Outreach Team
“Building Rapport, Becoming a Resource To South Tahoe Youth”

The Street Outreach Team is a dynamic group of youth and adults who act as resources to youth in local hang outs such as the arcades in the casino’s, Rec. centers and at school, lunch break. We also go out to various community activities where youth may be present. The outreach team will be happy to come to your organization or school to do outreach. Please contact us at (530) 541-2445 ext. 105.

We hire youth between the ages of 16 to 20. Tahoe Youth & Family Services Street Outreach Team Volunteer Duties:

• Follow Polices and Procedures of TYFS and the Street Outreach Team
• Attend all outreach staff meetings and trainings
• Work at least four outreach shifts per month
• Be available to fill in for activities and shifts as they come up

In order to move into a paid position, a volunteer must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Fulfill all volunteer duties regularly and consistently for at least one month
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding (through a discussion with the outreach coordinator) of resources available to youth in need of help with:
  • Shelter
  • Drug and alcohol addiction
  • Domestic or partner violence
  • Pregnancy/STD’s/Birth control
  • Sexual identity
  • Suicide/Depression
  • Anger Management
• Demonstrate the ability to confidently and sensitively approach and speak with a diversity of youth during street outreach.
• Be able to articulate the mission of the Street Outreach Team.
• Demonstrate a good attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to be part of the team.

Bonus (things that can move you into a paid position faster)

• Demonstrate the ability to confidently and sensitively approach and speak with a diversity of youth during street outreach.
• Coming up with new ideas and projects for the team.
• Implementing an idea or project you have for the team.

Our goal is to support youth who have unstable lives with a listening ear and referrals to agencies and organizations that can help them. If you are interested in becoming a member of this team please call the Outreach Coordinator at (530) 541-2445 ext. 105.

Referrals
Any family or youth that is homeless or has run away can receive services through Tahoe Youth & Family Services.  If you know of a youth who is in danger of running away or is “raising themselves” they can meet with someone  who can help connect them with services before their situation escalates to a crisis.  Call the outreach coordinator at 530.541.2445 ext.105.

Project Safe Place
The South Tahoe community has come together to provide safe haven and crisis intervention for youth.  Any youth can go into an establishment displaying the yellow and black Safe Place sign and receive immediate assistance through Tahoe Youth & Family Services’ 24-hour crisis intervention program.  Youth or parents can also call the toll-free crisis line 24-hours a day at 1-800-870-8937.

Community Youth Development
Involving youth in their communities is on of the most important approaches to helping youth develop a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and power.  Involving the creative energy of youth in our outreach program empowers them and ensures that our services are relevant and useful to local youth.

Getting Involved
If your business or place of work is interested in becoming a “Safe Place,” call the outreach coordinator at 530-541.2445 ext.105  to set up a short training session.