Youth and Family Opportunities Center is a community based program which acknowledges that at-risk youth may not succeed in public schools and need an opportunity to experience academic success. In California, the California Department. of Education Data Quest Statistics reports that Statewide 60,524 students in grades 9-12 dropout of school. Within Sonoma County, in grades 9 -I2, students dropout of school??
Our goal is to establish a community based learning center which offers outreach to at-risk youth and families and creates partnerships with local schools. business, church groups, non profits, community agencies and law enforcement. Our program is multifaceted in it's approach recognizing that families need resources in many areas.

Our areas of service include:

* GED: A GED educational program leading to the completion of a General Education Development Diploma (GED). This program will include individual instruction and computer based programs to track individual progress.

* Family and Youth Counseling: Build family partnerships, provide links to community and youth agencies, provideindividual and group counseling ,and explore educational pathways. Counseling will address life skills, learning communication and self advocacy skills, problem solving, active listening and developing a positive self esteem.

* Career Development: Explore the world of career opportunities for youth.
This program would include attending career fairs at Santa Rosa Junior College, Sonoma State University, and local business and trade schools. Youth will also take interest inventories to assess their interests as it relates to potential career pathways. Local employers will also be invited to present their companies employment opportunities.

* After School Program : Provide an after school program which welcome youth to access our computer lab for school projects or homework. Youth will receive assistance from staff and university students and volunteers.

* Community Volunteerism: Provide youth with referrals to community agencies would benefit from their energy and desire to help others. Present volunteering as an learning experience and a opportunity to contribute to their community.

* Youth Employment Services: Develop resume for youth, and provide links to local employers, youth internships, and internet employment searches.