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Too many young people in Los Angeles face overwhelming challenges. Nationwide, 4.2 million youth experience homelessness each year, and LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to be affected (NCSL). These realities make youth development programs essential for giving at-risk youth safe spaces, resources, and hope.
At Penny Lane Centers, this mission has guided us since 1969, when our founder Ivelise Markovits created a safe home for teen girls who had been left without care. What began as one home has grown into a network of services designed to help youth heal, learn, and thrive.
This guide continues her vision, offering families and communities insight into the programs that change lives and the values of commitment, community, and collaboration that define our work.
A youth development program is more than just an after-school activity. It is a structured initiative designed to guide young people through the challenges of adolescence while preparing them for adulthood. These programs focus on holistic growth, addressing the full spectrum of a young person’s needs: social, emotional, cognitive, and vocational.
At their core, youth development programs create safe and supportive environments where youth can build confidence, learn practical skills, and form meaningful connections. They combine mentorship, education, and community support to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their background or circumstances.
By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term growth, these programs equip at-risk youth with the tools to succeed in school, pursue careers, and contribute positively to their communities.
While youth development programs can look very different across communities, the most effective ones share a common foundation. National models like the 4-H program emphasize “Essential Elements” that define what a high-quality program should offer. These elements give families a framework to evaluate whether a program will truly nurture their child’s growth.
Strong mentorship is at the heart of every effective youth development program. A consistent relationship with a trusted adult provides encouragement, guidance, and accountability. For many at-risk youth, this may be the first time they feel truly seen and supported by someone outside their family. Having a mentor helps youth believe in their potential and gives them the confidence to take steps toward a brighter future.
Children cannot thrive unless they feel safe. Quality programs create inclusive spaces where all youth, regardless of background, identity, or life experience, are welcomed and respected. A safe environment gives young people the freedom to express themselves, take healthy risks, and learn without fear of judgment. This sense of belonging builds resilience and empowers them to engage fully in the opportunities provided.
Young people need chances to explore their interests and build new skills. Whether it is academic tutoring, art, sports, or vocational training, mastery allows them to see measurable progress and build self-esteem. Developing competence in different areas motivates continued learning and perseverance. These experiences also prepare youth for future educational success and career readiness, giving them practical tools to thrive as adults.
When youth are given ways to contribute to their communities, they develop a sense of purpose and responsibility. Service projects, peer mentorship, and leadership roles allow them to see the positive impact they can make in the lives of others. These opportunities help youth recognize their value, develop empathy, and build a lasting commitment to civic engagement and community well-being.
The best programs encourage youth to make their own choices, set personal goals, and shape their futures. Self-determination means giving young people a voice in decisions that affect their lives and teaching them how to advocate for themselves. When youth are trusted to take ownership, they build independence, resilience, and confidence that will carry them into adulthood.
One of the most respected frameworks in the field comes from researchers at Tufts University and is featured by Harvard. It explains that the goal of youth development is not just to keep young people safe, but to nurture six key outcomes known as the “6 C’s.” Together, these outcomes describe what it means for youth to grow into healthy, capable, and engaged adults.
Competence refers to the skills young people develop in school, sports, the arts, and other activities. It goes beyond academics, including social and practical abilities that help them adapt in different environments. When youth feel capable in these areas, they are better prepared to navigate challenges, make good decisions, and build strengths that will serve them throughout life.
Confidence is a young person’s sense of self-worth and belief in their abilities. It grows when they are given opportunities to succeed and when they receive encouragement from adults and peers. With strong confidence, youth develop the courage to take on new challenges, learn from setbacks, and trust themselves to pursue future goals.
Connection means building strong and positive bonds with peers, family members, mentors, and the wider community. These relationships create a foundation of trust and belonging that helps young people feel supported, valued, and safe. With meaningful connections, youth are less likely to feel isolated and more likely to engage positively with others.
Character is about developing integrity, responsibility, and respect for others. Programs that encourage honesty, ethical choices, and accountability help youth understand the importance of doing what is right, even when it is difficult. With strong character, young people are better prepared to become reliable, compassionate, and engaged adults.
Caring and compassion represent empathy and concern for others. These traits are strengthened when youth are encouraged to consider the feelings and needs of those around them. Practicing kindness and service allows them to grow into adults who not only recognize hardship but also take action to support those who are struggling.
Contribution is the culmination of the other five C’s. It reflects a young person’s ability to give back to their family, school, and community in meaningful ways. When youth feel competent, confident, connected, and caring, they are more likely to use those strengths to create positive change and build stronger, healthier communities for everyone.
Finding the Right Programs for At-Risk Youth in Los Angeles County
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When families search for support, the most effective options are often local programs tailored to a community’s unique needs. The reality is that not every young person faces the same challenges. Some struggle with homelessness, trauma, or the absence of family support. These circumstances require more than general services; they demand specialized care and safe spaces where youth can heal and grow.
That is why programs for at-risk youth are so essential in Los Angeles County. They provide not only the basics, like food and shelter, but also the emotional, educational, and vocational guidance that helps young people rebuild their sense of stability and purpose.
At Penny Lane Centers, we have designed youth development programs that directly address these layered challenges. From drop-in centers for transition-age youth to specialized identity-affirming programs, we ensure that every young person who comes through our doors has a path toward safety, confidence, and opportunity.
For many young people on the brink of adulthood, homelessness is an overwhelming reality. In 2020, there was a 19% increase in homelessness among Transition Age Youth; those between 16 and 25 years old. Without stable housing, these youth are left vulnerable to hunger, unsafe environments, and lost opportunities for education and employment.
Our Transition Age Youth (TAY) Drop-in Centers were created as a direct response to this crisis. These centers provide immediate relief and long-term support, offering a safe place to rest, connect, and plan for the future.
Tangible services at the TAY Drop-In Centers include:
For youth who often feel invisible or unsupported, these centers become a lifeline; a place to rebuild stability and envision a brighter tomorrow.
Every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and understood. Yet LGBTQ+ youth often face higher risks of homelessness, bullying, and mental health struggles. Many lack affirming spaces where they can openly express who they are without fear of rejection.
Our Embracing Identities program was created to meet this need. It provides LGBTQ+ youth with a supportive community and access to resources that affirm their identities and build resilience. Services include counseling, peer support groups, and safe spaces where young people can connect with mentors who understand their experiences.
By offering this kind of specialized care, we reinforce our commitment to welcoming all youth, regardless of background or identity. The program not only helps young people navigate immediate challenges but also equips them with the confidence and skills to thrive as their authentic selves.
Youth development programs are more than short-term support. They are long-term investments that help young people build healthy, independent, and successful lives. When youth have access to caring mentors, safe environments, and opportunities to grow, the benefits extend well beyond childhood.
Some of the most recognized outcomes include:
By investing in these programs today, we are not just meeting urgent needs. We are shaping a generation of confident, capable leaders who will create stronger communities tomorrow.
The challenges facing young people in our communities are too great for any one family to face alone. That is why Penny Lane Centers exists; as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we care for over 3,500 abused and neglected children, youth, and families every month. But we cannot do it without the support of people like you.
Your generosity helps sustain programs for at-risk youth, ensuring they have safe spaces, caring mentors, and access to education and healthcare. Each contribution fuels our ability to meet immediate needs and build brighter futures for young people across Los Angeles County.
When you give, you provide more than a meal or a safe place to sleep. You are helping to create opportunities for healing, growth, and self-discovery. Your support makes it possible for us to continue offering the youth development programs that change lives every single day.
Take action today by choosing to donate to at-risk youth programs through Penny Lane Centers. Your gift ensures that vulnerable youth across Los Angeles County have the meals, shelter, and therapeutic care they need to thrive.
Join us in making a lasting impact. Every dollar helps us provide hot meals, housing support, and safe, affirming environments where youth can reach their full potential. Visit our donation page to make your contribution today.
The challenges facing young people in Los Angeles County are real, but so are the solutions. With the right support, every child and teen can move from surviving to thriving. We are committed to walking alongside youth on that journey, offering the care, stability, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Our name was inspired by the upbeat, cheerful Beatles tune, a reminder that even in difficult times, there is always hope, joy, and the possibility of a brighter tomorrow. That spirit continues to guide our mission as we help young people find the simple joys of a safe and supported life.
Your involvement makes all the difference. Contact Penny Lane Centers today to learn more about our youth development programs or to find out how you can help. Together, we can create a hopeful path forward for every young person who needs it.
