at risk youth agency interview

What population does Operation Safehouse typically service?

It depends on the program. We service youth from young children to adults age 25.

What overall services does Operation Safehouse provide?

Operation SafeHouse provides services for youth in crisis. Our different programs are specific to certain populations, but overall we target youth who identify as: homeless, lgbtq, transitioning into college, human trafficking victims, foster youth, experiencing stress/ depression/ anxiety.

What are the typical presenting problems treated by Operation Safehouse?

Stress, anxiety, depression, homelessness

How does Operation Safehouse provide/conduct outreach? Or in what different ways does Operation Safehouse provide community engagement opportunities?

Each program utilizes different techniques to outreach and engage with our youth and service providers. The main techniques that we utilize as a whole are: flyers, google surveys, classroom presentations, participating in outreach tabling events, tabling on school campuses, connecting with service providers via email, participating in community collaborative meetings, and hosting fundraising events.

How is Operation Safehouse funded?

Most of the programs within OSH are funded by Riverside County.

What was your introduction to Operation Safehouse?

I was first introduced to OSH as a youth in crisis. I needed to leave home due to family issues so I visited my college’s Independent Living Program coach who referred me to OSH’s Transitional Living Program.

How has the journey with Operation Safehouse been?

My journey with OSH has been challenging, exciting, and inspiring. When I participated in their TLP as a youth, I did well in the program. It helped me to establish a foundation to sustain myself once my time at the program ended. Coming back full circle as an adult, applying for a supervisor position was very exciting for me, stepping into a position I had never fulfilled before. It definitely brought its challenges which helped me to grow and evolve over the years.

What is your current role within Operation Safehouse?

I previously occupied the role of Program Coordinator for our peer-to-peer program for 4 years. I am now the Program Facilitator for the Seeking Safety program.

What are your feelings towards your work and the population served?

I am not completely fulfilled in the work that I do. From Peer-to-peer to Seeking Safety, they are classified as a Prevention and Early Intervention programs through OSH which service youth ages 16-25. In my experience this population is difficult to reach, engage with, and support, even when incentivized. Although being a positive role model for my staff has been challenging/ rewarding, I’ve found it difficult to find the true joys of servicing a population that does not want to be helped. Of course there’s the selective few who do actively engage and participate consistently, and they absolutely matter. But as a whole, I feel like I could be doing so much more.

What is the hardest part of your job?

The most difficult part of my job is nonproductivity.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part about my job is connecting with coworkers who enjoy the work that they do. It’s inspiring and gives me hope.