LACorps Conservation Programs

LA CONSERVATION CORPS YOUTH SERVICES
At the LA Conservation Corps, we have learned from first-hand experience that our participants cannot reach their fullest potential unless their professional and academic training is reinforced with life skills training. To ensure these young people have the capacity they need to overcome any personal challenges that might stand in their way to success, like supporting their family, recovering from substance abuse or finding affordable housing, we provide the following services to LA Conservation Corps program participants.

Corpsmember Development To empower LA Conservation Corps' oldest youth participants to become independent heads of their own households, we provide the following: Counseling Each participant is assigned a dedicated staff case manager who provides them with one-on-one and/or group counseling sessions focused on identifying, addressing and resolving personal and interpersonal conflicts. Life Skills Training Throughout a participant’s LA Conservation Corps training, they learn valuable life skills through weekly support groups and hands-on activities. Issues ranging from drug addiction to money management, nutrition and more are covered. Transitional Living Program The cost of living in Los Angeles is so expensive that 1-in-5 of our participants face the risk of homelessness at some point during their time at LA Conservation Corps. To support their commitment to completing LA Conservation Corps training, we offer the opportunity to live in an LA Conservation Corps-sponsored Transitional Living Apartment. Here they live rent free with the caveat that 50% of their paycheck goes into a savings account. While residing in the Transitional Living Program apartment, they learn the basics of heading a household, like establishing utility services, marketing, doing their own laundry and most importantly, how to live within a budget. Legal Referrals Young people make mistakes – it’s part of growing up. To ensure they learn how to rectify mistakes that might cost them future opportunities, LA Conservation Corps partners with a network of legal service providers to empower youth participants to resolve challenges like evictions and child support issues. Job Search Coaching All participants are expected to have a resume and cover letter ready after completing their first three months in an LA Conservation Corps program. When they think they’re ready to move on, they join the Transition Class where they spend 16 sessions refining their resume and cover letter, and practicing their interviewing skills. Potential employers are invited to make presentations during Transition Class, or to have participants visit their workplace for an introductory tour.

Mentoring Sometimes, all a young person needs is someone to listen. Other times, they need sound advice from an objective adult that they trust. LA Conservation Corps staff and volunteers fill this role by sharing their experience as mentors to our program participants. Formal screenings, matches and ongoing trainings are provided to support the mentors in providing effective guidance to participants.

Health Education and Referrals To help program participants feel stronger, while increasing their class attendance rates and ability to participate in service projects, LA Conservation Corps provides age-appropriate lessons about how to care for their own nutrition and hygiene. We also partner with public and private health care providers to provide participants with referrals for wellness services ranging from vaccinations to hearing exams.