City of Menlo Park

Juvenile Diversion Program:

This program focuses on first time criminal offenders ages 10-17 years old. The goal is to intervene in the life and negative action of the juvenile in an attempt to change or modify the identified negative behavior or attitude. The first part of the program the victim and offender meet face-to-face to address the crime. This process encourages the offender to see the moral obligation they have to the victim. The second part involves regular attendance at the Teen Center where the offender is encouraged to participate in positive activities. The third component to the program is group-counseling sessions that involve the offender and his/her family. The families also participate in group activities meant to build a sense of community. After two and a half years the program has served approximately 200 youth and is positioning itself to be self-sustainable for the future. The program has proven itself as a valuable resource within the community.

City of San Carlos

Seqouia Hospital :

In 2004-2005, the San Carlos Youth Center, created a program, with the assistance of a generous grant from the Youth Center Foundation and the Gellert Foundation and the Sequoia Hospital staff to teach our youth how to make wiser choices for their nutritional needs as well as creating opportunities for activities that are fun, enjoyable, engaging and youth friendly. Accomplishments include; a teen friendly cookbook, training to teach about proper nutrition, portion sizes, essential vitamins/minerals, and proteins, a multitude of educational information on healthy eating and proper nutritional guides, and finally a bulletin board was created to emphasize the importance of healthy living.

San Carlos Walks :

Recreation supervisors Kathy Giraud and Tonya Booker decided to create a free program in which residents meet two times a week to go for a brisk 2 mile walk. There are now 6-12 regular attendees who meet faithfully twice a week where they burn more than 300 calories while exploring the city streets. One enthusiastic walker commented, “what a great way to exercise while meeting new people and enjoying the outdoors. It’s perfect!” Other program benefits include improved strength and flexibility, decreased stress, new friendships, and a potluck lunch the last day of each session.

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