Youth Development Services and Support

Youth economic advancement

Central LA City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

A proven approach to detract youth and young adults away from the gang lifestyle is to provide them alternatives that lead them towards positive economic advancement. This is done through counseling, case management, and education. There are many risk factors that youth and young adults face to include but not limited to the lack of positive role models, absence of structured activities, and exposure to violence. One specific tactic is to enhance youth financial sustainability, workforce preparation, and employment. We are seeking to address this issue and expand services through proven intervention strategies.
In the City of Los Angeles, there are approximately 450 active street gangs and more than 36,000 members. Gang related crimes in Los Angeles include extortion, drugs, homicides, and shootings. Communities depend on programs like YDS to mitigate risk factors and introduce alternative lifestyles to at-risk youth and young adults.

Since the program's inception in 2000, YDS has operated in as many as five GRYD zones across Los Angeles (Rampart I, Rampart II, Olympic, Hollywood, Northeast). We have provided street outreach and case management, including safe passage for students after school, field trips, tattoo removal, a gun buy-back program, as well as workshops and case management services to help young people develop the knowledge and skills they need to build positive lifestyles, supportive relationships, prepare young people for employment, and financial education. The program regularly also coordinates and participates in community clean-ups, peace marches, community art installations, cultural celebrations, and resource fairs in collaboration with GRYD Prevention, neighborhood councils, schools, LAPD, and CBOs.
Our contract with the City of Los Angeles limits our ability to serve individuals outside of our assigned GRYD zone. LA2050 funds will be used to expand existing services Citywide and surrounding areas outside of our current Rampart I GRYD. We will provide four (4) workshops to clients on topics such as financial education, access to financial aid for school, applying for college, and job readiness/job preparedness. Additionally, we will host at least four (4) field trips during the grant period for our clients. Our field trip schedule generally features locations and experiences that will provide enriching new experiences by exposing them to opportunities outside of their neighborhoods.

Reducing gang involvement among youth and young adults can lead to significant social, economic, and public safety improvements across Los Angeles County. At an individual level, reduced gang involvement is linked to improved self-esteem, better decision-making skills, enhanced school performance, and a decreased likelihood of future criminal activity and incarceration. Our program equips clients with the tools to stay in school, gain valuable skills, and access legitimate pathways to employment, leading to greater stability and economic well-being in adulthood.
At a community level, reduced gang activity directly leads to a decrease in violent crime and creates safer neighborhoods for everyone. Lower crime rates attract investment, stimulate job growth, and can potentially reduce costs associated with law enforcement and healthcare. Investing in programs like YDS is an investment in the future of youth, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.