Catalyst Center

Happy Holidays from the Open Doors Team! We want to thank YOU for being part of our mission to support youth and build stronger, more compassionate communities.  May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and hope for the new year ahead. Here’s to opening even more doors in 2025! 🌟  Warm wishes,  The Open Doors Team 

We’re excited to announce that a Train-the-Trainer program for Open Doors Training is in development! Soon, passionate individuals like you will have the opportunity to join our mission of empowering adults to support youth with substance use and behavioral health challenges. 💙 ✅ Learn how to lead impactful training sessions  ✅ Help spread the message of hope and resilience  ✅ Make a meaningful difference in your community Interested in learning more? Fill out our interest form to stay in the loop: https://lnkd.in/gddx7YRF 

Meet Adrienne Shilton, a passionate advocate for youth and families in behavioral health and substance use disorder prevention.    As a member of the Open Doors Advisory Board, she brings invaluable experience in public policy to the team. Discover her journey, insights, and vision for recovery in this engaging Q&A. Read her interview here: https://lnkd.in/g7bhbPV6 

Don't miss this training tomorrow! Expanding and Maximizing Transitional Housing Program Options for Former Foster Youth Presenters. Hear from our TAY panel how they contributed to our policy recommendations resulting in the passing of AB 2802, the findings from our TAY Hub research, and other ways our CA Alliance and Catalyst teams are advocating for ways we can expand and maximize housing capacity for transition aged youth exiting foster care! Register now: https://lnkd.in/gfmZ4RbJ

Supporting youth with substance use and behavioral health challenges is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone.  Open Doors Training helps you:  ✅ Build genuine connections to foster trust and resilience  ✅ Speak openly and judgment-free to reduce stigma  ✅ Identify needs and connect youth with the right support Together, we can make a difference.   Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gYjPryap 

We’re proud to share our new report, The Impact of Investing in Community-Based Programs for Systems-Impacted Youth, which highlights the life-changing power of community-driven solutions for justice-involved youth. This report underscores why investing in community-based organizations (CBOs) is essential to creating a justice system that fosters growth, healing, and brighter futures. Justice-involved youth often face barriers rooted in trauma, inequitable social conditions, and unstable environments. Traditional punitive systems fail to address these root causes, leading to recidivism and further disconnection. CBOs change the narrative by providing tailored, trauma-informed care that meets youth where they are, fostering trust, empowerment, and growth. Report Highlights: - Trinity Youth Services’ SAFETTY Program: A trauma-informed approach helping youth develop life skills and reunite with families. This program boasts a 100% permanency rate within a year of completion. - Rancho San Antonio’s Youth Diversion Program: Offers trauma-informed, strength-based interventions to prevent deeper involvement in the justice system. Their creative arts program helps youth heal through expression. - Youth Testimonies: Participants describe feeling “truly heard and supported,” building trust with mentors and peers who share lived experiences. Legislative Wins in 2024: Our advocacy efforts, alongside community partners, helped pass crucial laws: - AB 1877: Automatically seals juvenile records upon turning 18, eliminating barriers to employment, housing, and education. - AB 866: Empowers youth to independently access opioid use disorder treatments, ensuring timely and life-saving care. Investing in these programs benefits the youth and society as a whole. Reduced recidivism, increased opportunity, and stronger communities are the outcomes of prioritizing care over punishment. As one participant shared: "Their consistent presence, offering love, support, and resources, was a lifeline for me. No matter how much I struggled, they never gave up on me. That left a lasting impact." Read the Full Report: https://shorturl.at/KjJWS

We’re thrilled to introduce the incredible individuals on our Advisory Board who are shaping the future of the Open Doors Training Program. These passionate experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our mission of supporting adults in building authentic connections with youth.  Starting next week, we’ll spotlight one Advisory Board member each week so you can get to know the amazing people guiding this important work. Stay tuned for inspiring stories and insights! Together, we’re creating stronger communities, one connection at a time. 

We’re Hiring: Community Wellness Trainer   Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families across California? The California Alliance of Child and Family Services and the Catalyst Center are looking for a Community Wellness Trainer to join our team!    This role offers an opportunity to: - Collaborate on statewide training initiatives that empower communities to address youth substance use and behavioral health challenges. - Center youth voices in all aspects of training and curriculum development. - Partner with diverse organizations to support those at risk of housing insecurity, juvenile justice involvement, or child welfare system challenges. - Be part of a team committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice.   Key Responsibilities Include: - Developing and delivering interactive, youth-centered training across California. - Expanding capacity with a “train-the-trainer” curriculum. - Creating written and digital resources to support youth-serving organizations. - Supporting a diverse range of communities, including those addressing housing insecurity and youth justice involvement.   What We’re Looking For: - A skilled presenter committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. - Someone with experience in behavioral sciences, public health, education, or related fields. - A collaborator who values listening to and learning from lived experiences.   Travel: - This position requires travel approximately twice a month to various locations throughout California to deliver training and connect with communities.   If this opportunity aligns with your passion and expertise, we’d love to hear from you! For more details and to apply, click the link below. And if you know someone who would be a great fit for this role, please share this post with them. Let’s work together to make a difference for California’s children, youth, and families!   Read the full job description here: https://lnkd.in/gCtVAuvc

This Universal Human Rights Month, we celebrate the fundamental right of every child to feel safe, supported, and understood. At Open Doors Training, we're equipping adults with the tools to build authentic connections with youth, fostering resilience and hope in the face of challenges like substance use and behavioral health concerns. By recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of all, we’re taking steps to create a world where every young person can thrive. Together, let’s uphold these rights by opening doors to understanding, compassion, and action. Learn more and join us: https://lnkd.in/gYjPryap

Support Compassionate Connections for Youth Help break down stigma and foster understanding for youth facing behavioral health challenges. Open Doors Training provides tools and resources to guide adults in offering respectful, trauma-informed support to those in need. By learning and promoting people-first language, we can create safer, more compassionate spaces for recovery and well-being. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gGf4pcGg