Roy, 12th Grade
I really like the NDY program because it has helped me learn a lot of things about how to be more mature about a situation. Before NDY, I would get in trouble with the police a lot and at school. Now I understand that I am a Senior and I can't get into trouble because I want to graduate from high school so I can go to college and be something in life.

Robert, 11th Grade
I really don't know what to say, but Tim (NDY Staff) has inspired me to be a better Robert. Ever since I started attending New Directions for Youth it has sincerely made me a better person. Because when I was 2 months, my father died and when I was 14 years old, I met Tim. I was one of the first kids at this site and every since, I met Tim he has been like a second father to me. And he has taught me a lot of things about life and everything a man would teach his own son. And for that I want to thank Tim, Monica and all the staff at New Directions for Youth.

Robert D., 10th Grade
When I first came into New Directions, I was scared to talk to people because I was shy. Now I know how to get a job and how to fill out a job application. I also learned how to fill out a check, open a checking account.

Ronisha, 14
Growing up I didn't have it good. My dad was violent towards my mom and I am glad that we moved away from that nonsense. Every since that day we moved, I've been living better. I am trying to stay away from the drama and trouble of hanging out with the wrong people. I think NDY is what makes me stay out of trouble. For once in my life I actually am proud of myself for doing the right thing.

Leonard, 15
When I was growing up, I wasn't really bad. I went to school like every other guy. I had friends. I had a little trouble with teachers and students. Later in life I gave up in school or really didn't care. Maybe cause of family issues. I tried giving more effort, but giving up or not trying as hard became a habit. I tried over and over to get my grades up. NDY taught me how to apply my effort and give 100%. Then they taught me how to get better social skills. I am still waiting to see what more I can improve on.

Robin, 15
My life makes me sad and mad because I miss my mother and my father and my sisters. I miss them so much. NDY helps me with my problems and my homework. NDY has the nicest people and is the nicest place in the world.

Deondre, 16
My name is Deondre and my life has been terrible before I got into the NDY program. Before I was delinquent and wouldn't listen to people and was always fighting at school and at home. I was always being neglected and abused verbally and physically, but when I got into the program everything got much better for me. I have been doing real good lately.

New Directions for Youth White Water Rafting and Leadership Camp 2007

NDY treated 35 at-risk youth to 5 days of camping and rafting on the lower Kern River in late August of 2007 as a reward for academic success and program accomplishments, youth in foster care and /or at-risk of gang involvement experienced the opportunity of a lifetime.

NDY staff utilized this opportunity to integrate basic survival skill training with self-esteem building activities which inspired the youth campers to overcome adversity and become successful in their own lives.