The true measure of success is hearing firsthand that we've created Hopeful Youth, Strong Families, and Safe Communities.

YouthZone talked to me and pushed me to the finish line.  It wasn’t okay what I did, and I learned I shouldn’t repeat it again.  YouthZone was there to help when I needed help.  I learned I need to work for my things like everyone else or ask for money instead of stealing.

-- A Diversion youth client

I think that the youth involved in the crime learned that as a community, we care and we will hold people accountable for their actions.  I think that through the Restorative Justice Circle, he saw that many were affected, not just myself as the victim.  I liked how the entire process was conducted.

-- Victim of a crime and participant in Restorative Justice Circle

YouthZone helped me to work with my emotions and talk to someone when I couldn't talk to my parents about what has happened in my life.

-- A Diversion youth client

Working with my Youth Advocate made me see that some things aren’t worth doing and that there’s better routes and solutions. It's an amazing program and I think that more people should use it. It was easier than I thought - it may have taken a long time, but overall, the work was worth it.

-- A Diversion youth client

YouthZone helped my daughter realize what her actions can do.  They really understand and helped in fixing the problems we had with the court.  It made me feel good that young people have a chance to fix what trouble they got into and get the help they need.

-- A parent of a Diversion youth client

Through YouthZone, my son realized there were other ways to handle bullying than with violence.  The environment was kid-friendly, allowing my son to express himself.  It wasn’t too rigid where he felt he couldn’t get through the program.  For me, personally, I was also thankful that I didn’t have to travel out of town to make appointments – this tremendous resource is right here in our community.

-- A parent of a Diversion youth client

While at YouthZone, I could speak my mind in a comfortable area.  YouthZone was able to help me more than my parents could.  The listened to what I had to say instead of only listening to what my parents wanted.  Being able to talk about my pot use allowed me see actually how much I was using.

-- A Diversion Youth client

"We could not do what we do without YouthZone.  I could not have done my job today without you."

-- A local prosecutor