VIDA

Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives (VIDA) is a structured 16-week program for non-violent, at-risk youth between the ages of eleven and seventeen. Through collaboration between the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, community-based organizations, volunteers, schools, and families, the VIDA program teaches youth the value of effective decision-making and taking responsibility for their futures.

The program originated as the dream of a group of East Los Angeles Station Deputy Sheriffs who wanted to help troubled youths and their families. Since its inception in 1996, VIDA has grown into a comprehensive re-directional program with seven locations across Los Angeles County.

The process begins with a referral from a community agency that has identified an at risk youth. Referring agencies often include courts, law enforcement, the Department of Child and Family Services, Probation Department, school districts, parents and religious institutions.

Following the interview and selection for the program, youths attend an orientation night with their families. Once the program begins, VIDA staff members conduct home and school visits during the week to monitor social behaviors, reduce truancy, and improve academic performance.

At the conclusion of the program, each participant receives a certificate of completion and is referred to other community-based programs to continue their individual goals and careers. It is the hope that VIDA students and their families will emerge with stronger bonds in place, as well as better judgment, integrity, tact, initiative, commitment, respect, and a new take on life.  Several youths have gone on to participate in the YAL and Explorer Programs. After all, VIDA is life.

LOCATIONS

ALTADENA VIDA SITE
Office: Altadena Station 780 Altadena Dr, Altadena CA 91001 (626) 798-1131
Site: Altadena Elementary School, 743 E. Calaveras St., Altadena, CA 91001

CENTURY VIDA SITE
Office: Century Sheriff Station 11703 S. Alameda Avenue, Lynwood, CA (323) 568-4781
Site: Lynwood High School, 4050 Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262

EAST LOS ANGELES VIDA SITE
Office: East LA Station, 5901 E. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90022 (323) 264-4151 Ext 4540
Site: Biscaluz Center Training Academy, 1060 N. Eastern, Los Angeles, CA 90063

LANCASTER VIDA SITE
Office & Site: Lancaster Court, 1040 West Avenue J, Lancaster, CA 93535 (661) 949-6585

PALMDALE VIDA SITE
Office & Site: Oaktree Learning Center, 38136 35th Street East, Palmdale, CA 93550 (661) 265-8910

SANTA CLARITA VIDA SITE
Office & Site: Bouquet Canyon School, 28110 Wellston Dr, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

TEMPLE VIDA SITE
Office: Temple Station, 8838 E. Las Tunas Dr., Temple City, CA 91780 (626) 285-7171 Ext-3452
Site: Temple City High School, 9501 Lemon Ave, Temple City, CA 91780