What?

The Latino Youth Wellness Program provides a unique opportunity for youth 12-19 years and their families to engage in a holistic approach to wellness.  This approach addresses mental, physical, social, and emotional issues with cultural and linguistic competency.

When?

In 2003, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Latino Health Initiative funded the Latino Youth Wellness Program.  Identity, Inc. implements the Latino Youth Wellness Program.

Where?

The Latino Youth Wellness Program serves high-risk Latino youth residing in the Wheaton and Gaithersburg areas of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Why?

Many Montgomery County Latino youth and families face multiple and complex challenges due to family reunification issues, varying degrees of English proficiency and Spanish literacy, disruptions in formal education participation, poverty, and experiences with civil wars, natural disasters and extreme economic hardship in home countries and United States.

How?

The Latino Youth Wellness Program seeks to increase participants’ responsibility for their own health and wellbeing by:

• Providing youth trainings, group retreats, counseling, and referrals to services that increase protective factors and decrease risk factors associated with negative health.
• Developing individualized health and wellness plans.
• Teaching about careers in the health field.
• Emphasizing physical fitness, reproductive health, and mental health as well as the prevention of substance abuse, violence, and gang involvement.
• Providing youth and families tools and opportunities to advocate on behalf of their community.

Who?

Youth 12-19 years and their families take part in a Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Latino Health Initiative-funded program that is managed by Identity, Inc.