The Epicenter

Programs available range in drug and alcohol prevention programming, LGBTQ+ supportive services, foster youth services, housing supportive services, and drop-in resource center services. Interns will be providing drop-in services support including organization of Teen Closet, Food Pantry, and community resource guide. Interns will be able to select which programs they would like to work in and participate in off-site school programming, outreach at community events, and more opportunities to build networking and community engagement.

1) Education & Employment- support with education, employment, and career development

2) Health & Welness- increasing access to health-related resources through counseling and support, food and nutrition support, and assistance with applications for all health-related services.

3) Independent Living Program- provides training and coaching to foster youth in the areas of life skills, leadership opportunities, and person/professional growth.

4) Housing- provides referalls and help to those in need of housing, whether it be transitional or long-term.

5) Our Gente: An LGBTQ+ Program of of The Epicenter is a multi-faceted project that aims to create safe and brave spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and community members in Monterey County. 

Our Gente is seeking a CHHS intern who is passionate about community movements and wants to learn about LGBTQ+ needs and how to organize to meet those needs. 

This intern would work closely with Angelica Gonzalez, LGBTQ+ Services Coordinator at The Epicenter and can collaborate on hosting social/support groups, LGBTQ+ best practices trainings, large community events including the LatinX LGBTQ+ Film Festival based in Salinas, etc. 

CHHS interns will gain the opportunity to connect youth to resources such as education, employment, health and wellness, and housing in the community. They will become familiar with working in a youth-centered drop-in resource center by assisting with daily operations and learning about our different programming aimed at serving marginalized youth (foster youth, LGBTQ+ youth). Interns can also assist in administrative duties such as data entry and capturing demographic data from youth served through the center among other tasks.

Outreach support such as social media engagement, newsletter support, and flyer making. On-site activities such as support for our food distribution, organizing our clothing closet, and compiling resources for the community.

Desired intern characteristics: flexible, motivated, self-starter