What happens when we stop seeing young people as problems to fix and start seeing them as people to understand?
The Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (PCADD), a program of Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS), led by PCADD AOD Program Director Joanna Gomez, recently began a new partnership with Collaboration Over Contradiction to help create more supportive spaces for young people.
Through this partnership, a representative from Collaboration Over Contradiction visited PCADD and sat down with four young people. There were no presentations or lectures, just a real conversation about life, personal experiences, and how important it is for young people to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Young people may not always feel comfortable opening up or asking for help. Sometimes, they just need someone who will listen without judgment and remind them that their voices and feelings matter.
“At PCADD, we want the youth to know they do not have to go through difficult moments alone,” said Joanna. “This partnership gives us another way to reach youth, listen to what they need, and connect them with support when they are ready.”
Because PCADD provides treatment and support services for adolescents, partnerships like this help the program connect with young people in the community and let them know that support is available. It also gives youth an opportunity to build trust, learn from others, and talk openly about the challenges they may be facing.
This visit was only the beginning, but it showed how meaningful a simple conversation can be. PCADD and Collaboration Over Contradiction share a commitment to meeting young people where they are and helping them feel supported, respected, and understood.
Sometimes, creating change begins by showing up, listening, and giving young people a safe space to be themselves.
