Youth Programs and Services

 
Youth participants from the Community Services Department "Extreme Adventures"
summer program enjoy a day of fun and adventure at Disneyland.

This web page provides information about city programs and services
for children and young adults in the community. It also includes links
to local and regional services for children, young adults and their families.

 YOUTH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (CITY OF ALHAMBRA):

After-School Playground and Gymnasium Sites: After school youth recreation programs, managed through the Community Services Department, are conducted at the nine school sites and include activities such as team and individual sports, arts and crafts, table game tournaments, four square, kickball, and new games. [Click here for more information]

Children’s Story Times:Story Times take place in the Children’s Room of the Civic Center Library with specific times set aside for families, preschoolers and toddlers. [Click here for more information] 
 

Day Care and Pre-Schools in Alhambra:   For a list, click here.

Extreme Adventures for Kids: This weekday summer program, offered through the Community Services Department, is designed to help youngsters explore their world through visual and performing arts, sports, folklore, field trips, music and lots of surprises. For more information on this program, call (626) 570-3242.
 
Family Activities Web Page: There’s always a variety of family-oriented activities taking place in and around Alhambra – no matter what time of the year it is. This city webpage lists current events that may be of interest to families. [Click here for more information] 
 
Families for Literacy: This program is part of the Alhambra Library Literacy's Adult Program. Learners in the Literacy Program who have young children are eligible to participate in Families for Literacy activities and programs. The goal of Families for Literacy is to help parents with preschool aged children develop family reading skills and habits. For more information, contact Alhambra Library Literacy at (626) 570-3281, or click here for more information.
 
Homework HELP: This program, offered through the Alhambra Civic Center Library, is provided by high school students who donate their time to help elementary students in grades 3 through 8 with homework assignments, test preparation, or research projects. Registration is required for new and returning students. Assistance is done on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information, call (626) 570-3218, or click here for more information.
 
League and Recreational Sports: The City of Alhambra Community Services Department coordinates a variety of league and recreational sports. There are leagues for Youth Baseball, ages 6-15; Little League Tennis program, ages 8-11; Flag Football League; Co-Ed Volleyball Team; Cheerleading program; Basketball.
 
Recreational sports include Aquatics, Water Aerobics, Badminton, Basketball (open-play), Bowling, Cheerleading, Dance, Drill Team, Physical Fitness, Golf, Gymnastics, Individual Sports (Horseshoes, Lawn Bowling, Martial Arts, Tennis & Table Tennis, Volleyball (open-play), and Walking. For more information, call (626) 570-3242, or check the Alhambra Community Services Leisure Services Guide. [Click here for more information.] 
 
Children's Library Activities: The Civic Center Library offers a wide range of special activities each month to coincide with holidays and general learning.  Click here for more information.
 
Police Station Tours: This program through the Alhambra Police Department provides tours to schools, youth organizations and other community groups. For more information, contact the Crime Prevention Office at (626) 570-5177.
 
Public Transportation Services: For more information, click here.
 
"Safe Haven" Program - The State of California "Safe Haven" Law (or "Safe Surrender" Law) allows a person to legally and anonymously surrender a newborn child (72 hours of age or younger)  to a designated official without fear of criminal prosecution. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has designated all Los Angeles County Fire Department stations as "Safe Haven" surrender sites, including all four Alhambra Fire Department stations. Persons who surrender a child will be given a medical questionnaire to assist medical personnel in the treatment of the infant in case a medical condition is discovered or develops at a later time. After the infant is assessed for medical needs at a local hospital, the infant will be transferred to the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). For more information about the "Safe Haven" Program, call toll-free (877) BABY-SAFE or (877) 222-9723, or click here for more information.

Safe Kids and Company: This program is designed to provide comprehensive child-safety information targeting children five to thirteen years of age. Children are taught to recognize and avoid dangerous situations, and to respond appropriately to signs of danger. The model includes several different children's safety curriculums that can be taught in individual modules or as a complete and comprehensive children's safety course. The curriculum modules include Kids and Company - child abduction and molestation prevention; Safe Moves; First Aid/CPR; D.A.R.E. - Drug Abuse Resistance Education; Baby Sitting Safety; Conflict Resolution, and Gun Safety. For additional information, call (626) 570-5177.
 
Safe Moves: This program is a unique teaching tool using props to train young children about traffic safety in a realistic setting. Props include child-sized buildings, traffic signals, and vehicles. Children traveling through Safe Moves City learn safe behaviors and how to avoid dangerous traffic hazards. The program is made possible through a generous donation by the Alhambra Exchange Club. For additional information, contact (626) 570-5177.

Teen Life Help: This web page provides resources for teens with questions about careers and jobs, health related issues, as well as resources for those experiencing a personal crisis or other emergency (such as suicide, rape or sexual assault).
 [Click here for more information.]

 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE CITY OF ALHAMBRA:
  
Fire Explorer Program: This program, associated with the Boy Scouts of America, is geared for young men and women in the community who are 15 years of age or older. It provides opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and work alongside career firefighters, paramedics, and fire prevention officers, assisting them with public education activities. Explorers typically volunteer their time on Saturdays, training and assisting with special assignments, such as open houses and community events. The program offers successful participants an opportunity for scholarships and/or sponsorship into local fire academies. For additional information, call (626) 570-3270 ext. 7056.
 
Homework HELP Learning Partners: This service, through the Civic Center Library, affords teen volunteers an opportunity to assist children with their homework, acquire skills for test preparation and use of the library’s resources so they can achieve an encouraging learning experience and establish the concept of lifelong learning. For more information, call (626) 570-3218, or click here for more information.
 
VolunTeen: This program, operated through the Civic Center Library (Children's Room), offers a great way for teens to get insight into various library careers, or simply to make a positive impact in the community. For more information, call (626) 570-3218, or click here for more information. 
  
Police Explorer Program: This program provides a means for youth, between the ages of 14 and 20, to determine through actual experience and training if they would like to pursue a career in law enforcement. Teens learn through lecture and practical experience about the day-to-day operations of the Alhambra Police Department, as well as the skills and education necessary to be a law enforcement officer. After completing the Police Explorer "Academy," Explorers may continue their relationship with the Alhambra Police Department by performing non-hazardous duties around the police station, and participating in ride-alongs with a police officer on a regular tour of duty. For more information, call (626) 570-5176.
 
Youth Commission: This ten-member advisory board is comprised of youth ages 14-20, all of whom reside in Alhambra or attend school in the city. The Commission is charged with conducting investigations and making recommendations directly to the City Council in an advisory capacity on matters pertaining to the activities or needs of Alhambra youth. It is also responsible for submitting an annual report of its work to the City Council. The Youth Commission meets the second Tuesday of the month at Joslyn Center, 6 p.m. For more information, contact Cynthia Jarvis at (626) 570-5044.
 
(As an example of one of its projects, click here to view the winner of a film production project commissioned by the City of Alhambra (California) and coordinated by the Alhambra Youth Commission (2009). The winners were students from Alhambra. The subject matter reflects Alhambra's Downtown Restaurant Row.)
   
Youth Services Counseling: Two youth services counselors (funded through CDBG funds) are provided by the City of Alhambra to provide short-term counseling (10-12 weeks) to victims of abuse, at-risk or runaway youths (and their families) who have not been petitioned into the juvenile justice system.

 LOCAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
 
ACTION (All Communities Together to Improve Our Neighborhood) is a substance abuse prevention program funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Alcohol and Drug Program Administration. Program services and activities are implemented in five cities (Alhambra, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, and El Monte) in the San Gabriel Valley area. There are six on-going school-based and community-based projects: (1) High School  Student Outreach, Referral and Education Project (PIR); (2) San Gabriel Valley Alcohol and Other Drugs Prevention Youth Coucil (YC); (3) Youth Alternative Activities and After-School Life Enrichment Project (YAA); (4) "Sober and Safe" Merchant, Community and College Student Education Project (SS); (5) San Gabriel Valley Community Anti-Drug Network (CAN); (6) Methamphetamine Prevention Collaborative (MPC) Project. For more information, contact Sam Ng, LCSW, Program Director; Wenli Jen, Ed.M., Program Coordinator (Mandarin, Cantonese); Stephanie Kang, B.A., B.S., Youth Specialist (Mandarin); Jennifer Banh, Youth Specialist (Cantonese, Vietnamese). Pacific Clinics - Asian Pacific Family Center, 9353 E. Valley Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770. Phone:  (626) 287-2988 Fax: (626) 285-5141
 
Asian American Family Enhancement Network (AAFEN): This family support program is funded by the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services. The overall goal of the program is to provide a spectrum of educational and supportive services to Asian parents and their children, in order to increase the safety and healthy development of the children in those families.  Services provided by our bilingual staff include: 

1. Telephone screening and needs assessment.
2. Case management services such as: assistance in understanding paperwork from school, welfare office; and help in identifying needed community service programs.
3. Linkage services such as: help to communicate and utilize services from counseling and treatment programs, health care providers, child care agencies, housing programs.
4. Parent education class and support group meetings.
5. Structured family activities to enhance parent-child communication and relationship.
6. Employment and vocational training support. 

This program is provided by the Asian Pacific Family Center, 9353 E. Valley Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770. For more information, call (626) 287-2988. Most of the services are provided free of charge.
 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles/Inland Empire: Provides mentorship opportunities for at-risk youth in our community. For more information, call 1-800-207-7567, or click here.
 
Boys and Girls Club of the West San Gabriel Valley: Provides age-appropriate programs on a range of specialized topics. These include POWER HOUR, which provides help with homework; SMART MOVES, so teenagers can make healthy decisions towards the prevention of Teen Pregnancy, avoidance of Drug and Alchohol usage, SMART Girls, which helps young girls to make good decisions; and TORCH CLUB, where young teens can learn about service to the Club and the community. The Club also offers programs called Peacemakers, Meditation, and Study Island. 328 S. Ramona Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91754 For more information, call (626) 573-2831; fax: (626) 573-0437, or click here.
 
CBC Education, Inc.:  Serves families with children who have autism and/or other developmental disabilities. For more information, call (626) 458-8817;  Fax: (626) 458-6073. 1154 S. Garfield Ave., Alhambra, CA 91801
 
Child Support Services of Los Angeles County:  This program exists to ensure payment of child support, so that the moral and legal responsibility of parents, and the needs of their children, are met. 5770 S. Eastern Ave. Commerce, CA 90040; Phone: (323) 889-2798 or (800) 615-8858; Fax: (323) 838-4417. Website    

Planned Parenthood: Provides information and services for individuals to make healthy, responsible decisions about sex, sexuality, and parenthood. For more information, call the Alhambra Health Center at (626) 281-1550, or click here.
 
School Community And Law Enforcement (SCALE) is a school-based program Gang prevention funded by the LA County Probation Department serving the 6th-8th grade Asian/Pacific Islander student population in the San Gabriel Valley. The overall goal of the program is to recognize youths showing “early warning signs” of gang-related and/or criminal activities through early identification and intervention, and help them fine healthier alternatives.  Services provided by our bilingual staff include: (1) Screening and needs assessment; (2) Linkage services such as: help to communicate and utilize services from counseling and treatment programs, community service programs, parent education class and support group meetings (3) Mentoring and guidance from an adult role model due to: Behavior, Attendance, Academic problems, Family, and/or Teacher conflict; (4) Providing support to parents in guiding students to a safer and more effective learning environment. Referrals can be made by submitting it in the Prevention Specialist’s school mailbox or calling the center at (626) 287-2988. This program is provided by the Asian Pacific Family Center, 9353 E. Valley Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770. For more information, please contact: Sam Ng, LCSW, Program Director; Wenli Jen, Program Coordinator; Jane Wong, Prevention Specialist.

SGV Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Prevention & Policy Youth Council: Operating through the West San Gabriel Valley Community Anti-Drug Network (Pacific Clinics – Asian Pacific Family Center), this group of teens seeks to build a healthy community by preventing drug abuse through education and advocacy. See their newsletter. 
 
Santa Anita Family Service: Affordable, professional counseling services that address mental health problems through individual, family and group counseling, education and intervention services. Services Provided: Clinical services (individual, child, family counseling); school-based services; parent education groups; drug diversion groups; outpatient drug treatment groups/counseling; adult anger management groups; adolescent anger management groups; domestic violence groups; empowerment groups; adults molested as children groups; multi-family groups; adolescent groups; case management services; in-home supportive services; Asian hotline; information and referral; drug testing; and more. 121 S. Santa Anita St., San Gabriel, CA 91776 Phone: (626) 308-1414; FAX: (626) 308-1818. Website
 
United Way: Works with partner organizations to provide for basic needs, job training, educational achievement, and increasing financial stability for low-income and poverty-stricken individuals and families. United Way of Greater San Gabriel Valley, 5121 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 206, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Phone: (818) 574-3912. Website 
 
West San Gabriel Valley YMCA: The YMCA offers a wide range of programs intended to build healthy kids, healthy families and healthy communities. Services include day camps, aquatics, sports, aerobics and fitness programs. For more information, contact the West San Gabriel Valley YMCA, 401 E. Corto St., Alhambra 91801 (626) 576-0226; fax: wsgv.ymca@gmail.com;  Website 

YMCA-WINGS (Domestic Violence Services): If you know someone who needs help, call WINGS 24-hour help line at 626-967-0658. Website   
 
 YOUTH JOB TRAINING/EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Career Partners: Serves as a Certified One-Stop Center, recognized by Los Angeles County, the State of California and the U.S. Government, that joins with employers, employees and job seekers to optimize workforce solutions. Its youth programs include employment competency enhancement for both in- and out-of-school youths, along with year-round and summer employment opportunities. Rosemead Office Service area: Alhambra, Monterey Park, City of Bell, Temple City, San Gabriel, Montebello, Rosemead), 3505 N. Hart Avenue, Suite 116, Rosemead, CA 91770. For more information, call (626) 572-7272. Website

Chicana Service Action Center: Provides secretarial business courses (and on-the-job training positions); nontraditional employment program for women in the building trades; youth comprehensive center/education and employment; a 24-hour bilingual domestic hotline; and other programs that foster empowerment and self-sufficiency. Job Opportunities Hotline: (800) 843-9675 Job training and placement. Bilingual.

Chinatown Service Center: Job skills training and job placement. Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and English spoken. M-F 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For additional information, call (213) 972-8840. Website
 
East L.A. Skills Center:  FREE vocational skills classes and placement. English classes. GED classes. Bilingual. M-Th 7a.m.-8 p.m.; F 7:30 a.m. -4 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Website

Women at Work: Serves as a career and job resource center serving a broad spectrum of women in the greater Los Angeles area, helping each individual to recognize and attain her full employment and earnings potential by providing job and career resources in a supportive environment. 3871 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. Phone: 626-796-6870; Fax: 626-793-7396. Website 

 ADDITIONAL WEB RESOURCES:
 
Asian Pacific Family Center - Counseling service for children and families
Care.com -  Provides helpful resources for finding caregivers
Internet Public Library for Teens - Information re. life, school friends and work
KidsPriorityOne.org - Connects children & families with community resources
TeenlineOnline.org - A website operated by teens for teens
4kids.org - Link to the latest "TecKNOWLEGEy" on the web
TheKidzPage.com - Children's activities, games, puzzles, clip art and more
Crayola Kids Home Page - Games, arts & crafts, card creator, and more 
Cyber Sleuth Kids Home Page - Search guide for K-12 grade students
Discovery School Home Page - Includes B.J. Pinchbeck's Homework Helper
FDA Kids Home Page - Learn about health & diseases, food choices, animals, and more
KidsClick! - Web Search Tool for Kids by Librarians
Library of Congress - America's Story - Stories about America's past 
Nasa Kids Home Page - Learn about space, science, rockets, astronauts, solar system, etc.
PBS Kids - Games, stories, music, coloring and more
"Quotable Quotes" Library - From the Josephson Institute of Ethics
Scholarship Help Web Site - Learn the "ins and outs" of applying for a scholarship
Scholastic Kids Home Page - Games, contests, books, "homework hub," preschool playground
American Civil War Home Page - A great wealth of information about the Civil War
The Orange Cat - Calendar, newsletter, tips and advice for San Gabriel Valley families.
Yahooligans - Web Guide for Kids