Hope Alvidrez

YOR IV Project Name: No Stigma, No Shame

Project Description: Dream Youth Clinic provides multidimensional, youth-centered substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, intervention, life saving overdose prevention, and post-treatment services for vulnerable youth, transition-age youth (TAY), and young adults (13–25) in the Oakland Bay Area. Services are expanding across on-site, street outreach, and telemedicine platforms, along with new school-based prevention education. With three brick-and-mortar locations in Oakland, the organization delivers comprehensive, trauma-informed, and strengths-based care aimed at reducing adolescent health disparities and promoting equity through safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility.

DYC delivers evidence-based SUD programming includes The Seven Challenges Program, Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), and Motivational Interviewing/Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). Additional supports include individual and group therapy with licensed clinicians, free MAT medical services and supplies, youth-centered SUD education, and peer-led support groups. All services are culturally responsive, linguistically inclusive, and grounded in Positive Youth Development, lifesaving overdose prevention, and Wraparound models.

Partner Agencies: Cal OEO, Alameda Co. Department of Public Health, Covenant House California, Youth Spirit Artworks, MISSSEY, Youth Alive!, BRAVE Bay Area, HEPPAC

Primary Contact:
Name: Aisha Mays, MD
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Email: draisha@dreamyouthclinic.org
Phone: 510-839-0929
Website: www.dreamyouthclinic.org

YOR IV Project Name: Bi-County Youth Opioid Response and Prevention Program

Project Description: The Bi-County Youth Opioid Response and Prevention Program San Benito County Public Health, lead for the San Benito County Opioid Task Force and partner organization Central Coast Overdose Prevention of Monterey County are implementing a bi-county youth-driven initiative aimed at empowering youth to lead efforts in substance youth prevention and community education across their two counties. The two neighboring counties not only share borders with residents moving between them for home, work and recreation but also share opioid/overdose-related challenges. This project centers on youth engagement through the establishment of a bi-county Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The YAB will guide and support key youth-led activities, including facilitating peer and parent listening sessions. Insights from these sessions will then shape a youth-centered social media campaign and podcast series, amplifying youth voices and perspectives across both counties.

Partner Agencies: San Benito Co. Public Health Community Health Team, Gavilan Community College, San Benito Co. Office of Education and Hollister High District, San Benito Co. Youth Alliance, YMCA of San Benito, Window of Awareness & Hope, Monterey Co. Office of Education and Schools, Youth Groups, PRP Clinic in Monterey

Primary Contact:
Name: Mary White, PharmD
Position: Pharmacist/Lead SBV Opioid Task Force
Email: mwhite@sanbenitocounty.ca.gov
Phone: 831-637-5367
Website: www.sbcopioidtaskforce.org

YOR IV Project Name: Youth Prevention and Treatment Access Program (YPTAP)

Project Description: The Sacramento Youth Center (SYC) empowers young people ages 14–24 to build brighter futures through mentorship, education, and personalized support. We provide a welcoming environment where youth can develop life skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and connect with resources that promote growth and stability. Our programs include classroom-based peer mentoring, which fosters positive relationships and engagement in school, as well as one-on-one case management with trained peer specialists who offer guidance, advocacy, and encouragement tailored to each individual’s goals. Beyond mentorship, SYC connects youth to workforce development opportunities, creative programs, and community partnerships that inspire confidence and a sense of belonging. By centering youth voices and experiences, the Sacramento Youth Center helps young people navigate challenges, discover their potential, and thrive as active, resilient members of the community.

Partner Agencies: Community Collaborative Charter School, Capital Career College Academy, Sacramento Academic and Vocational Academy, Grant High School, Inderkum High School – Sports Program, City of Sacramento Office of Violence Prevention, Sacramento Co. Office of Education, Natomas High School

Primary Contact:
Name: Crystal Gonzales
Position: Peer Work Director
Email: crystal@sacyouthcenter.org
Phone: 281-788-8716
Website: www.sacyouthcenter.org