Caminos Del Arte is a non-profit organization under section 501© (3) of the internal revenue code based in Monterey County. The organization was founded March of 1998, by a concerned citizen as the result of the increasing threat of drugs, crime, gangs and family dysfunction. The organization was created to provide alternatives for youth and as an outlet for education and community participation regardless of age, race, religion, creed, sex, ability or financial status.

Caminos Del Arte introduces youth to different disciplines of the arts through appreciation, understanding and performance of artistic activities. This concept serves as the platform of a program designed to guide and inspire healthy learning objectives and heightened social skills. Our programs provide mentors that develop self-esteem, leadership, physical activities, and life enhancing skills that enable youth to become well-rounded and productive members of society.

For more information on the history of the organization, click here.

PURPOSE

The purpose of CDA is to provide early intervention and prevention services by mentoring “at- risk youth,” through artistic activities in grades K-12 who are at risk of educational failure, teen pregnancy, truancy and juvenile delinquency. The program is designed to encourage youth to see beyond the often-oppressive conditions of poverty and crime.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Caminos Del Arte is to provide intervention and prevention services through mentoring and to serve as an outlet for artistic expression.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Youth mentoring is becoming a component of many organizations and institutions. It is believed that through mentoring, youth will be provided with positive role models and better opportunity to survive their daily stresses such as; living in a violent neighborhood, being a single child with no supervision, or just not having a supportive adult in time of need.

We offer several alternatives to youth in Salinas. We provide summer work for youth from ages 16 to 21 in collaboration with the Job Opportunity Center for Monterey County. The youth are referred to our agency and they learn about being role models to other youth (younger) by working in our many artistic programs such as kids club, Aztec Danza, Hip Hop Dance or other after school programs. Many other youth complete community service hours which are required for graduation (or court mandated service) in collaboration with the Caminos Program of the United Way of Monterey County.