About Us
Youth Spirit Artworks started in 2007 as a response to the challenges faced by Alameda County’s transitional age youth impacted by adversity, economic and housing challenges.
We provide holistic engagement, intervention and opportunity offering transitional housing, leadership development utilizing Art as Therapy and by celebrating Youth Empowerment in community, beauty, land, history and freedom.
Our vision is that transitional age youth (16-25) will emerge centered, joyful and thriving in the world.
Our mission is to create spaces of safety, dignity and belonging for healing, transition, growth and development of TQBIPOC youth experiencing various vulnerabilities and challenges.
We believe all youth are capable of healing through a process of support, self-understanding, learning, reconciliation and liberation.
Our Model
Housing
- 12 month Transitional Housing Program for youth 18-25
- Housing Clinics
- 1:1 Housing Navigation
- After care
Healing & Personal Development
- Wellness Support & Life Skills Development
- Equine Therapy
- Healing & Job Clinics
- Youth Advisory Board
- Leadership Pathways
Events & Belonging
- Art as Therapy workshops
- Cultural events celebrating history & identities
- Murals & place making
- Connection & resilience in nature
- Healing Clinics non western modalities
YSA Transitional Village Program
We believe that if we offer Transitional Housing, along with trauma responsive holistic services focused on healing, recovery and intervention in every dimension of wellness, we can support youth launch towards a future prepared to enter permanent housing and opportunities.
We offer opportunity to find permanent housing, career and personal goals success through case management, housing navigation, healing modalities, skills training and life skills development.
Board of Directors
jasmine
braxton
chair
tom
mcaninley
vice chair
randall
hudson
Treasurer
Alexandra
Childs
board member
AniKa
dokes
board member
Suzanne
chui sutton
board member
Frank
buffum
board member
valerie
r. silva
board member
With a youthful spirit we acknowledge the visionary and pioneering work of Sally Hindman, YSA’s founder. We salute her contributions to the arts and cultural social fabric, and for connecting that fabric to the community development of Alameda County, and we wish her all the best in pursuit of her vision in new endeavors.
- The YSA Board, December 2022.
