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In collaboration with our partners, we enable youth offenders to address harm caused in their own communities as a result of their offense. We strive to do this through local service projects that are meaningful to the community and simultaneously build the work and social competencies of the referred youth.
We are committed to:
- holding youth offenders accountable to fulfill their obligations as community members
- connecting youth with citizens and agencies in their own communities
- supporting youth in developing practical job skills, improving attitudes, and strengthening confidence to find meaningful employment
- expanding their educational and life experiences
- providing a positive work environment for youth
- expanding and cultivating meaningful community partnerships, involvement, and projects
- applying the values and principles of balanced and restorative justice in our practice
Program Benefits
- Provides community agencies and citizens an opportunity to play an active role in the lives of their community’s at-risk youth.
- Community agencies receive volunteer support from youth obligated to give back to their community in meaningful ways.
- Meaningful relationships and connections are established between youth, community citizens, and community agencies.
- Youth expand and strengthen networks and support systems while developing employment, education, social skills, and competencies.
- Provides an opportunity for youth to identify a new role and context for themselves in their community and to create a vision for their future that involves community connection.
What kinds of Projects are Ideal?
To successfully meet all the goals of the program, We give priority to partners which emphasize and provide projects that:
- provide relief and support to community members in need
- enhance and beautify public spaces
- support community events or activities
- provide opportunities for youth to interact with positive youth and adult role models within the community
- build infrastructure for public spaces
- engage advanced skill sets which can be taught to youth
Some examples of ideal projects have included:
- set-up, tear-down, and general support for events which bring the community together
- preparing and serving food to the elderly through the Canby Adult Center
- general support and stuffing stockings for families in need for Fill-a-Stocking, Fill-a-Heart
- gardening and construction jobs through the AntFarm in Sandy
