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Empowerment Center thanks Temecula for funding youth mental-health worker program; graduation set for July 18
Summary
Representatives of the Empowerment Center told council the city's community services and CDBG funding supports a youth mental-health community health worker program for 16- and 17-year-olds and invited council to a July 18 graduation.
Two representatives of the Empowerment Center addressed the council on May 27 to describe a youth mental-health workforce-development program funded in part by the city's community services and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Therese Lewis, executive director, and Ebony Lawrence, community health worker director, said the program offers mental-health-informed training and workforce-development pathways for 16- and 17-year-olds, filling a gap in the state contract that otherwise serves adults. Lewis said Riverside County high-school students report high rates of chronic sadness and that suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth ages 15'19 in the county; the program gives participating youth training, career pathways and community outreach roles.
Lawrence, a Temecula native who said she grew up using the center's services, described partnerships with Temecula Valley Unified School District to serve students with IEPs and workability programs, and said city funding has helped graduates remain in local careers.
Both representatives thanked the council for funding and invited members to a graduation on July 18. The mayor and council thanked the organization for the work; no action was required.
Ending: The Empowerment Center said fall 2025 cohort information and registration will be available via a QR code and will report on program results with the city as the partnership continues.
