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Youth Services
Walking alongside young people.
We honor each young person’s self-determination, meet youth where they are and support them on the journey to where they see themselves, with compassion, consistency and respect.
Youth Services in 2025
130+
mentorships
6,000+
hours of mentorship
183
youth received long-term coaching
17+
youth diverted from the juvenile justice system
Programs
Programs that grow with young people.
From kindergarten to the first career step, our team builds on each young person’s strengths.
Mentor Me
Caring adult mentors matched with young people for a weekly one-hour visit at school or at the Mentor Me Cavanagh Recreation Center.
Youth in grades K to 12
Mentors commit to two years, one hour a week
Mentors 18+: application, three references, training and a background check
Youth Success and Employment
RYSE helps young people build the skills and experience for long-term, sustainable employment, with an individual plan from a Career and Education Specialist.
Ages 16 to 24
Free for eligible, enrolled youth
Youth Diversion
An alternative to incarceration for first-time or low-level offenses, run with the Petaluma Police Department using restorative practices and intensive case management.
Youth in southern Sonoma County, referred by local police
Each participant builds an Individual Restorative Plan and meets weekly with a case manager
Youth Counseling
Compassionate therapy for young people and their families, on a sliding scale based on income.
Sliding-scale fees
Sharing the Season
Our annual holiday program bringing gifts and cheer to Petaluma families, powered by local businesses and volunteers.
Gift drop-off Dec 1 to 4, 2026, 9 am to 6 pm
Youth Services Building, 426 8th Street, Petaluma
Volunteer shifts Dec 8 to 10, 2026
Our team
Meet the Youth Services team.
Led by Director of Youth Services Yensi Jacobo, our team walks alongside young people with compassion, consistency and respect, and keeps our programs responsive, inclusive and built on the strengths of the youth we serve.
Change a young person’s year.
Mentors meet once a week for an hour. It’s one of the most rewarding hours you’ll spend.