San Diego Youth Services

Basic Information

Organization and Responsibilities Description

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.

Message from the Site Mentor

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, you need to communicate with the site contact about programs you might be interested in supporting. Volunteer assignments will be determined based on student availability and the needs of the site.

Age(s) of Participants

Ages 0-24 years old.

Research Availability

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (standard daytime operating hours), and 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (night shelter and outreach team)

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 assign 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.

Clearance 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: Tiffany Hong

Email: tiffanyh@sdyouthservices.org

Website: http://www.sdyouthservices.org