Youth Action Board: Making a Difference

The Youth Action Board (YAB) is a youth-led organization serving Santa Barbara County transitional-aged individuals 18-24 years old. Its main goal is to support young adults in thriving through the transition to adulthood in partnership with the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP). 

Led by youth with lived experience, YAB assists, supports, and advocates for individuals who are at-risk of or are currently experiencing homelessness by building independent living skills and implementing projects that reduce barriers to securing stable, permanent housing while focusing on the individual’s unique needs and goals.

In a safe and inclusive environment, YAB continually connects individuals to peer support, community-based partners, and other resources such as housing options, case management for social service needs, career support, and mental health/substance use services in the community and educational locations.

Join us in making a real impact in our community!

⬇KEEP SCROLLING TO MEET A YAB MEMBER⬇

Meet a YAB Member

  • “At the age of 15, I found myself homeless and alone. It was a difficult experience not having a stable home or income. However, I did not let that stop me. Instead, I joined the Youth Action Board (YAB), which allows me to give back to my community by providing valuable advice to local leaders on issues regarding youth homelessness. Through YAB, I have been able to speak up about my concerns based on my personal experience and engage in the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) project that will impact Santa Barbara County.”

    Celina Aquino

  • “The most beneficial aspect of the program was gaining an in-depth understanding of the myriad resources available within Santa Barbara County. Particularly transformative was the inclusion in a collaborative group that champions youth participation and empowerment in county-wide efforts. This exposure was invaluable in both understanding the landscape of services and in fostering a supportive network.”

    Jessica Castillo-Tapia

  • “ YAB has done more than create spaces for youth to learn about but also engage in the conversations and even developments that go behind some of these programs, grant proposals, housing developments and more and for that I can not be thankful enough. Without being able to have been a part of these conversations and spaces, I would not be aware of the dire need of support or the passion I have to help those in need.YAB may have the intentions of helping us reach our goals, but what they may not realize is that they also encourage us to give back into our communities however we see fit.”

    Jay Joseph

  • “I am most hopeful for more table talks and speaking with those who are experiencing homelessness more. In terms of what I hope YAB and other associates can accomplish in this time is to continue building a budget for youth housing development programs that house youth and offer resources and supplies that are much needed.”

    Diego Morales

See when we meet next!