For over 20 years, the John Valenzuela Youth Center (JVYC) in South Tucson has provided a safe and healthy space for at-risk youth ages 5-18 to succeed academically and socially. Activities emphasize educational goal setting and achievement, development of resiliency skills, and positive social and lifestyle skills.
Eighty-three percent of the families served at the John Valenzuela Youth Center live at or below the federal poverty line. Thirty-nine percent live in a single parent household. Six out 10 youth in South Tucson will drop out of school by the 10th grade. Risk factors for youth in the City of Tucson include school failure, truancy, juvenile delinquency, and early onset of drug and alcohol use.
To address these issues, JVYC has adopted the following strategies:
- Operate a year round, out-of-school time youth program.
- Operate the program during the highest crime hours of 2:45 to 8:00 p.m.
- Provide a safe environment with caring adults
Conduct activities in all 5 Core Service Areas:
- Improve Educational Performance
- Life Skills Education
- Family/Community Involvement
- Recreation, Sports, Health, Dance, Cultural and Artistic activities
- Service Learning Activities
The long term projected outcomes of JVYC are:
- Youth will be safe from violence
- Youth will be safe from high risk behaviors
- Youth will be safe from delinquent /criminal activity
- Youth will be graduated from high school
How to participate: