Youth Initiative

Youth Prevention & Education Initiative

Empowering the Next Generation Through Trauma-Informed Prevention and Support

Genesis Recovery is launching a bold new initiative to bring trauma-informed drug and alcohol prevention and education to youth across San Diego County. By partnering with local schools, churches, juvenile probation, and community organizations, we are reaching young people before addiction takes root—providing them with the tools, support, and understanding they need to build healthy, resilient lives.

Through this initiative, volunteer counselors—including registered associates working under licensed supervision—offer both group and individual therapy sessions to youth. These services are designed to address the underlying causes of substance use, such as trauma, stress, depression, and environmental risk factors, while building protective factors through education, connection, and skill development.

We believe that early intervention, when rooted in compassion and clinical excellence, has the power to change the trajectory of a young person's life. Our programming integrates evidence-based practices with a trauma-informed approach—recognizing that many youth carry invisible wounds that deserve to be acknowledged, not judged.

Sessions focus on:

• The long-term physical, emotional, and relational impacts of substance use
• Strategies for emotional regulation, healthy coping, and stress reduction
• Education on the effects of trauma and ways to foster resilience
• Building self-worth, identity, and hope for the future

This initiative also serves as a clinical practicum site for emerging therapists earning hours toward licensure. Supervised by experienced clinicians, these trainees gain hands-on experience delivering mental health and prevention services in real-world community settings—while contributing meaningfully to youth wellbeing.

Together, we are planting seeds of healing, education, and hope—one young life at a time.