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About Us
Our History
The Office on Youth was formed in 1978 to foster collaboration between government and community organizations to prevent juvenile delinquency and develop youth programs. Office on Youth staff accomplishes this through a balance of direct service to youth and active support of other government and community agencies.
Office on Youth staff have a single thought, “How can we help make youth succeed?” To that end, staff work with schools, social services, and the juvenile courts to provide the additional resources and supports struggling youth and families need.
Our Vision
A community where all youth reaches their highest potential.
Our Mission
The Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth’s (Office on Youth) mission is to promote collaborative efforts among youth, families, human-service providers, and community organizations to encourage positive youth development in our community.
Positive Youth Development
The Office on Youth utilizes the 40 Developmental Assets® framework that identifies 40 positive supports and strengths children and youth need to thrive. Office on Youth programs incorporate the assets in programming.
In 1990, the Search Institute introduced the 40 Developmental Assets® framework
The 40 Developmental Assets framework identifies:
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Opportunities and relationships young people need across all aspects of their lives.
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Personal skills, self-perceptions, and values that prepare young people to make good choices, take responsibility for their lives, and be independent and fulfilled.
Assets include both into external and internal assets. External Assets are experiences young people receive from the world around them: schools, religious affiliations, recreational clubs, youth organizations, neighborhoods, and families. Internal Assets are qualities that young people develop to help them make positive choices and handle difficult situations.
When youth have more assets, they are:
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More likely to thrive now and in the future.
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Less likely to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors.
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More likely to be resilient in the face of challenges.
Research indicates young people with more assets are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and more likely to thrive.
Funders
The Office on Youth is a regional government agency financially supported by Augusta County, the City of Staunton, and the City of Waynesboro. The Office on Youth maintains partnerships with youth-serving organizations, schools, faith-based institutions, local businesses, and non-profits. These partnerships expand the reach of programs offered.
