Youth Wellness Center

THE NEED:
In community forums, and healthy kids surveys, youth in Truckee consistently voice the need for “something to do” afterschool. Regional substance use / abuse, symptoms of stress, and truancy from school are alarmingly high. Support services in rural areas are significantly lower than urban areas, and Truckee is no exception.
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
Provide a convenient, walking distance location for youth and transitional age youth to access a welcoming space, great / fun programs and classes, and a caring connection with skilled adult and peer support.
OUTCOMES:
To significantly improve the quality of life, health and education for our youth; creating new opportunities for a brighter future.
Four Key Programs:
1. Drop-In Wellness Site
An attractive, safe, and comfortable space for youth to stop in, grab a smoothie or cup of tea, hang out; and get caring support / inspiration for challenges, difficult emotional or mental states, and tools for healthy living.
2. Mindfulness-Based Substance Abuse Treatment
registered as Evidence-Based, MBSAT is aligned with current research on effective and best practices in addiction treatment for youth.
3. Studio KIT – Kreative-Innovation-Truckee
We can offer phenomenal creative possibilities: Prototyping, drawing, site-specific art, coding, digital photography, videography, writing and more.
4. BaseCamp for Adventure
We need a space to meet and gather for the after school adventure outings we offer: rock climbing, snowboarding, mountain biking, yoga, and nature immersions.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in December 2005, The Gateway Mountain Center serves over 2000 students annually in our combined environmental education, adventure-learning, wellness, and mental health programs. Locally, we serve Sierra High Continuation School, The Community School, Truckee High, North Tahoe High, and Alder Creek Middle School.
EXPERT STAFF
Roster of AMGA certified rock climbing guides, ski and snowboard coaches, and ski patrollers.
Greg Bernstein
Emmy Award winning videographer; producer of Sierra High student-driven acclaimed anti-drug film, “Life or Meth”.
Jay Damron
Sculpture and Digital Artist, Lead Instructor at the Tech Museum in San Jose, Art and Design instructor at Truckee Meadows and Feather River Community Colleges.
Peter Mayfield
One of the most experienced mountain guides in the youth adventure field in the U.S.
Nancy Minges
Holistic Health Educator, 10+ years of experience running a drop-in center.
PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS
Placer County Behavioral Health
Uplift Services
Nevada County Behavioral Health
Tahoe Forest Hospital
Family Resource Centers of Truckee and North Tahoe
Placer County Office of Education
Tahoe Truckee Unified School District
GRANT SUPPORT
Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation
Lahontan Community Foundation
Martis Camp Community Foundation
Truckee Police Department



