Orange County Bar Foundation

Project Youth OC meets young people at a turning point, through guidance, education, and family-
centered support, we empower them to build a path toward success.

Project Youth OC was founded more than five decades ago by a group of Orange County judges and attorneys who recognized that too many youth were being pulled into the justice system with no meaningful way out. What began as a grassroots effort to provide legal education and early intervention for at-risk youth has since grown into a trusted and respected nonprofit serving thousands of youth and families across the region.

Originally operating under the name Orange County Bar Foundation, the organization’s work was rooted in the belief that prevention, not punishment, is the most powerful tool for building safer communities. Over the years, that belief has guided the development of programs that respond to the complex needs of local youth, particularly those impacted by poverty, trauma, systemic inequity, or involvement in the juvenile justice system.

In 2016, the organization adopted the name Project Youth OC to better reflect its mission and the communities it serves. Today, Project Youth OC stands as a vital part of Orange County’s safety net for young people and their families, offering a continuum of services that includes juvenile diversion, substance use prevention, college and career access, and family strengthening.

Though much has changed since its founding, the heart of Project Youth OC remains the same: a deep commitment to early intervention, second chances, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive.

In 2024, Project Youth OC entered a new chapter, one marked by bold leadership, community trust, and measurable progress. Under new executive leadership, we unified our program tracks into a more integrated, prevention-focused model, ensuring youth and families receive more holistic, coordinated support. We also secured critical new funding that allowed us to launch our Familias Fuertes, Strong Families program offering guidance, education and resource connection to parents of program participants. With a renewed focus on storytelling and visibility, we reignited our connection with the broader Orange County community, breaking fundraising records at events and welcoming new partners and champions into our mission.

As we look to 2025, our sights are set on deepening and scaling this momentum. We aim to grow our footprint by opening a second program site in North Orange County, expanding our reach and improving accessibility for families who have historically been underserved. We are also investing in the mental health and professional growth of our staff, ensuring that our team, many of whom come from the communities we serve, have the tools and support needed to thrive in their roles. Finally, we are committed to elevating the visibility and financial sustainability of Project Youth OC through a robust strategic marketing initiative and a strengthened board of directors, positioning our organization for long-term impact.

We are proud of what we've built and energized by what lies ahead. Project Youth OC is not just responding to needs. We are shaping a more hopeful, more equitable future for Orange County youth and families.

At Project Youth OC, we are meeting the moment—but we cannot do it alone. As youth in Orange County face rising pressures and systemic barriers, our organization is committed to expanding the reach, quality, and sustainability of our early intervention programs. To do that, we have five urgent needs:

1. Sustainable Funding for Program Expansion
We are working to scale our evidence-based Juvenile Diversion, College & Career Access, and Family Support programs to meet demand in high-need areas like Anaheim, Costa Mesa, and Santa Ana. We need multi-year funding to increase staffing, service capacity, and partnerships in these communities.

2. Mental Health Integration Across All Programs
Youth in our programs are experiencing anxiety, trauma, and family instability at higher rates than ever before. We need support to embed trauma-informed mental health services into all levels of programming—especially for youth in diversion, victims of violence, and families in crisis.

3. Investment in Marketing and Outreach
Despite a 50+ year history of impact, Project Youth OC remains under-recognized. Funding for branding, storytelling, and digital outreach will help us connect more families to life-changing services and engage a broader base of supporters.

4. Technology and Infrastructure Upgrades
Modern tools are essential to run programs efficiently and measure outcomes. We need support for client management systems, mobile outreach tools, and upgraded technology that will enable us to serve more youth while maintaining high-quality data tracking and reporting.

5. Capacity Building for Organizational Sustainability
To grow responsibly, we must invest in leadership development, staff training, and internal systems. Support for operations, evaluation, and professional development ensures our team can deliver transformative programs for decades to come.

Orange County

At Project Youth OC, we believe that every young person - no matter their zip code, background, or starting point - deserves the chance to shape a successful future. We walk alongside youth and families navigating real challenges: poverty, justice system involvement, intergenerational trauma, and a lack of access to opportunities that others may take for granted. But we don’t define anyone by their barriers. We see potential, and we help them see it too.

Our programs are more than services. They are lifelines. Whether it's keeping youth out of the justice system, supporting a first-generation student through college, or strengthening a family in crisis, our work builds long-term resilience and hope. Every outcome we achieve begins with trust, consistency, and the deep belief that change is possible.

The heartbeat of our work is our staff. Many of them have lived the experiences our youth are facing. Their commitment is personal, and their impact is powerful. We offer more than intervention, we offer connection, guidance, and a pathway forward.

As we look ahead, our vision is bold. We’re not here to maintain. We’re here to evolve, expand, and reimagine what’s possible for Orange County’s youth and families. We invite you to learn more, get involved, and become part of this movement because when one young person finds their footing, it lifts us all.

“Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader… they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role—always about the goal.”

As I step into the role of President of Project Youth OC’s Board of Directors, I am both honored and energized to continue the vital work of empowering our youth to forge healthier, brighter futures. For over 50 years, Project Youth OC has been a beacon of hope and a source of transformation for at-risk youth in Orange County. Our mission to keep youth in school, healthy, and drug-free through education, counseling, mentoring, and family strengthening remains steadfast.

We’re thrilled to have our new Executive Director, Laura Marcum, guiding us with her visionary leadership. Together, we are building on the foundation laid by our predecessors and are implementing an ambitious strategic plan to expand our outreach and deepen our impact. Our focus remains on positioning Project Youth OC as a one-stop center for prevention and intervention services—offering everything from juvenile crime diversion to health education, substance abuse treatment, mental health resources, college readiness, and family strengthening programs.

In 2025, our goals include:

- Developing our board for the future: Ensuring we are equipped with strong, strategic leadership to guide Project Youth OC in the years ahead.
- Expanding our presence across Orange County: Connecting more deeply with the communities we serve and raising awareness of our life-changing programs beyond our immediate network.
- Elevating our brand of service: Continuing to innovate and adapt, providing tailored support to youth and families to help them overcome challenges and embrace opportunities.

At Project Youth OC, we know that second chances and healthy choices are achieved when the whole family is involved and focused on a positive future. Our partnerships with local school districts, law enforcement, and healthcare agencies remain critical as we tackle youth crime, gang involvement, behavioral health, and substance abuse challenges head-on.

This work would not be possible without the tireless dedication of our staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners—or the trust of the families we serve. Together, we are changing lives, one step at a time, and giving every young person the tools and support they need to succeed.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, I invite you to join us in our mission. Whether through your time, resources, or advocacy, your support is invaluable. Let’s work together to ensure every youth in Orange County has the chance to dream, grow, and achieve.

Here’s to a year of growth, collaboration, and impact. - Wes K. Polischuk, Esq., Board President '25/'26