(Youth Against Gang Activity)

Youth Against Gang Activity (Y.A.G.A.) was born on the Eastside of San Antonio in 1992.  It began in response to the gang activity that was surrounding this community and the city during that time period.  Family Service Association in conjunction with Highlands High School, formed a teen led group of students that were encouraged to combat the gang image that existed concerning the youth in their community.  Y.A.G.A. also wanted to offer a safe haven and an alternative to gang activity.  Y.A.G.A. provided a positive group that fostered a sense of belonging, that was open to all whom desired to be a member of something that was part of the solution.  These ideals have persisted and expanded through out the years.

Y.A.G.A. acknowledges that skill building is our program objective while a positive sense of self-worth and belonging is the result of that initiative. This initiative will cultivate what will ultimately assist youth to stay in school, abstain from substance use/abuse, resist gang involvement, and avoid criminal behavior.  

Family Service Association provides the Y.A.G.A. program as a free service to its participants.  
All activities are sponsored and supported by the agency.

Y.A.G.A. Activity Goals
 

Provide participants with the opportunity to develop and retain a positive sense of self worth.

To encourage participants to become actively involved in projects promoting their communities.  This then allows the participant the opportunity to develop a connection with their community.

To demonstrate and reinforce the importance of staying in school.

  		 

To abstain substance use/abuse by educating participants about the effects of using/abusing tobacco, alcohol, and/or other drugs.

To expose youth to a positive youth group, thus encouraging resistance of gang involvement.

Encourage youth to avoid criminal behavior by involving them in activities that are safe, positive, educational, and fun.

 

Our Five Major Components

Y.A.G.A. in the High Schools

Y.A.G.A. in the Middle Schools

Resources

Y.A.G.A. Press Room

 
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