CommUnify, Santa Barbara County, and the cities of Carpinteria, Santa Barbara and Goleta will host Empower Youth: Inspiring Positive Paths Forward, 1-5 p.m. Thursday, May 23 at Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave
The event is free to attend, but participants should register ahead of time or use QR code included in the media alert as capacity is limited.
The program will provide the community with updates and collaborative ideas on how to address youth safety in Santa Barbara’s South County.
The South Coast Youth Safety Partnership (SCYSP) is a regional collaborative that includes the Santa Barbara County; the cities of Goleta, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria; along with elected officials, local government agencies and executives, law enforcement, education, faith community, philanthropic and community-based organizations, youth and parents.
SCYSP’s mission is to improve and support the safety and quality of life for youth, families and community.
The event features keynote speaker Calli Kelsay. An ambassador for HOPE – Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences, Kelsay will discuss how positive experiences can ease toxic stress and help children and youth grow into more resilient, healthier adults.
Organizations and the public will have a chance to hear directly from youths in our community during the panel discussion, through such organizations as YouthWell, AHA, and CommUnify’s Familias Seguras/Secure Families program.
The nonprofit Freedom4Youth will provide food during the event.