“Every youth deserves a safe runway and a clear sky.”
After School Matters (ASM)
After School Matters is a safe and nurturing space for Mariposa youth to come after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays! ASM provides youth with a safe, substance-free space to connect, have fun, and build positive relationships. Through engaging activities and supportive mentorship, the program empowers youth to make healthy choices while strengthening confidence, leadership, and community connection.
Friday Night Live (FNL)
Mariposa Safe Families is the lead for the Mariposa Friday Night Live (FNL) program! FNL is a youth development and substance use prevention initiative that engages young people as active leaders and resources in their communities. It builds partnerships between youth and adults to promote healthy lifestyles free of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, while helping young people develop leadership, advocacy, and life-skills through club activities, community engagement, and peer-led projects. The program operates in schools and community sites across Mariposa County and emphasizes positive youth development, community connection, and skill building as core elements of its mission.
Youth Advisory Group (YAG)
The Mariposa Safe Families Youth Advisory Group (YAG) is a leadership-driven group made up of local youth ages approximately 13–18 who want to make a positive difference in their community. Members of the Youth Advisory Group help shape youth-led initiatives by organizing campaigns and activities that raise awareness about important issues such as the dangers of substance use, social-emotional health, bullying, and other topics that matter to young people in Mariposa County.
Beyond advocacy, the Youth Advisory Group has a direct impact on other youth programs at Mariposa Safe Families—especially the After School Matters program—by helping plan and lead activities that take place twice weekly at the Youth Empowerment Center. Through these roles, YAG members serve as youth voices in the community, supporting peers, shaping local activities, and contributing to community wellness events that empower young people to be informed, engaged, and active leaders.
A safe place for youth to land...
The Mariposa Safe Families Youth Empowerment Center "The Landing" provides a safe, supportive, and substance-free space for local youth in 5th through 12th grade to connect, grow, and thrive. Staffed by trusted mentors and volunteers, the Youth Center offers a welcoming environment where young people can spend time before and after school with peers, participate in structured activities, and access positive recreational opportunities that build confidence and healthy relationships.
At the Youth Center, students are encouraged to explore creative interests, develop life and leadership skills, and engage in guided discussions that support social-emotional well-being. The center’s programs — including Friday Night Live, youth leadership groups, and after-school enrichment — emphasize respect, inclusivity, and personal growth. By providing a place where youth feel seen, supported, and empowered, the Youth Empowerment Center helps reduce risk behaviors while fostering a sense of belonging and community connection among young people across Mariposa County.