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What if nearly half the youth in your community felt hopeless? Join me, Jeff Holden, as I sit down with Staci Anderson, President and CEO of Pro Youth and Families to explore how this remarkable organization has transformed over the past forty years to meet the evolving needs of young people. From its beginnings tackling drug and alcohol issues, Pro Youth and Families has expanded to offer resilience-building, leadership development, and mental wellness programs that empower Sacramento's youth to thrive. Staci sheds light on the alarming statistic that 46% of Sacramento's 11th graders feel hopeless and explains how their programs in civic engagement and relationship skills are turning the tide.

Schools are undergoing a significant transformation, integrating social and emotional health programs into the academic day to help students navigate the post-COVID world. Staci shares how Pro Youth and Families has extended its reach from after-school spaces to classrooms, emphasizing relationship skills and mental wellness through initiatives like the Mind One Six curriculum. Developed during the pandemic, Mind One Six equips youth with tools for managing stress and emotional regulation, improving both their well-being and academic performance.

Discover the impactful work of the Youth Advisory Board and the Behavioral Health Advisory Board, which empower young people to influence county systems and build their confidence. Staci also highlights the Youth and Family Collective model, a collaborative initiative that has grown to include 72 nonprofit organizations, pooling resources to serve thousands of youths. Learn about the challenges and successes of securing funding, the importance of unrestricted donations, and the potential for national expansion if financial constraints were lifted. This episode is a powerful testament to the transformative work being done to support and empower youth in our communities.

To learn more about PRO Youth & Families you can visit: https://proyouthandfamilies.org/

Episode highlights
(01:50 - 02:45 ) Leadership Stability in Nonprofits
(06:20 - 08:06 ) Social Emotional Support in Schools
(15:59 - 16:20 ) City Manager Supports Mental Health Space
(19:40 - 20:32 ) Diversity and Inclusion in Education
(26:02 - 27:45 ) Youth and Family Collective Collaboration
(41:05 - 41:36 ) Funding Needs for Mind One Six Program

Episode Chapter Summaries
(00:00 ) Pro Youth and Families Organization Evolution
Pro Youth and Families has evolved over 40 years, addressing drug and alcohol issues and empowering youth through civic engagement, relationships, and mental wellness.

(07:08 ) Youth Empowerment and Mental Health
Schools are integrating social and emotional health programs, including relationship skills and mental wellness, to support students post-COVID.

(18:09 ) Youth Advisory Board and Civic Engagement
Empowering youth in civic roles through diverse staff support, creating an inclusive environment for education and civic involvement.

(26:31 ) Youth and Family Collective Model
The Yo

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