San Diego Youth Services
Basic Information
Description of the Organization and Responsibilities
San Diego Youth Services' (SDYS) mission is to help at risk youth and their families become self-sufficient and reach their full potential. Established in 1970, SDYS has been providing services to at risk youth populations. We offer a range of services from critical prevention education components within programs such as the Storefront (works with approximately 2,500 young people a year through services that include street outreach, day time drop in program, overnight shelter and education), Take Wing (transitional living community specifically designed to break the cycle of homelessness for youth between the ages of 16 and 24), and STARS (independent living and group counseling for commercially sexually exploited girls). Collaborative partners who refer youth to our programs include San Diego Police Department, San Diego County Probation and HHSA, San Diego and Grossmont Unified School Districts and a myriad of other health and human service agencies. UCSD students must make a 6-month commitment to volunteer service at this site. Fluency in English and Spanish is preferred but not mandatory.
Former HDP 191 students have volunteered with the night shelter for homeless youth, adoption support services, and teen pregnancy prevention programs. Additionally, a variety of programs are available at different locations and times of the day. Once placed at SDYS, communicate with your site mentor about programs you might be interested in supporting. Volunteer assignments will be deteremined by availability and the needs of the site.
Age(s) of Participants
Ages 0-24.
Research Availability
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. 6-month commitment required.
Orientation Requirement
Once placement is confirmed, please contact the site mentor to schedule an orientation prior to your first visit.
Check-in Procedure
Site mentor will asign the student to a specific location. The student should check in at reception for initial meetings. Afterwards an ID badge will be issued to allow access during hours of operation.
Dress Code
Business attire.
Testing Requirements
(1) Letter of clearance from the HDP Field Research Coordinator
(2) TB Test
(3) Background Check
(4) Drug Screen
(5) LiveScan Fingerprinting
(6) Orientation prior to first visit
Other Requirements
Confidentiality must be maintained at all times. Fluency in English and Spanish would be optimal but it is not mandatory. It is also helpful to be outgoing and friendly, prompt and business-like.
Contact Information
Site Mentor
Robert Hodges (rhodges@sdyouthservices.org)
Phone Number
(619) 221-8600 X2271
Website
http://www.sdyouthservices.org
Location
14 locations throughout San Diego
Administration office - 3255 Wing St, San Diego, CA 92110