Our Community Vol. 2 (2020)

Young people – particularly youth of color and their allies – are deeply motivated to address inequities in their communities At YouthLeadershipInstitute, young people realize their power by learning to use their voices to create meaningful change.

Change happens when conversations take place. At Youth Leadership Institute, we believe that conversations of real significance only occur when all voices are heard And we ’ re here to ensure that youth voice is heard Loud and clear

Youth Leadership Institute has two youth programs based in the Eastern Coachella Valley. CoachellaUnincorporated and ¡QueMadre!Media are two youth storytelling programs open to all ECV youth, ages 14-25. Both programs support young people to identify the root causes of systemic issues in their communities and to uplift their own stories to bring about positive change

To learn more about joining our programs, email Amber Amaya, YLI Program Manager, at aamaya@yli.org.

OpportunitiesforyouthinSpring2020:

Paid opportunities

Get published online and in print

Volunteer hours

Develop your media, storytelling and leadership skills

Program Manager

Amber Amaya

Program Coordinators

Paulina Rojas

Olivia Rodriguez

Fatima Ramirez

Executive Director, Youth Leadership Institute

Patty Barahona

Publication Designer

Amber Amaya, assisted by Olivia Rodriguez

Translation

Olivia Rodriguez

CoverArt

Daphne Ramirez

Copyright 2018-2020

This publication was created in collaboration with the Coachella Valley Equity Collaborative and the COVID-19 Response collaborative

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the organizations

RESOURCE GUIDE

Connect with the service providers and community organizations below for more information on local resources and support services in the Eastern Coachella Valley.

ALIANZA COACHELLA VALLEY

Alianza is the only alliance in the Coachella Valley bringing together community members, nonprofits, and government to lead efforts we need for a thriving region Alianza envisions one vibrant, healthy, and thriving Coachella Valley where people have a seat at the table for decisions that affect their daily lives

Phone: (760) 972-4628

Website: alianzacv org

Address: 1515 Sixth Street Coachella, CA 92236

CLINICAS DE SALUD DEL PUEBLO

CDSDP's goal is to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve through providing access to excellent care, available to all CDSDP offers behavioral health services including counseling, referrals to psychiatric services and youth services

Phone: (760) 396-1249

Website: cdsdp org

Address: Mecca Clinic 91275 66th Avenue, Suite 500 Mecca, CA 92254

Coachella Clinic 50249 Cesar Chavez Street, Unit K Coachella, CA 92236

FIND FOOD BANK

FIND Food Bank is the only regional food bank serving eastern Riverside and southern San Bernardino Counties in Southern California FIND partners with community-based organizations across eastern Riverside and southern San Bernardino Counties to distribute food to those who need it

Phone: Call 760-775-FOOD (3663) for more information on distribution sites

Website: www findfoodbank org

Address: 83775 Citrus AveIndio, CA 92201

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

The Child/Adolescent Clinic provides individual family and group services as well as an intensive after school program Services can include assessments, urgent mental health care and referrals to mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services

Phone: (760) 863-8455

Website: rcdmh org

Address: 47825 Oasis St, Indio, CA 92201

RIVERSIDE LATINO COMISSION

The mission of the Riverside Latino Commission is to provide programs and services for those in our community who are facing challenges with mental health issues and/or drug use

Phone: (760) 398-9000

Website: latinocommission com

Address: 1612 First Street Coachella, CA 92236

TODEC LEGAL CENTER

TODEC Legal Center continues to provide services like immigration legal services, community education, leadership development and citizenship/naturalization services TODEC serves a diverse population of special groups including farmworkers, limited English speaking and hard to reach populations

Phone: (760) 698-8787

Website: todec org

Address:Coachella Valley Office

1482 Sixth Street Coachella CA 92236

MI GENTE

BY DAPHNE RAMIREZ

They have no alternative, Whether to quarantine or work, They don’t complain though; instead, they work in the heat. Even when on the verge of a heat stroke, They’re determined with the thought of their goal

To fill the belly of their loved ones is what they’re working for. With the unhealthy air and the layers of masks to wear, all is possible when their mind is set. Their strength and health are crucial too; yet,

To the person who feels like their whole world is falling apart

To the person who is stressed over online school

To the person who has lost a loved one during this pandemic

To those who have lost their jobs

To the person who is going through any mental challenges

To you who is sitting in a dark room, feeling like no one is there for you

You’re not alone

You're love

You were placed in this world for a reason

Don’t give up

To you, To us, To our community, To everyone...

We will get through this together as one

To you, Yes you.

ILLUSTRATION BY DAPHNE RAMIREZ

ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAPHNE RAMIREZ

TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS

More and more people in our community are reporting feelings of anxiety due to COVID-19 Our friends at Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo recommend these four exercises for when you start to feel anxious These exercises help recognize your body's physical responses to anxiety and stress These quick tips will help you to relax and reduce stress

*If anxiety regularly disrupts your day and overall mood, reach out to a mental health expert for support. See our resource guide to connect with local experts.*

1. BREATHE SLOWLY

When you ' re feeling anxious, your breathing and heart rate might get faster. Try taking a slow breath through your nose then breath out slowly through your mouth. Repeat the exercise

2. RELAX YOUR MUSCLES

When you become anxious or stressed, your muscles can start to tighten or become tense. Try squeezing your hand in a fist for a couple of seconds then release. Slowly open your fist. Try relaxing your neck and shoulders too.

3. BE PRESENT

Being present can help reduce stress by calming your mind and any anxious thoughts about the past or future. Start by focusing on your breathing. Try focusing all your attention on the present moment. It's okay to get distracted. Try gently bringing yourself back to the moment.

4. VISUALIZE

Find your "happy place" by creating a mental picture that helps calm your brain and body. Try thinking about how that place would feel, sound or smell.

Proceduresfor Self-Quarantine underCovid-19

Stayathome.

Limitallyournon-essential travels.

Unlessyou'regoingoutfor food,medicinesorother essentials.

Checkyourtemperature.

Checkyourtemperatureat leasttwotimesaday

Watchforother symptoms.

Asidefromfever,Covid-19 symptomsincludecough, difficultybreathing,andfatigue

Practicesocial distancingand wearamask

Ifyouneedtogoout,maintain atleasta6ftdistancefrom othersandalwayswearamask

HOPE HOPE

POEM BY VANESSA BECERRA

Practicingsocialdistancingcanhelppreventthe spreadofCovid-19inourcommunities

Self-quarantineisrecommendedforindividuals whohavebeendirectlyexposedtoCOVID-19 Cut thisguideoutforandeasyreminder

Washyourhands.

Practicegoodhand hygienebywashing yourhandswithsoap andwaterorusing alcoholorhand sanitizer.

Stayinaspecificroom.

Ifyou'resickorsuspect yourselftobesick,it'sbestto stayinadesignatedroomor areaawayfromothers.

Ifpossible,haveadesignated toiletandbathroomaswell

Ifyouneedtoseekmedical attentionwhetherforviral symptomsorothermedical carereasons,contactyour doctororhospitalaheadof timesotheycanprepare andtakeprecautionsfor yourarrival

Have you ever felt an immense pain on your shoulders A moment where the world stopped And you can’t accomplish anything You feel like you are a failure

Always remember not to give up You are stronger than what you believe You may feel lost

But there is more light than darkness inside of you

Never lose hope because when you find the light You will make the world go round again