OVERVIEW
Youth Healing Guided by Kinship
Project Kinship’s youth services are designed to help young people feel connected, supported, and empowered at every stage of their journey. From school-based intervention and enrichment to community-centered programming and reentry support, our approach is rooted in healing, opportunity, relationships, and belonging.
Through our School-Based Programs, Project Kinship partners with schools across Orange County to create safer, more connected, and trauma-informed learning environments. Our Restorative Practices Intervention Specialists (RPIS) and Youth Intervention Specialists (YIS) work directly with students, families, educators, and community partners to address barriers that can impact a young person’s success. Through restorative circles, conflict mediation, mentoring, caregiver engagement, gang and violence intervention, reentry support, and individualized case management, our teams help students strengthen relationships, remain connected to school, and move toward positive outcomes.
The Kinship Center extends that support beyond the school day by providing young people with a welcoming drop-in space where they can connect, learn, grow, and be themselves. Through after-school and weekend programming, academic support, life skills development, restorative circles, workshops, enrichment activities,
leadership opportunities, and community events, the Kinship Center creates a space where youth voices are valued and meaningful relationships can grow. It serves as a hub for connection, creativity, opportunity, and belonging.
For youth and young adults who are currently involved with the juvenile justice system or returning to the community after involvement, the Youth Transformation Program (YTP) provides individualized reentry support designed to help each young person build a strong path forward. Our team provides advocacy, case management, mentoring, and connections to services based on each participant’s strengths, needs, and goals. Support may include mental health and substance use counseling, life skills development, academic and school reengagement, employment preparation, violence intervention, family support, and connections to community resources.
Together, Project Kinship’s youth programs create a connected network of support that meets young people where they are—in schools, in the community, and during critical transitions. By surrounding youth with trusted relationships, meaningful opportunities, and the resources they need to succeed, we help young people strengthen their sense of belonging, discover their potential, and build brighter futures.
Youth PROGRAMS
Programs for Every Stage of Youth Growth
SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS
Creating stronger connections. Building safer schools. Helping youth thrive.
Project Kinship partners with schools across Orange County to make sure young people feel seen, supported, connected, and capable of succeeding.
Across 35 school campuses, our teams work directly with students, families, educators, and community partners to address the challenges that can get in the way of a young person’s success. Through relationship-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and restorative approaches, we help students strengthen relationships, overcome barriers, and stay connected to their education.
Project Kinship currently partners with school districts throughout Orange County, including SAUSD, GGUSD, NMUSD, FJUHSD, and OVSD, serving students across 35 campuses.
