AAAWLC offers vital services for the most vulnerable within the central valley community. The Youth in the city of Stockton are often victims of gun violence due to the lack of youth activities and social services. The city has recently experienced a 68% increase in homicides, from 50 in 2019 to 84 in 2020. It is proven that exposure to community violence has an impact on the emotional, behavioral, and mental health of children and youth. Since 2016, AAAWLC has been serving youth as a direct service provider to overcome barriers, build trust, strengthen resilience, encourage transformation, and ensure youth have the tools to thrive. AAAWLC has experience creating and implementing programs that advance youth mental health, healing, advocacy, and diversion programs.
Through your support “Wonka’s Crib”, which is a youth center designed by Stockton’s youth, will continue to serve youth and families. The organization has worked with youth to build out peer mentorship services as well as peer support groups, a recording studio and volunteers and staff with audio engineering experience, creative outlets and content creation corners, mental health and wellness outlets, and provide advocacy.