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Youth Services

What Services do we provide?

We provide a variety of programs and supportive services to youth at risk, runaway or experiencing homelessness to heal, grow, and thrive. Services include:
  • Food & Clothing
  • Shower & Laundry Facility
  • Emergency Shelter and Transitional Living Program
  • Individual and Family Therapy
  • Substance Prevention/Intervention Counseling
  • Education Support
  • Employment Readiness
  • Life Skills Training
  • Support Groups
  • Case Management & Referral Services
  • Recreational Opportunities
  • Youth Action Board

Safe House

Safe House offers up to 21 days of emergency shelter and supportive services for youth ages 12-17 experiencing homelessness, running away or at risk.

Opportunity House

Opportunity House provides up to 21 months of shelter and supportive services to youth ages 18 to 21, and emancipated youth ages 16-17, who are at risk or experiencing homelessness to prepare them for independent living. Opportunity House also provides 30 days of emergency shelter to youth ages 22-25.

Drop-in Center

Our drop-in center, The Spot, is open 8:30 to 5:00, Monday through Friday, and provides critical services to youth ages 12 to 25. The Spot offers three meals a day, shower and laundry facilities, clothing closet, computer lab, and it is the hub of all services including Case Management and referrals to shelters and other services.

TAY (Transitional Age Youth)

TAY is a youth centered case management program. Case management includes access to basic needs, finding short-term and long-term housing, education and career development, physical and emotional wellbeing, and social connections.

Youth Action Board (YAB)

The mission of the YAB is to be the voice of homeless and at-risk youth, building connections, spreading awareness, and advocating for action to impact youth facing housing disparities. If you want to support YAB, become a member, or request a presentation from the YAB, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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We Can Help

PREVAIL is dedicated to providing immediate crisis intervention and ongoing supportive services to youth who are at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. All PREVAIL services are free and confidential. You are not alone. We are here to help.

TAY (Transition Age Youth)

Are you between the ages of 16-25?

Do you need help making a successful transition to adulthood? Our TAY Program can help!

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Shelters

Shelters ensure the safety and well-being of our participants by providing a safe space, food, clothing, and supportive services for a healthy change.

Safe Place
We have designated Safe Place locations!
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Clinical Therapy
Clinical therapy is a space for children, youth, and families to process adversity, trauma, and overall life challenges. The goal of therapy is to lessen the impact of these obstacles and to develop insight, perspective, and gain coping skills.
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Substance Use
The substance abuse program provides individual and group substance abuse counseling. Groups counseling focuses on prevention and education methods in addition to intervention methods. Individual counseling is also provided as an intervention service, focusing on such topics as, harm reduction, treatment, relapse prevention, and recovery tools.
Peer Support & Groups
Peer counseling provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for individuals to process their experiences and receive helpful psychoeducation by a state-certified program specialist. We also offer groups that focus on a variety of topics including emotional support, healthy relationships, skill-building, self-esteem, and other helpful topics to promote safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency.

Get Help Now

Our trained advocates are available to talk confidentially with at-risk youth, youth in crisis or anyone seeking resources or information. We provide safe havens and free, confidential services to help individuals heal and transition into life off the streets.

The 24-Hour Helpline provides immediate help to individuals, families, and young people in emotional crisis. Our skilled Crisis Specialists can assist with safety planning, shelter resources, supportive services, and refer to outside community partners.

Get Help Now

Frequently Asked Questions about Youth Services

Why do youth become homeless or runaways?

Family problems: Many youths run away, and in turn become homeless, due to problems in the home, including physical and sexual abuse, mental health disorders of a family member, substance abuse and addiction of a family member, and parental neglect. In some cases, youths are asked to leave the home because the family is unable to provide for their specific mental health or disability needs. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ youth population can be more vulnerable to homelessness, as 40% of homeless youth fall into this population. Oftentimes, the families of individuals who identify as LGBTQ are not supportive, and therefore, the home is not a safe place. Still, some youths are pushed out of their homes because their parents cannot afford to care for them.

Transitions from foster care and other public systems: Youths who have been involved in the foster care system are more likely to become homeless at an earlier age and remain homeless for a longer period. Youths aging out of the foster care system often have little or no income support and limited housing options and are at higher risk to end up on the streets. Youths that live in residential or institutional facilities often become homeless upon discharge. In addition, very few homeless youths can seek housing in emergency shelters due to the lack of shelter beds for young people and shelter admission policies.

Economic problems: Some youths become homeless when their families fall into difficult financial situations resulting from lack of affordable housing, difficulty obtaining or maintaining a job, or lack of medical insurance or other benefits. These youths become homeless with their families, but later can find themselves separated from them and/or living on the streets alone, often due to shelter or child welfare policies.

How many kids run away each year?
In 2002, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention estimated that 1.6 million youths run away in a year in the United States. The Research Triangle Institute studied runaway youths in 1995 and estimated that 2.8 million youths in the United States had a runaway experience during the previous year.
Is there a typical runaway?
No. Kids from every socio-economic area run away from home. On average, most runaways are girls, and the average age is 16.
If I decide to participate in the Safe House Program, will my parents be notified?
Yes. Unless there is a significant threat to the youth’s safety, by law, we must notify parents within 72 hours of shelter entrance.
Do youth clients pay for services?
No. Youth are not expected to pay for any of the services they receive from any of the Youth Services programs. To build financial literacy skills and encourage money management, the Opportunity House shelter program mandates a savings plan, but each young person’s contributions are returned to them in full when they complete the program.
What do I need to bring to a shelter?
If possible, clothing can be brought with you to shelter. Emergency clothing can be provided to those who have no extra clothing. It is not recommended that any item of value be brought into shelter. All food and hygiene items are provided to all youth residents. Cell phones are not allowed at Safe House emergency shelter and will be locked up until program exit.
Where are the youth shelters located?

During normal business hours, all the Youth Service Programs, including access to shelters, are located at 729 N California Street in Stockton. After hours, youth may access Safe House emergency shelter at 436 E Flora Street in Stockton.

How can at-risk or homeless youth access your services?
Youth can access program services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Points of entry include our 24/7 helpline (209-948-1911), our emergency shelter and during normal business hours, our youth drop-in center. Staff members at each of these sites are trained to link youth on the street with additional services in the County as necessary.
What do I do if I see a youth on the street that could use help?
Tell them about PREVAIL! They should call our toll-free number (209-948-1911) to be linked with a hot meal and a warm bed that night.

Youth Services Resources