YUCCA VALLEY — Young adults who recently left the foster care system, homeless youth and those coping with substance abuse or mental illness all have a place at a transitional assistance youth drop-in center in the Monterey Business Center. Young adults arrive at the center by referral or invitation, or they may simply walk in.
Operated by Pacific Clinics, TAY has served 376 people ages 16 to 25 since it opened about a year and a half ago.
This time of year, with school in session, up to 15 youth may come in each day, a number than can double over the summer months.
Staff includes a psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse, a therapist, two case managers, a drug and alcohol counselor, an outreach coordinator and a director.
There are also four peer partners ages 18 to 21.
To explain how youth relate better to a person closer in age and appearance, Louis Medina, TAY board president, stated simply, “Kids might trust a T-shirt before they’ll trust a suit.”
At 19, Medina seems wise far beyond his years. His words as and his manner of speech are both elegantly simple and deeply insightful.
Like most people in his age group, Medina easily multi-tasks, sketching a cartoon character as he relates how TAY has helped him. As he talks, Medina’s pencil sketch takes shape in straightforward yet graceful lines, just like his story.
“We’re a place that helps teens find a safe place,” Medina said.
“President Louie” is a born politician in the good sense of the term. If encouraged, the youth leader will reluctantly perform his presidential walk — actually more of swagger/strut — that has to be seen to be appreciated.
Medina leads a volunteer peer leadership board consisting of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and historian who meets monthly to review TAY policy and activities and determine future direction.
Participants in the program earn TAY bucks for helping at activities like car washes and bake sales, and for helping out around the center. “Little things here and there,” explained treasurer Shelbin Hayes, 19.
The ersatz currency can be spent in-house or on field trips, for example, for an excursion to Soak City.
Hayes was referred to TAY by his probation officer. He has worked through the terms of his probation but still comes to TAY almost every day. The center helped the youth get set up in housing.
“It’s a good feeling to come here,” Hayes said.
Funding for TAY comes from the Mental Health Services Act and the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health.
The center has laundry, shower and cooking facilities. There are no overnight accommodations, although TAY officials may help youth find safe sleeping quarters.
The center also can help with job hunting, resumes, GED preparation and life skills classes like cooking and hygiene. Games, puzzles and DVD movies are in supply to occupy young adult minds. Rules regulating dress, appearance and behavior are simple and within social norms. Limited transportation, including bus passes, is available.
The center maintains a clothes closet and staff give out food vouchers and infant supplies.
“We’re not a bank; that’s not the way we work,” Tracy Crowe, outreach coordinator, explained about the program. “They have to want to be successful.
“You don’t have to have a drug or mental health problem to come here,” Crowe said. “If you’re just looking for a safe place to hang out or just want to meet new people or learn new things, you’re welcome here. We don’t care what you’re into, you’re accepted.”