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Youth empowerment programs are holistic support systems designed to help young people build confidence, independence, and resilience. These programs offer essential tools and resources that help youth navigate the challenges of education, employment, housing, and mental health, especially for those facing systemic barriers or who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or trauma.
At their core, youth empowerment programs are about providing more than temporary aid. They create opportunities for young people to grow into self-sufficient adults by offering access to:
By addressing real-life barriers and meeting youth where they are, these programs empower participants to take control of their futures. In Los Angeles County, where thousands of transition-age youth face housing instability and limited support systems, these services are essential. Through comprehensive youth programs like those offered here at Penny Lane Centers, young people receive the guidance, encouragement, and resources they need to thrive.
Youth in Los Angeles County face a complex web of challenges that can make the transition to adulthood especially difficult. From housing insecurity to mental health struggles, the need for comprehensive youth empowerment programs is urgent and growing.
In 2023, over 3,700 transition-age youth (ages 18–25) were experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County. Many of these young people are aging out of foster care without the support systems needed to achieve stability. Foster care involvement remains a strong predictor of housing instability, increasing the risk of homelessness and unemployment after leaving the system.
Mental health is another critical concern for transition-age youth in LA County. A recent RAND survey revealed that 57% reported serious mental illness. Additionally, 25% had no high school diploma, 1 in 4 were young parents, and 1 in 3 had been involved in the justice system. These statistics paint a stark picture of the obstacles many young people face without access to wraparound services.
Substance use is also a growing crisis. According to the LA County Department of Public Health, 17% of residents aged 12 and older are affected by substance use disorders. In 2024 alone, the county reported 2,500 overdose-related deaths, many of which impacted young people directly or indirectly.
For LGBTQ+ youth, identity-based discrimination and isolation can create additional hurdles. Without affirming environments or access to supportive resources, these young people are at higher risk of housing instability, depression, and unsafe living situations.
These overlapping challenges make youth empowerment services more than a helpful option, they are a lifeline. Programs that offer stable housing, mental health support, mentorship, and community connection are essential for building brighter futures across Los Angeles County.
At Penny Lane Centers, youth empowerment programs are built on a heart-centered, trauma-informed foundation. We offer more than just services, we provide a safe space where young people are seen, heard, and supported as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. The model is holistic, inclusive, and identity-affirming, designed to meet youth where they are and walk alongside them on the path to stability and self-sufficiency.
Support is not one-size-fits-all. Every young person receives individualized care, informed by their lived experiences and goals. Whether someone needs access to mental health services, transitional housing, substance use recovery, or employment support, Penny Lane offers an integrated system of care grounded in client-led decision-making.
Young people can progress through a full continuum of services, from walk-in TAY Centers to transitional housing, life skills training, and job placement programs. Each step is supported by staff and peer mentors who reflect the diverse communities they serve.
As seen in the 2024 Impact Report, our influence grew significantly:
These outcomes aren’t just numbers, they reflect real lives transformed. One example is Levi, a young person who once accessed services at a Penny Lane center and now works as a peer mentor. Through lived experience, Levi offers guidance, encouragement, and a powerful example of what’s possible when young people are supported with care and dignity.
Our youth empowerment services continue to grow in reach and impact, helping young people build the skills, confidence, and community they need to thrive.
We provide a wide range of youth empowerment services that meet the diverse needs of young people across Los Angeles County. Each program is designed to offer not just resources, but connection, dignity, and long-term support. Below is an overview of the core services available.
The TAY (Transition Age Youth) Centers are safe, welcoming spaces where homeless or at-risk youth can drop in for immediate support. Services include meals, showers, laundry, case management, peer mentorship, and access to mental health or housing resources. Youth can walk in without an appointment and begin building a pathway to stability.
Our transitional housing for former foster youth (THPP-NMD) provides safe, supportive living environments where young adults can develop independent living skills. Youth work with dedicated case managers to set personal goals, secure employment, and prepare for long-term housing stability
Through its SUD (Substance Use Disorder) Program, Penny Lane offers therapy, recovery support, and harm reduction services for youth struggling with addiction or co-occurring mental health challenges. Services are trauma-informed and youth-driven, ensuring each individual receives care tailored to their needs and pace.
The Embracing Identities program supports LGBTQ+ youth and others exploring or affirming their identities. Offerings include group sessions, one-on-one counseling, and specialized case management, all within a space designed to honor and uplift each participant’s sense of self.
Through the Employment Support Program, youth receive help with vocational assessments, resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. These services empower young people to enter the workforce with confidence and build meaningful careers.
Our youth empowerment programs go beyond basic services, they equip young people with the skills, confidence, and emotional support they need to thrive in everyday life. The focus is not only on survival, but on helping youth build the tools to navigate adulthood with resilience and purpose.
Through wellness workshops, peer-led support groups, and life skills training, young people learn how to live independently, make informed decisions, and care for their mental well-being. Topics include financial literacy, navigating health systems, managing emotions, building social connections, and setting long-term goals.
Practical support is paired with joyful, community-centered programming. As listed on our events calendar, recent offerings have included “Adulting 101” classes, open mic nights, holiday gatherings, and expressive art workshops, all designed to create fun and supportive spaces where youth can relax, connect, and grow.
These peer activities build trust, leadership, and community. Whether it’s a themed event that allows self-expression or a group workshop on housing rights, each experience helps youth feel seen, empowered, and ready to face the real world. This combination of structure and celebration is a hallmark of the Penny Lane approach, one that meets young people’s practical needs while nurturing their emotional and social development.
There are many ways you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people across Los Angeles County. Whether you have time, resources, or a network to share, your support can help youth build brighter futures.
If you're ready to get involved, contact us at Penny Lane Centers. Together, we can continue to uplift youth, amplify their voices, and invest in a stronger, more equitable future.
