NOAH’s Hope
NOAHS Hope (Navegando Oportunidades, Apoyando Hogares Saludables) is a policy and systems-change initiative led by Cultiva Central Valley as part of our All Children Thrive (ACT) grant, funded by Public Health Advocates. Our goal is to redefine public safety and build a stronger system of support for children and youth in crisis across Merced County by working to expand the ban on corporal punishment and reduce the number of youth arrested or sent to juvenile hall for behavioral health needs.
Through this work, we've built a trusted coalition of resident leaders (our NOAHS Madrinas), Community-Based Organizations, law enforcement, Merced County Behavioral Health, and Juvenile Hall to advocate for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for local officers, revive mobile behavioral health response units, and push for an emergency call triage system—all rooted in culturally responsive, Spanish-language accessible solutions for our Latino and immigrant families.
Youth voice is at the heart of NOAHS Hope. Each summer, our NOAHS Hope Summer Youth Program brings together local youth leaders ranging from 12 up to 17 years old, for hands-on policy training, community interviews, and advocacy work, including direct conversations with decision-makers like the Chief of Police. Creating youth leaders is vital, so that they can help shape the systems meant to serve them.
About NOAH’s Hope
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to the Noah’s Hope Summer Youth Leadership Program!
Through research, storytelling, and advocacy, youth leaders in the City of Merced will explore how systems—such as the criminal justice system—can fuel racism, inequality, and trauma, especially in underserved communities. Too often, mental health and behavioral challenges are met with punishment, not support. This leads to increased risks of criminalization and unnecessary psychiatric holds for youth. Noah’s Hope focuses on building pathways to care, connection, and community leadership instead of incarceration and isolation.
What You’ll Do:
Engage in interactive workshops designed to build leadership skills
Learn advocacy tools to influence community policies and systems
Conduct interviews and research
Who can join?
Youth from 6th to 12th grade are eligible to join the Youth Leadership Program
Program Schedule and Benefits:
Start Date: July 8th – August 30th
Meeting Sessions:Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Continues: September – December (Once a week)
Participants who complete the program will receive a stipend for their time and commitment!
NOAH’s Hope Summer Youth Program
