We believe that every youth needs positive encouragement from adults.

About SAY

At SAY, we have always focused on helping each individual help themselves. Our dedicated counselors, clinicians, and staff help clients to resolve issues that can block their ability to live healthy, productive lives. Mission Social Advocates for Youth is a community leader in providing support, opportunities and hope to children, youth and families. We are dedicated to creating and supporting a caring community where all children, youth and families grow, thrive and succeed.

History

SAY was founded in 1971 in Sonoma County, California in a two-room office located in downtown Santa Rosa. We began offering individual and family counseling to at-risk children, youth, and families in response to community leaders and youth advocates who were concerned about the lack of child abuse prevention and intervention services available.

Today, SAY offers 17 programs at five locations throughout Sonoma County. We serve diverse at-risk and high-needs populations through age 25, including children who have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused or who are at risk of abuse, runaway and homeless youth, transitional age youth (former foster youth and homeless young adults), youth at risk of gang involvement, young parents, youth seeking guidance in finding jobs and completing their education, and youth who may be struggling in their transition from teen to young adulthood.

Philosophy

All SAY programs are based on Positive Youth Development (PYD). Developed by the Search Institute, a national leader in youth development, resiliency, and prevention, PYD believes that in order to be successful, every youth needs opportunities, positive encouragement and guidance from adults - especially during adolescence. Our counselors and clinicians skillfully challenge youth to engage in activities and relationships that encourage them to discover and develop their unique talents, strengths, and abilities.