Written by: Center for Care Innovations

The East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC), is a nonprofit organization that provides after-school and summer programs in the areas of art, education, jobs, and wellness to youth ages 5 to 24. EOYDC is located in an economically depressed, high crime area of Oakland. Many of the youth who come to EOYDC have experienced complex stress and trauma.

EOYDC uses trauma-informed care (TIC) at every level of the organization; this approach is even spelled out in the organization’s values. Older teens who take on leadership roles at EOYDC are trained to use TIC practices when working with younger students and peers. But EOYDC staff found that some Youth Leaders were struggling to implement TIC practices, despite the training they received.