The One Step a la Vez Program actually began in 2004 when 12 youth started advocating for a safe place for teens to go to get services and to hang out. From 2004-2012 other financial agencies sponsored the program, but in June of 2012 the California and Federal NonProfit status was granted.

The Mission: Serve the communities of the Santa Clara Valley by providing a safe environment for 13-19 year olds and preparing informed, empowered youth who are equipped with the tools to:

• Lead,
• Cultivate cultural awareness,
• Bridge the gaps of inequality, and
• Advocate for fair, just, and healthy individuals and communities.

The One Step a la Vez Program has five main components, all of which are coordinated to provide a fuller experience and support for youth in various stages of their academic, personal and professional lives.

The five components are:

• A relaxing and welcoming Drop in Center (One Step Center) with fixed hours in which the youth can get help with homework, tutoring, access to computers, fix themselves a snack, kick back with friends and participate in OSALV activities and classes.

• Referrals:
o Information about and referrals to Ventura County Behavioral Health services. This is in individual referrals to services for individual and/or family counseling, drug and alcohol counseling or presentations on behavioral health services.

o Referrals to other services, camps and programs that are available to youth, appropriate to the needs of the youth and with approval from the parents.

• Social Justice Committees.These committees give youth the opportunity to learn that they have the power and ability to improve their community.

• Academic, College and Career support: Staff works with youth to write scholarships, get into colleges or technical schools as well as providing tutoring and homework support.

• Transition support for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, either through incarceration or formal or informal probation. Staff works with youth in juvenile hall or on probation to develop a plan for success and then helps them accomplish their goals.

• Community Support Groups and Services: In order to provide a wider support for the youth, the OSALV Program also provides classes and support groups for parents such as Domestic Violence Support Groups and Services, Parenting Classes, English Classes, Individual Family Counseling, Classes on legal rights, computer use, Mental Health First Aide, National Association on Mental Illness family information and support group and any other support that the community requests. The services are provided by professionals in the field and OSALV provides the facility, interpreting and child care (if needed).

• All youth services are free. A minimal charge may be applied for parent workshops.