The Youth Service Bureau recognized the need for peer-based services within the youth and young adult community. Therefore, the Youth Service Bureau created a youth lead street outreach program called The RAVEN Project.

THE MISSION OF THE RAVEN PROJECT IS TO:

Improve the mental and physical well-being

Provide basic survival supplies

Create a network of resources and referrals

Support and advocate

Provide positive role models

And employ

The at-risk youth within the area of Humboldt County!

The RAVEN Project incorporates both county wide street outreach services and drop-in center services for youth ages 10-21. Implementing both of these methods allows services to be available to all Humboldt County youth. The RAVEN Project employs Youth Educators who work with the youth on a peer-to-peer basis providing education, counseling, and advocacy based on the needs of the individual.

DROP-IN

Drop-in Hours Sunday 1:00-5:00 Monday 5:00-9:00 Wednesday 1:00-6:00 Friday 1:00-4:00

Drop-in is a safe place for youth to rest, relax, access various services, meet new people, and/or talk with a Youth Educator their own age confidentially. At Drop-in, youth can shower, wash their clothing, eat, and more. Also, youth can get free: toiletries, clothing, shoes, blankets, condoms, and more.

The RAVEN Project’s Youth Educators can assist youth through the process of gaining employment, housing, MediCal, or food stamps. Also all youth may use The RAVEN Project’s phone or phone number, and/or address to send and receive mail and messages. In addition, The RAVEN Project’s Youth Educators can help navigate and advocate for youth with Humboldt County’s services.

OUTREACH

The RAVEN Project's street outreach component is designed to provide outreach services to youth and young adults in Humboldt County, ages 10-21, who may not be connected to the community’s resources.

During street outreach, The RAVEN Project provides basic survival supplies, health-related information, and knowledge about existing services available to youth. The RAVEN Project’s approach is guided by a harm reduction philosophy and the five promises. Meaning, The RAVEN Project advocates for education as the method for addressing issues regarding health and lifestyle choices. With this in mind, The RAVEN Project will continue to build lasting and trusting relationship by implementing a comprehensive network of support and advocacy for Humboldt County’s population of runaway and homeless youth.

GROUPS

The RAVEN Project facilitates a variety of weekly groups. These groups provide youth with a safe and comfortable environment to learn important health information, meet other youth, get peer insight, and have fun!!! ******************************************************

YOUTH GARDEN

Sundays and Fridays 1:00-4:00 pm Come dig in the dirt and learn all about gardening in our wide open back yard! Veggies, fruits, flowers, herbs and more! ********************************************************

GIRL SPACE

Wednesdays 6:30-8:30

A safe place for girls ages 10-21 which focuses on art, writing, games, community events, fieldtrips, and more. **********************************************************

QUEER COFFEE HOUSE

Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 A safe place Lesbian, Gay. Bisexual, Transgender, or questioning youth ages 10-21 which focuses on art, writing, games, community events, queer history and rights, and more. ************************************************************

ART WORKSHOP

Fridays 4:30-6:30 A place for youth ages 10-21 to express themselves artistically and to learn new projects. All supplies provided and no experience necessary. ************************************************************

DRUM CIRCLE

Sundays 5:30-7:30 A safe place for youth ages 10-21 to participate in a music group. The RAVEN Project provides over 20 instruments to inspire positive expression and recreation. No experience or knowledge of music is necessary it is just to have fun.

To Help...

As a non-profit organization , The RAVEN Project relies greatly on donations from the community and other youth service agencies. We are always in need of clothing, toiletries, food, camping gear, and financial support.

Ways to Help:

Donate your recycling to The RAVEN Project at the Eureka and Arcata Community Recycling Center. Donation Account is: 123

And shop at the Youth Service Bureau Thrift Store located at 100 W. Harris Street, Eureka (cross street is California Street)

All donations are tax deductible! We thank you for your support. ..