Teen program increases its services

The Community Action Commission's Los Compadres program will increase services to underprivileged teens in northern Santa Barbara County this year, thanks to a grant from the Fund for Santa Barbara.

The grant will be used to increase staff hours in Lompoc to provide education and mentorship to local young men. Staff members will be able to reach an estimated 45 to 50 additional young men in Lompoc because of the grant.

The Los Compadres program stresses responsible decision-making, education, and building of life skills. The program works with about 400 young men countywide.

, who are either involved with or vulnerable to risky behaviors including unprotected sex, substance abuse, violence, participation in gangs, or crime.

Staff members travel to several sites to hold sessions, including the county's Juvenile Hall in Santa Maria, alternative schools, mainstream schools or wherever services are needed.

The program also engages the families of these young men, offering parenting classes and promoting intergenerational dialogue that may not otherwise occur in their homes.

March 7, 2008