the guidance of the youth council, ensuring that local youth have what they need to thrive. As youth served mature, they will give back through mentoring and volunteering at the center, furthering the commitment to South-Central LA.