A smiling woman with dreadlocks stands outdoors, wearing a gray sweater and blue jeans, in front of a graffiti-covered wall on a bright, sunny day.

Serving the future of Sacramento

A young woman with dark hair wearing a hooded sweatshirt, standing outside next to a textured wall with graffiti, with a shadow cast on the wall. In the background, there are parked cars, a tree with leafless branches, and a clear blue sky.

Providing youth ages 14-24 with life-changing tools and meaningful experiences to help them build a hopeful future.

Sacramento Youth Center
Young man with dark hair smiling while looking down, standing in front of a colorful graffiti wall.
Young man with curly hair and glasses making rock hand gestures in a room with shelves and electronic devices

The Sacramento Youth Center is so much more than a safe place for students. We offer mentoring programs, workforce training, one-on-one support and so much more. We want to make sure all youth have the opportunities and experiences they need to have hope for their future.

Sacramento Youth Center

2025

IMPACT

The numbers and outcomes behind our youth forward approach to mental and behavioral health.

A diverse group of people at a gaming arcade, with one person wearing bright blue sunglasses and a gray T-shirt, watching a screen.
Gray sketch of a smiley face with one eye as an X, a heart-shaped eye, and a curved smile.

real youth. Real Change.

Our Impact in 2025

From our drop-in center, mentoring groups, one-on-one mentoring, and distributing resources, Sacramento Youth Center meets young people where that are at.

Red outline drawing of a multi-story office building with multiple windows and a small antenna on the roof.

614

Unique Youth Visited the Drop-In Center

Icon of a graduation cap above an open book

467

Students Mentored

Two women talking, with speech bubble above them.

161

Youth Received One-on-One Case management

Red dumbbell with black handles

2,107

Youth Resourced with mental and behavioral health resources

Our programs help youth build the skills, confidence and support systems they need to thrive.

what changed

Outcomes that matter

A young woman wearing a headscarf and denim jacket is talking to another woman with a volunteer badge. Several people sit in the background at an indoor event.

94%

of youth say they have the tools to make healthy decisions around substance use

86%

of youth report that their emotional wellness grew during the program

A young woman and a woman with long blonde hair high-five each other indoors, with two women sitting on the floor and smiling in the background.

Greatest gains were in

Occupational and intellectual wellness

Group of six smiling people standing outside in a grassy field with trees in the background, wearing casual clothing, some with hats, posing for a photo with one person's arm raised.

Youth are building brighter futures

Youth reported growth in confidence, goal-setting, healthy decision-making and readiness for school, work and life. The strongest gains appeared in occupational and intellectual wellness, showing progress in long-term planning, career exploration or learning skills.

growth that lasts

What we offer

  • A person is giving a presentation on stage in front of an audience in a theater or auditorium. There is a large screen behind them and a table with beverages to the side. The audience is seated in tiered rows and paying attention.

    Mentoring Programs based on 8 Dimensions of Wellness

    Our mentoring program focuses on self-awareness, goal-setting, communication, trust and productive life skills for teens and young adults.

  • A black and white photo of a woman with blonde hair showing a smartphone to a man with dark hair wearing glasses and a black jacket. Several other people are in the background.

    Peer Specialist Services

    We help students overcome their trauma, through mentors who share their lived experience.

  • A group of kids sitting and playing Jenga in a room with bookshelves, a large TV, and a white cabinet.

    A Safe Welcoming Space to Be In

    We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where youth can feel safe, valued, and empowered to express themselves freely.

  • Three people working on an archaeological digging site, carefully excavating a long, narrow trench in the soil.

    Job training

    We offer comprehensive job training that includes developing essential soft skills and gaining hands-on experience by working in our cafe. This dual approach equips our youth with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce.

Media Spotlights

Get involved

  • Group of diverse young people on a stage in front of a red curtain, posing for a group photo.

    Volunteer

    Donate your time and invest in the youth.

  • Group of people standing and sitting in an indoor event space with wooden ceiling, ductwork, and wall art. Some people are holding large checks. There are decorations and a timeline on the wall.

    Donate

    Support the youth of Sacramento.

Our sponsors