Personal Empowerment Program (PEP)

PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

The Personal Empowerment Program supports the holistic development of youth at-promise by fulfilling critical social service, health, and personal development needs that are not otherwise covered by traditional funding sources. Throughout the year, CYN sponsors summer camps, theater classes, and sports team membership fees; provides emergency clothing and groceries; helps youth obtain eyeglasses and tend to other miscellaneous medical needs; and supports youth in obtaining documents like birth certificates. Additionally, provides programming to assist youth in gaining necessary skills to be successful.Youth and their foster care/probation advocates know that CYN can accommodate youths’ individual needs, whether it be an art class to help socialize with peers, a gym membership to cope with stress, or furniture for their first apartment.

PROGRAM GOALS

The goal of this program is to empower youth to achieve their goals and to become the best version of themselves.

Objectives

Provide individualized support that closes gaps and ensures that youth have the tools and resources to be successful.
Encourage youth to create and reach for goals that may not be common in their community.
Close gaps that prevent youth from accessing programs and services that are beneficial to their growth.

Eligibility

Youth and families involved in the San Francisco foster or juvenile justice system that exhibit a financial need.

Social Workers, Case Managers, Youth Advocates and Probation officers can refer their clients to our Personal Empowerment Program small grants at this link.

If you have any questions, refer to PEP FAQs.

Emergency Needs

We help fund medical, dental, and vision care assistance that addresses needs not covered by other sources. This includes eyeglasses, hearing aids, and nutrition programs. City Youth Now also offers emergency clothing for youth when they are removed from their homes and taken into Child Protection Center, moved into a new home placement or are being released from juvenile detention with no personal or family resources to purchase new clothes.

Independent Living

City Youth Now can assist with apartment deposits, independent living supplies, dorm room supplies, and other such necessities for youth who are beginning the transition to living on their own.

City Youth Now Holiday Gift Program

The City Youth Now Holiday Gift Program is City Youth Now’s oldest program. Since 1950, this program has provided thousands of holiday gifts to children in the San Francisco Juvenile Justice and Foster Care Systems. More times than not, the holiday gift program provided by CYN is the only gift the child receives over the holiday.

Research

Research has demonstrated the immense value that extracurricular and recreational activities provide for all youth, but particularly youth who may have experienced trauma, and social/emotional challenges. Often these activities are financially out of reach for Foster and Probation youth.

Extra-Curricular Activities & Summer Camp

In the past, CYN has provided funding for activities such as:

✓ Summer camp

✓ Yoga and athletic gym memberships

✓ Sports leagues such as soccer, football, basketball, and softball

✓ Dance, cheer, and gymnastics programs

✓ Art, theatre, and writing classes

✓ Music and instrument lessons

✓ School-related activities like clubs and trips