Empowerment Program
In collaboration with the Contra Costa County Probation Department, our CCCOE Youth Services Empowerment Program provides educational and career services for juvenile justice-involved youth as well as youths at-risk of involvement. Through our collaborative work with Deputy Probation Officers, Social Workers, Public Defenders, and schools, reentry service providers are able to provide in-custody and/or out-of-custody youths with:
- Individualized case planning
- Facilitated referrals and warm hand-offs to COE Workforce Youth Services Specialists
- Case Management Services
Case Managers help youths navigate the educational system, advocate for school enrollment, and have access to post high school career development services.
Services Provided
Services Provided![]()
Services Provided
Academic Support
- Identification of educational needs and goals
- Identification of barriers to educational success and potential methods for overcoming those
- Advocacy to ensure proper enrollment in school or access to educational services
- Assist in facilitation of enrollment, request for transcripts or records, and State minimum credit eligibility screening
Job Exploration Counseling (Career Awareness and Exploration Activities)
- Provide career and transition assessments to identify interests and goals
- Assist in exploration of strengths, interests, and abilities and how those may lead to a job
- Inform youths of jobs and industries in the local area
Post-Secondary Educational Support
- Help transition from high school to post-secondary education and/or training
- Explore career and post-secondary education options
- Discover post-secondary education resources
- Assist with application and enrollment processes
- Identify financial aid options
- Identify technology needs
Work Readiness Training
- Train youths on soft skills needed for successful employment, interviewing techniques, resume development, and financial literacy
- Provide application assistance
- Teach youths how to search and apply for jobs
Information on Youth Programs and Community Resources
- Provide youths with brochures, flyers, and other applicable information and resources
Self-Advocacy
- Provide guidance to develop skills of self-awareness and goal-setting
- Utilization of available resources and support systems
- Taking a role in IEP, 504, and other person-centered planning processes
Outreach
- Outreach is linked to the mission of reintegration. Methods include home visits, calls, e-mail, and post mail
Empowerment Program Contacts
Empowerment Program Contacts![]()
Empowerment Program Contacts
TITLE | NAME | PHONE |
Youth Services Supervisor | Lesi Valenzuela | (925) 942-3391 |
Youth Services Specialist I - PUSD | Adriel Rodriguez Soto | (925) 942-3490 |
Youth Services Specialist I - LUHSD | Alicia Franklin | (925) 942-3314 |
Youth Services Specialist I - WCCUSD | Jonathan Gonzalez | (925) 942-3444 |
Youth Services Specialist I - AUSD | Luis Serrano | (925) 942-5365 |
Youth Services Specialist I - MDUSD | Magdalena Montalvo | (925) 942-3362 |