DEPARTMENT: Department of Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley, Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Update on the City’s Youth Re-Engagement Efforts
SUMMARY:
On February 15, 2019, the NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center opened to the community at the Frank Garrett Multi-service Center. Through this initiative, the Department of Human Services and its partners provide options to support the estimated 30,000 disengaged youth ages 16-24 in Bexar County needing assistance to improve their educational and career outcomes.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Last year, the Department of Human Services (DHS) organized seven City departments who work with youth including Municipal Court, San Antonio Police Department, Metro Health, Parks and Recreation, Library, and Economic Development, to identify the greatest needs for young people in San Antonio. From this, DHS developed a plan to re-engage the estimated 30,000 young people in Bexar County ages 16-24 who are not working and not in school.
In the FY 2019 budget, the City Council approved funding for the DHS youth re-engagement initiative, which was developed with technical support from the National League of Cities to provide intensive trauma-informed case management by staff trained to work with so-called opportunity youth. The initiative is a partnership with DHS, Goodwill Industries of San Antonio and Communities in Schools-San Antonio.
The NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center opened on February 15, 2019 at the Frank Garrett Multi-Service Center in Council District 1. It is the first center of its kind in the state of Texas. NXT Level works to ensure that youths’ educational, social and emotional needs are being addressed comprehensively, including working with parents/guardians, non-profits providing additional supports, adult education programs and school districts. The collaborative exists to meet the needs of young people, especially those in zip codes identified as some of the most economically disadvantaged areas in San Antonio.
Once the young adult is stabilized and/or has a high school diploma or GED, the program provides options for the young adult to enroll in job training programs, particularly in high-need areas like health care and trades, and assistance with finding employment.
In its first full year of operation, NXT Level expects to serve at least 600 opportunity youth, with 70% receiving extensive case management; 42% re-enrolling in high school or a GED program; and 23% obtaining employment.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for briefing purposes only.