Prevention Activities
Pajaritos, a prevention-focused after-school program in Watsonville
The Pajaritos program is an after school program designed for children between the ages of 6-12 years old. It is an eight-week program based on building decision-making and self -esteem/self-image enhancement. The topics covered include: drug and alcohol issues; cultural awareness; gang awareness and prevention; communication skills; future goals and positive role models. Education and outreach support services are provided at the Watsonville Youth Center.
The goal of Pajaritos is to help at-risk youth steer away from some of the negative influences they encounter on their way to adulthood. Through a comprehensive approach involving culturally appropriate primary prevention and early intervention activities, youth are offered healthy lifestyle choices to counteract and prevent alcohol and other drug abuse. The Pajaritos program endeavors to challenge youth and provide them with the skills necessary to act on these choices through self - esteem exploration; team building activities, cultural identity awareness and other life skills activities.
Who Qualifies? Any Watsonville child ages 6 – 12
What is the Cost? Free of charge
Contact Info: Call (831)-728-8216 x 214
El Comité, parent support in Spanish
El Comité promotes family communication and drug and gang awareness for Spanish-speaking parents in Watsonville. It helps parents better understand and support their children by strengthening parenting skills and helping them understand and cope with the unique challenges of acculturation. El Comité provides regular support groups for parents. The members are individuals interested in making a difference in our community by creating a healthier environment for our children.
El Comité meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Time and locations vary.
Who Qualifies? Spanish-speaking Watsonville parents
What is the Cost? Free of charge
Contact Info: Call (831) 728-8216 x 214
San Lorenzo Valley Prevention
Youth Services provides drug and alcohol prevention services to youth who are attending schools in the San Lorenzo Valley. Counselors work with identified "at-risk" youth to provide educational and referral information to youth who are using or at-risk of using drugs and alcohol. Youth who qualify are supported in transition to the drug and alcohol treatment services that we provide in the San Lorenzo Valley. This program is free to clients and is funded by the Alcohol and Drug Department. The services are provided out of the Student Resource Center on the SLV High School campus. Youth are referred to this program by SLVUSD teachers, administrators, staff and Juvenile Probation. Services provided in English.
Who Qualifies? San Lorenzo Valley youth
What is the Cost? Free of charge
Contact Info: Call (831) 429-8350
