Turkey Tailgate '25
Events

Partner with Us to Fight Hunger This Thanksgiving

Dear Friend of Alpha Connection,

This Thanksgiving season, Alpha Connection Youth & Family Services is preparing to once again bless our community with our Annual Turkey Tailgate Giveaway. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., we will gather at our Apple Valley campus to distribute 350 turkeys to local families, seniors, and veterans in need.

But we cannot do this without you.

Across America, millions of households are struggling with food insecurity. According to Feeding America, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, face hunger each year. Here in California, food banks report record demand as families battle the double impact of inflation and rising housing costs. Since 2020, grocery prices have risen by nearly 25%, with staples like turkey, eggs, and dairy seeing some of the highest increases. What was once a simple holiday meal has become out of reach for too many of our neighbors.

For many families in the High Desert, the Turkey Tailgate is more than a giveaway, it’s hope. It’s a reminder that they are not forgotten, that dignity and compassion can meet them at their point of need. With your help, Alpha Connection can provide not just food, but comfort and connection during this season of gratitude.

We invite you to partner with us by becoming a Turkey Tailgate Sponsor:

·       $50 –   Supporter of Alpha

·       $100 – Friend of Alpha

·       $250 – Alpha Pal

·       $500 – Alpha Connection Gold Donor

Your tax-deductible gift will directly purchase turkeys and holiday essentials for those who might otherwise go without. Together, we can ensure that our most vulnerable, seniors living on fixed incomes, veterans who have sacrificed for our nation, and families working hard to make ends meet, experience the joy of a warm Thanksgiving meal.

We know that times are challenging for everyone, but your generosity can transform this season for hundreds of households. Imagine the smile of a child seeing a holiday table full of food, the relief of a parent spared the choice between rent and groceries, the gratitude of a veteran who knows their community remembers them.

Please join us in making this vision a reality. Your support today will put food on tables and hope in hearts.

To donate, please visit alphaconnection.org/donation or call us directly at (760) 247-7930 Checks may be sent to 22675 Anoka Rd. Apple Valley, CA 92308.

On behalf of all of us at Alpha Connection, thank you for being part of this mission of compassion. Together, we can make this Thanksgiving brighter for our community.

With gratitude,

Barron Wilson
Chief Executive Officer
Alpha Connection Youth & Family Services

https://alphaconnection.org 760-247-7930

How-Mentoring-Programs-Can-Transform-the-Lives-of-At-Risk-Youth
News and Updates

Why Donations Matter: Fueling Hope, Building Community

At Alpha Connection, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful a single act of generosity can be. For over three decades, we’ve worked tirelessly to uplift and support troubled youth—helping them rediscover purpose, rebuild confidence, and reclaim their future. But none of this would be possible without you—our community, our supporters, and the heart of our mission.

While there are many ways nonprofits like ours can secure funding, donations remain the heartbeat of everything we do. They’re not just about finances—they’re about connection, compassion, and commitment.


More Than a Check—A Lifeline of Purpose

When someone gives to Alpha Connection, it’s more than just a financial contribution. It’s a statement. It says, “I believe in what you’re doing. I believe these young lives are worth investing in.”

Each donation we receive is a bridge—a powerful link between our mission and the hearts of those in the community who share our vision. It tells us that our work matters, that our message is resonating, and that together, we’re building something meaningful.


Donations Reflect Community Engagement

Donations are more than just support—they’re real-time feedback. They tell us when our message is connecting. They help us gauge whether our outreach is reaching the right people, whether our programs are aligned with the needs of the youth we serve, and whether our community feels seen and heard.

If the giving slows, we don’t just look at the numbers—we look inward. Are we communicating clearly? Are we staying true to our mission? Are we listening to the needs around us?

Your support helps keep us accountable, responsive, and grounded in the community we serve.


Your Generosity Keeps Us Going—And Growing

At Alpha Connection, we don’t see donations as handouts. We see them as partnerships—powerful collaborations between those who give and those who serve. They allow us to provide safe spaces, mentorship, crisis support, educational resources, and life-changing programs for youth who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

Every dollar is a spark of hope. Every gift is a step forward for a young person in need.


Be Part of the Story

If you’ve supported us before—thank you. If you’re just learning about Alpha Connection—welcome. There’s always room to join us in this mission of healing, empowerment, and transformation.

Together, we’re not just making a difference—we’re making futures possible.

Fostering Healthy Relationships
News and Updates

Fostering Healthy Relationships

The teenage years can be difficult to navigate – teens are developing social skills with not only their friends, but with other adults and members of the opposite sex. They will have successes and failures, and it’s important that they have a trusted individual that can guide them when it comes to fostering healthy relationships. Below are several tips that can be reinforced to help teens foster healthy relationships.

  1. Respect is key. Speak to others the way you wish to be spoken to, and that includes the tone of voice you use and the words you choose to communicate with. If conversations become too heated, it’s okay to take a step back, compose yourself, and return when your emotions are a little more under control.
  2. Establish boundaries. Know in advance what you are and aren’t willing to do in certain social situations, and stick to your decisions. When you stand up for what you believe in, others can respect you for it and may be inspired to establish their own standards in life.
  3. Practice conversations with a trusted individual. If you need to have a difficult conversation, practice what you are going to say beforehand with someone you know and trust. Knowing what you want to say will help keep your emotions in check and help you keep your thoughts organized and collected.
  4. Keep your social circle open to new individuals. We all like to have a few close friends, but having new acquaintances broadens our experiences and opens us up to new ideas, and exposes us to things we may not get the chance to experience otherwise.
  5. Helping others allows you to help yourself. When you are helping someone in need, it allows you to reflect on things and see things from another person’s perspective. Another’s life experiences may be totally different from your own, and you can each learn from the other.
  6. Try to avoid preconceived notions or prejudices towards others. Outward appearances are just that – you never know what is truly on the inside until you begin a conversation and start to get to know someone.
Opening Communication with Your Teen
News and Updates

Opening Communication with Your Teen

Many parents believe that at some point around the time their kids become teenagers, their kids become foreign creatures who act bizarre, dress strangely, and are impossible to communicate with. It is important for parents to have open communication. It is also important for teens to be able to express themselves and be heard. Communication is one of the most powerful tools teens can have in their arsenal. Here are some tips for getting them armed for the future.

Steps to Teaching Effective Communication

Listening is the first and more important key to good communication. We need to encourage them to talk and then listen with interest when they do. Let them finish their thought without interrupting. It is vital that they know we hear them. Teach them to listen as well. Do not just demand they listen. Explain active listening to them and why it is important for them to use in the future.

Teenagers need specifics. When talking about issues, discuss behavior, not personalities traits. Try to be logical and not judgmental. Let them know what they need to be doing, but also let them know why. Knowing the reason for behavior helps them to reason through behaviors in the future. Also, please take this opportunity to teach them skills for communicating with adults. Sometimes they feel we are a little foreign too. Help them understand we are on the same side and want the same things.

When things get a little heated, take a break. Teach your teenager it is okay for them to ask for a break if they are getting a little overwhelmed. Be patient and allow them to gather their thoughts, catch their breath, and process the conversation. Teach them to do this as well and let them know that when speaking to adults, sometimes we are a little slow and need time to process information as well.

Communication is a vital tool, and teaching your teen how to use it correctly will serve them well in their future endeavors. Learn how to talk to your teen with patience and respect and teach them these communication skills as well. It is important to talk calmly, using logic instead of emotion. It is important to listen effectively without interrupting and letting them know you hear them. It is vital to communicate, a good skill for you, and a good skill to teach your teen for the future.

How to Prepare for Counseling
News and Updates

How to Prepare for Counseling

Counseling can be an incredibly useful experience for those who are in the process of recovering from trauma or addiction. It can also be a useful process for anyone who is looking to sort through personal issues or who simply feels like they need help moving forward in their lives. With that said, it can be difficult to speak to a counselor for the first time, especially if you’re going in without outside supports. That’s why it’s vital to have a plan to prepare for your first counseling session.

Steps Toward Counseling

The first step to take is to think about the reason why you are attending counseling. For some, those reasons will be crystal clear from the first moment. For others, though, it will take a bit of digging to figure out why you are looking for help. It’s entirely appropriate to go to counseling simply because you’re not sure what else to do because you want to get your life on track, but it never hurts to spend a bit of time interrogating your reasoning for speaking with a counselor.

The next step is to prepare yourself for what an actual counseling session is like. While there are many depictions of counseling in media, most of them are quite inaccurate. It might be useful for you to call the counseling office to find out what to expect for your first session. In some cases, you’ll simply complete some minor intake paperwork and spend a bit of time on introductions. In other cases, you might get right to work. Knowing what comes next can calm your nerves and better prepare you for what comes next.

No matter what you do, you should also remember that meeting with a counselor is ultimately your choice. You have the power in this situation, so you are taking a positive step to improve your own life. If you are ready to speak with someone about the problems that you are encountering, you should give yourself credit for taking an action that will ultimately give you more options as to how you will move forward to a better future.

Back-Pack-Blitz
Events

Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway 2025

Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Community Partners,

We are excited to announce that Alpha Connection Youth & Family Services, in partnership with 360 Human Services, will be hosting a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at our Corporate Office/Choice Medical Center site, located at 18522 Hwy 18, Apple Valley, CA 92307.

This drive-thru event is aimed at helping families prepare for the upcoming school year by providing the first 300 youth (ages 18 and under) with free backpacks filled with essential school supplies. In addition, we will be presenting 10 local teachers with fully stocked classroom supply baskets—acknowledging that many educators often purchase classroom items out of their own pockets.

We kindly ask for your support in helping us spread the word by sharing the attached flyer through your networks, social media platforms, and community spaces. If you’re in a position to do so, we also welcome any donations or sponsorships—no matter how small—that will help us continue to bridge the gap for students and educators in need.

Your support makes a real difference, and together, we can help ensure every child gets off to a strong start this school year.

With gratitude,

Barron WilsonChief Executive Officer
Alpha Connection Youth & Family Services

📞

 (760) 247-7930

📧 barron@alphaconnection.org

AChorseprogsm
Events

Equine Therapy Program

Join us for the Alpha Connection “Healing Hooves” Equine Therapy Program!
This special event introduces youth to the powerful benefits of equine-assisted activities such as horse riding, grooming, and stable care. The program offers hands-on experiences that help build trust, reduce anxiety, boost self-esteem, and improve communication. Want to know how connecting with horses can help transform a young life? Come find out!

supporting-youth
News and Updates

Pride, Protection, and Belonging: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care

June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate love, visibility, and the ongoing fight for equality within the LGBTQ+ community. While parades and public declarations of pride take center stage, it’s also a time to reflect on those who are often unseen—LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system.

At Alpha Connection Youth & Family Services, we serve youth from every walk of life, including those navigating the complex intersections of identity, trauma, and displacement. For LGBTQ+ foster children, this journey can be especially isolating.


The Reality for LGBTQ+ Foster Youth

National studies consistently show that LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in the foster care system, making up an estimated 30% of foster youth—a striking number considering they represent far fewer in the general population. Many of these youth enter care after facing rejection, abuse, or neglect at home simply because of who they are or how they identify.

Once in the system, LGBTQ+ youth may continue to experience discrimination, bullying, or a lack of understanding from caregivers or peers. They may be placed in homes where their identity is not affirmed, or worse, where it is dismissed altogether. This lack of emotional safety can lead to higher rates of depression, homelessness, and suicidal ideation among LGBTQ+ foster youth.


What Pride Month Means for Foster Youth

Pride Month isn’t just about rainbows and celebrations—it’s about affirming the right of every individual to be seen, heard, and valued. For LGBTQ+ foster youth, Pride Month is a reminder that they are not alone, and that their identity is not a liability—it is something to be respected and celebrated.

At Alpha Connection, we believe in creating safe, inclusive, and affirming environments where youth can be their authentic selves. Our trauma-informed care approach is rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and the unwavering belief that every young person deserves a sense of belonging.


Our Commitment to LGBTQ+ Youth

We are committed to:

  • Training our staff to understand the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth, including the use of correct pronouns, respectful language, and culturally competent care
  • Creating safe spaces within our residential homes where youth feel free to express themselves without fear
  • Collaborating with LGBTQ+ organizations to connect our youth with mentors, role models, and affirming services
  • Listening deeply to our youth and advocating for their rights, their safety, and their dignity

How You Can Help

This Pride Month, we encourage our community to move beyond celebration into action:

  • Support inclusive policies in child welfare systems
  • Volunteer or donate to programs that directly serve LGBTQ+ foster youth
  • Educate yourself and others about the challenges these youth face
  • Affirm and uplift the voices of young people who need to know they are loved and seen

A Message of Hope

To every LGBTQ+ youth in foster care: You are not alone. You are valued, you are powerful, and you are worthy of love and stability. Pride is more than a celebration—it is a declaration that you belong.

At Alpha Connection, we stand with you—this month and every month.

juneteenth
News and Updates

Juneteenth: Freedom, Reflection, and a Call to Uplift Foster Youth

On June 19th, we honor Juneteenth—a powerful day marking the end of slavery in the United States. It’s a time of reflection, remembrance, and celebration of Black resilience, culture, and liberation. But as we celebrate freedom, we must also consider those still striving for stability, safety, and belonging—including thousands of Black children in foster care.

In California and across the nation, Black youth are disproportionately represented in the foster care system. Too often, they experience longer stays, fewer placements with kin, and more barriers to reunification or adoption. This is not just a foster care issue—it’s a racial justice issue.

At Alpha Connection Youth & Family Services, we use this day to recommit ourselves to equity, dignity, and culturally responsive care for all youth in our care. We understand that true freedom isn’t just about being unshackled—it’s about being supported, heard, and given the opportunity to thrive.

This Juneteenth, let us celebrate freedom by working to ensure Black foster youth are not forgotten in conversations about justice. Every child deserves a future where they feel empowered, loved, and free.

youthmentor
News and Updates

The Role of Structure and Mentorship in Preventing Juvenile Delinquency

The Role of Structure and Mentorship in Preventing Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile delinquency is a complex social issue that impacts not only the young individuals involved but also families, schools, communities, and society at large. It refers to illegal or antisocial behavior by individuals under the age of 18 and is often linked to a variety of factors such as broken homes, poverty, lack of education, and exposure to violence. However, one of the most effective and often underutilized tools in combating juvenile delinquency is the combination of structure and mentorship. These two components work hand in hand to provide young people with guidance, stability, and the emotional support necessary to make positive life choices.

Why Structure Matters

Structure provides the foundational framework that young people need in order to thrive. This includes consistent routines, clearly defined expectations, firm but fair discipline, and access to constructive activities. Without structure, many adolescents are left to navigate life’s challenges without the tools they need to succeed.

For example, a stable school environment with engaged teachers, scheduled classes, and extracurricular programs can play a critical role in a teenager’s development. Consistent school attendance and academic achievement help young people build confidence, feel a sense of belonging, and develop long-term goals. In contrast, unstructured time—especially in high-risk environments—can lead to boredom, negative peer influence, and eventually criminal behavior.

Additionally, home life plays a significant role. When parents or guardians enforce consistent rules, offer emotional support, and model positive behavior, children are more likely to internalize those values. Unfortunately, in many cases of juvenile delinquency, the home environment is chaotic or neglectful, leaving youth vulnerable to outside influences.

The Power of Mentorship

While structure lays the groundwork, mentorship offers the personal connection and emotional guidance that many at-risk youth desperately need. A mentor serves as a trusted adult who listens, encourages, and challenges a young person to make better decisions. Mentorship is not about control—it’s about connection.

Studies have consistently shown that young people who have mentors are more likely to stay in school, avoid drugs and alcohol, and stay out of trouble with the law. According to research from The National Mentoring Partnership, at-risk youth who have mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college, 78% more likely to volunteer regularly, and 46% less likely to start using drugs.

Mentors can come from a variety of backgrounds—teachers, coaches, community leaders, or trained volunteers. What matters most is their commitment and consistency. Many young people who engage in delinquent behavior lack a reliable adult figure in their life. A mentor can fill that gap by providing both accountability and encouragement.

Programs That Combine Both

Organizations like Alpha Connection, which has been serving troubled youth for over 37 years, understand the value of integrating structure and mentorship. By providing a structured environment through after-school programs, job training, and community involvement—paired with one-on-one mentorship—Alpha Connection helps young people build the life skills they need to avoid delinquency and succeed as adults.

Other nationwide examples include Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boys & Girls Clubs, and community church groups. These programs work because they offer consistent scheduling (structure), positive role models (mentorship), and a safe place where youth feel valued.

The Influence of Positive Peer Groups

An often-overlooked benefit of structured, mentored programs is the exposure to positive peer influences. When youth are surrounded by peers who are focused on personal growth, education, and service, they are more likely to adopt similar behaviors. This is in contrast to unsupervised social circles where criminal behavior may be normalized.

Structured group activities—such as sports teams, music programs, or community service projects—promote teamwork, responsibility, and mutual respect. When combined with mentorship, these activities create an environment where at-risk youth can thrive.

The Role of Schools and Communities

Preventing juvenile delinquency is not solely the responsibility of parents or youth organizations—it requires a community-wide effort. Schools should prioritize hiring counselors, implementing anti-bullying policies, and creating programs that reward positive behavior. Law enforcement agencies can work with community groups to refer youth to support programs rather than pursuing punitive measures for minor infractions.

Local businesses can also contribute by offering internships or job-shadowing opportunities to give young people a glimpse into the working world. When a teenager sees a clear path to a stable and successful future, they are far less likely to engage in risky behavior.

Juvenile delinquency is not an inevitable outcome for any young person. With the right combination of structure and mentorship, even the most at-risk youth can be guided toward a better future. Structure provides the boundaries and support they need to grow, while mentorship offers the emotional connection and guidance necessary to navigate life’s challenges. Together, they form a powerful shield against the pressures and pitfalls that lead to delinquency.

Communities that invest in programs providing both structure and mentorship don’t just help individual children—they build a safer, stronger, and more compassionate society for everyone.