Do you have the passion and ideas needed to change the world?
If you want to make a real change in Humboldt County for transition age youth, and are between the ages of 16-30, apply to be on HCTAYC's Youth Advisory Board. Members receive a monthly stipend for their work.
Application here.
Current Youth Advisory Board Members
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Tia Richardson, 25, was born and raised in Humboldt. Tia’s passion to help others stems from her own personal achievements in overcoming mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. She has a firm belief that anyone can change and succeed no matter what their circumstances. Tia is an activist committed to breaking down stereotypes and reducing stigma for other young people impacted by mental illness, addictions, and homelessness. She enjoys having fun, hanging out with friends, road trips and spending quality time with her family. |
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Helen Weaver, 20, entered foster care in Humboldt County when she was 15 and emancipated at 18. She is a current student at College of the Redwoods. She participates in the Honors Program, heads up the Honors Advisory Board, and is President of Bridgeway Club. She is majoring in Business Administration and Economics and hopes to transfer to UC Berkeley in Fall 2011. She is committed to promoting social justice throughout her life. |
Photo coming soon. |
Kenny Bennett, 18, is a former foster youth, born and raised in Humboldt County. He is in the process of defeating addiction, and is working hard to find a way out of homelessness. Kenny graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 2009, and is currently enrolled in College of the Redwoods, working on his general education requirements with the goal of earning a degree in network security. His biggest inspiration is his sister Whitney, who has shown him that you can take the path you choose, not what you’re taught. Kenny is committed to choosing to change his life by joining HCTAYC and advocating for better support for other youth that have experienced challenges relating to foster care, mental health, homelessness, and substance use. |
Former Youth Advisory Board Members
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Preston Reed Massey, 18, was born and raised in Humboldt County. A current foster youth making his way to college, he is a future lawyer starting at the bottom ranks as an intern. Preston loves to get down to business, but loves a good laugh in between. Very energetic, he likes to spend his time being everywhere and anywhere at once. |
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Erik Carl Thomsen II, 26, lives in Eureka. He is a proud recovering addict and is working on self-discovery/recovery from the struggles of a tragic childhood. He is a self-taught over-comer of emotional distress. Erik is truly committed to listening to others and helping if he can. He believes that God gave him two ears and one mouth so he can listen twice as much as he talks. He enjoys working with and for youth, hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, meditation, and the beach. He has a curiosity for most things tangible and intangible. He truly loves his close friends whom he considers family. |
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Susan Manzi, 25, is a current Bay Area resident, but was raised in rural Humboldt. She has been actively involved with mental health and foster care advocacy since the age of 17; however, her true expertise stems from family generations of mental health challenges, experiencing both the foster care and mental health systems and surviving as a womyn in a world where mental health is not embraced and mental health struggles are often stigmatized. |
