The Juvenile Hall Auxiliary

Welcome to The Juvenile Hall Auxiliary!

We are an East Bay non-profit volunteer organization helping youth in the Contra Costa County juvenile justice and foster care systems build a better future for themselves through our scholarship program, educational and vocational assistance, youth mentoring programs, and positive outreach.

Who We Are

The Juvenile Hall Auxiliary is a non-profit volunteer organization working to help at-risk and incarcerated youth build a better future for themselves. Through the efforts of volunteers and donations, we provide mentoring, vocational and career development, educational services and financial assistance to our at-risk youth. Since 1955, over 90% of funds raised have gone directly into programming for at-risk youth in our county. For many, these programs help them develop the first positive relationships in their lives.
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A Volunteer Speaks

"I began volunteering at the Hall Closet about 7 years ago. I volunteer because I enjoy giving back to the community and helping out the kids in Juvenile Hall. I also look forward to helping our loyal customers and working with the other volunteers."
-Donald Harris

Success Stories

Riley, "I Think I Can"
I lost focus, becoming overwhelmed, believing I couldn’t at a young age. I lost hope, compassion and care for my future. Before I hit bottom I was reached by Doctor Reverend Charles Tinsley and Ms. Heidi Jones, from the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary, who both gave me hope for tomorrow when I never cared about today. They gave me the tools necessary to obtain the resources I needed and at times even provided the resources that I needed.

After getting my belief system back, feeling like I had support from others I tried and tried again. I have been through three Junior Colleges and what seems like a hundred jobs. I found a place I enjoyed and applied myself earning a 3.8 GPA at DVC my 4th semester in college. Feeling a little empowered I applied a dozen Universities. I got into one and decided to go with, taking a leap forward.

Saint Mary’s College of California is where I ended up. With expenses piling up I needed people like those of the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary. In the beginning I was very nervous, not knowing whether the next step I took would collapse underneath me. But I had the support I needed and the belief that I could. These two factors give people the reasoning that anything is achievable if you apply yourself. Through hard work and perseverance I reached a place where I could see the end in mind.

With the help of the Auxiliary and Reverend Tinsley I know I can. Feeling the support of others is what helps me continue to the next day. I owe everything to individuals like Shannon, those at the Auxiliary and Reverend Tinsley. I have gone from not caring about tomorrow to only thinking about my future and how I live today. I now know I can truly believing that with support and confidence I can achieve anything.
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Contact Us

Janet Young
Executive Director
202 Glacier Drive
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 957-2718
admin@reachingouryouth.org

Hall Closet Thrift Store
100 Glacier Dr.
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 957-0019
M, Th, Sat: 10-4pm

Life Skills Program

We welcome the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church members as they become the first group to volunteer their time teaching Juvenile Hall residents through our brand new life skills program, Steps to Success.

The purpose of the Steps to Success is to teach valuable life skills, through the efforts of volunteers, to our incarcerated youth so that they can reach their highest potential as successful law-abiding citizens once they re-enter society.

The Life Skills Program consists of 5-10 volunteers, working as a group, teaching youth detained in the John A. Davis Juvenile Hall. These volunteers visit with our residents once a month, with each visit lasting one hour. During this time, volunteers teach our youth employability skills, money management skills, and how to finance a college education.

Internship Program

Students are hired at our thrift store to work a six week internship. During this period, they are trained in aspects of retail and customer service. We are a welcome entry on their resumes and are coached on job searches and networking. If you are a student and are interested in applying for a position at our establishment please click here.

Our friends from San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church

One Sunday Volunteers

Members of the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church (LOPC), dedicated their volunteer efforts to "makeover" our thrift store. They paved the entry way to our donation station, cleaned, and organized. Over 15 volunteers dedicated their time and materials while the entire congregation outreaches to the community at various non-profits with much needed and appreciated service projects.

This is the second year in a row that the Hall Closet was blessed to have the LOPC members generously select our location. Our hats are off to this wonderful congregation, for choosing to make a difference.