CYA Training Information Coming Soon.
CYA
Mission Statement
The Court Youth Advocate (CYA) Program provides youth in La Porte County with volunteer-based advocacy towards successful probation completion. CYA’s continued mentoring involvement fosters academic and healthy lifestyle choices.
According to the U.S. Dept. of Justice and Juvenile Delinquency, in 2018 juvenile courts handled 744,500 delinquency cases nationwide. Growth in cases were sharpest for youth between ages 13 and 17 involved in drug use. A mentor impacts youth as a positive role model and guide to healthy behavior. Mentor.org reports 55% of youth with a mentor were less likely than their peers not to skip a day of school and 46% less likely to use illicit drugs. Investing time as a volunteer impacts our community to reduce recidivism and encourages educational success, personal and professional development to youth who may not have a positive network around them.
About The Program
The Court Youth Advocate (CYA) Program seeks to reach youth struggling with behaviors interfering with positive personal and academic progress. Our one-on-one mentoring and advocacy intervention works to impact teens involved in probation, alternative education programming or as a community based support to those who are in school or court referred. Our approach guides youth to find their strengths and acts as an additional support to promote better choices.
Required Training
With qualified and trained volunteers available to mentor and advocate for these adolescents, we can impact their choices and assist in their academic success and positive personal development. No experience is needed; however successful volunteers 21 years and older will complete a screening process beginning with an application. Comprehensive training will include understanding our juvenile justice system and the alternate interventions we work within, trauma-informed care basics, program policies and procedures, juvenile services center tour as well as court observation. Additional training opportunities will be available as pertinent workshop topics are announced.
Why We Need You
Every day, there are many adolescents who wish there was someone who they could talk to and express their concerns; someone who represents and listens to their feelings without bias; a positive role model to look up to and interact with. A CYA is that person who listens, understands and represents the best interest of the youth. Volunteers are needed who have experiences to share and time to give to a youth in need. Whether it is tutoring, sharing a movie, a game of bowling or just a quick phone call, the impact on a teen can be huge. Our volunteers have diversified backgrounds, experience and cultural differences. CYA has many flexible opportunities to use your talents to assist our community youth!
How To Get Started
To learn more about the CYA Program of La Porte County and how you can make a difference, contact the CYA Program Director, Brenda Stellema, at bstellema@lpfamilyadvocates.com or call 219.324.3385 today. Those interested in becoming a CYA volunteer should fill out the application below or contact us with any questions you may have.
Download Application
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Current Volunteers
Juanita Akins
Michael Bohacek
Natalie Conlon
Mandi Eggert
Kylie Foster
Tim Franke
Maggie Fritzen
David Horn
Kayla Jackson
Steven Kile
Jennifer Lambert
Julie Martinez-Smith
Kitty Maurer
Jennifer McCracken
Jamie Miller
Isaac Moore
Mary Jane O’Brien
Keiren O’Kelly
Kayla Pedraza
Daryl Penfold
Mike Rosenbaum
Lauren Salazar
Larry Sheagley
Cheryl Sietz
Brenda Stellema
Heather Verdon
Michael Walker
Tommy Watkins
James Wszolek
Volunteer Today!
Make a longlife difference for the future of a youth, Contact us at:
Call: 219.324.3385
Fax 219.362.9114 for assistance.
Mail:
CYA Program of La Porte County, Inc.
1005 Michigan Avenue
La Porte, IN 46350
