The Epicenter exists to empower at-risk and system involved youth ages 16-24 to flourish by connecting them to community resources that provide opportunities for equity and hope in order to improve youth outcomes in Monterey County. Their on-site services revolve around four pillars: Housing, Health/Wellness, Education and Employment.

Working in small groups of two to five, they organize events and coordinate community outreach programs such as our Healthy Hike and Art Night, as well as support the day-today activities at the Epicenter. We strive to create an environment where local youth feel accepted and supported, and through those relationships connect them to appropriate resources and services at the Epicenter.

The Epicenter is a youth-led and youth-run organization that works towards empowering at-risk youth by providing them with a onestop resource center. One of the ways they are able to provide multiple resources is by having co-located staff on site. Co-located staff are employees of other agencies that provide their services at our center.

They strengthen the development of Foster Youth Leadership body (Youth Council) by enhancing recruitment, identifying needs, and setting attainable goals to benefit not only those involved in our Leadership body but all those who are part of the Foster Youth Community in our County. This is done through an authentic youth engagement model with a strong emphasis on peer mentorship and support.

Please support this worthy program generously.