Youth & TEEN Programs
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Youth Peer Support Services (YPSS)
We believe that youth are best supported by those who truly understand their journey. Our Youth Peer Support Services (YPSS) are designed and delivered by individuals with lived experience in substance use disorder (SUD), co-occurring disorders (COD), and recovery. These services create authentic connections that foster trust, healing, and hope.
Our YPSS team reflects the diversity and strength of the communities we serve, including tribal youth, sexual and gender minorities, youth from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, and a range of family structures. These peer mentors are more than role models—they are relatable guides who help youth navigate challenges while cultivating resilience, purpose, and self-worth.
We are proud to have Ruby Pacheco as our Youth Peer Support Coordinator. Ruby is bilingual and deeply committed to creating culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive spaces for underserved youth across Jefferson County. Through one-on-one support, group sessions, and meaningful engagement, our YPSS program provides youth with the care, understanding, and community they need to uncover their strengths and move toward healing. For more information, contact ruby@sriponya.org.
"The best thing about the summer program is everyone gets to be accepted just as they are and there is no judgment."
- Harold Greene (14 years old)
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Youth Summer Intern Program
SriPonya's Youth Summer Intern Program is provided in collaboration with Warm Springs Community Counseling and Warm Springs Community Action Team. We provide youth programs that is trauma-informed and "hides the medicine in the cheese." We strive to provide safe environment where youth felt comfortable to be themselves and could share honestly about the challenges in their lives. At the same time, we also teach and facilitate podcasting (how to make your own podcast), life skills, somatic exercises, coping skills, music lessons, guitar lessons, outdoor adventures, nervous system regulation education and other trauma-informed approaches to learning how to regulate and be with big emotions as well as alchemizing difficult challenges into growth opportunities.
Connection Through Movement
At SriPonya, prevention begins with connection. Our youth field trips and camps, like the free basketball event hosted with the Southern Oregon University Girls Basketball Team, are designed to bring young people together in safe, welcoming environments. Physical activity creates natural opportunities for youth to connect—with mentors, with peers, and with themselves. These experiences help reduce isolation, support emotional wellness, and foster relationships that are key to long-term health and healing.