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John Valenzuela Youth Center

Since our founding in 1994, the John Valenzuela Youth Center (JVYC) in South Tucson (named in honor of Officer John Anthony Valenzuela, a South Tucson Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty, protecting children in our community) has provided a safe and healthy space for at-risk youth ages 5-18 to succeed academically and socially. Activities emphasize educational goal setting and achievement, development of resiliency skills, and positive social and lifestyle skills.

Ninety-six percent of the families served at the John Valenzuela Youth Center live at or below the federal poverty line. Thirty-nine percent live in a single-parent household. Six out 10 youth in South Tucson will drop out of school by the 10th grade. Risk factors for youth in the City of Tucson include school failure, truancy, juvenile delinquency, and early onset of drug and alcohol use.

To address these issues, JVYC has adopted the following strategies:

  • Operate a year round, out-of-school time youth program.
  • Operate the program during the highest crime hours of 2:45 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Provide a safe environment with caring adults

Conduct activities in all 5 Core Service Areas:

  • Improve Educational Performance
  • Life Skills Education
  • Family/Community Involvement
  • Recreation, Sports, Health, Dance, Cultural and Artistic activities
  • Service Learning Activities

The long term projected outcomes of JVYC are:

  • Youth will be safe from violence
  • Youth will be safe from high risk behaviors
  • Youth will be safe from delinquent /criminal activity
  • Youth will be graduated from high school

How to participate:

  • Walk in

Service Provider:

How You Can Reach Us:

  • General

    (520) 792-9251
    1550 S. 6th Ave
    South Tucson, AZ 85713

Documents & Forms:

Locations Available:

    • Tucson

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