Enriching XTRA programs for junior and senior high school students in the Ojai Valley that support student interests and skills outside the classroom. These programs are community led and in partnership with local adults and organizations in order to foster a better and healthier Ojai community for all.
About
Founded in 1997, the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation has introduced hundreds of young people to the core values of personal development built on the principles of INTEGRITY, LEADERSHIP, RESILIENCY, CHARITY, and most importantly FRIENDSHIP.
The Ojai Valley Youth Foundation connects young people to educational programming and mentors to help develop their life skills building self-confidence, self-worth and self-esteem.
Currently, the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation is providing after-school programming for junior high and high school students at Nordhoff School. (See the Programs Tab for more information regarding the many enriching programs being offered this year)
News
Spring 2023, the Youth Foundation hosted its LEADERSHIP PROGRAM. Students met with the Ojai Chief of Police, visited the Ventura County Humane Society's facility, worked with Ojai's C.R.E.W. on a environmental land restoration project, took a hike above the Ojai Valley and more experiences during the six week program.
The Youth Foundation also participates in Ojai's annual 4th of July parade! Everyone always has so much fun together.
The Youth Foundation along with the Ojai Chamber of Commerce hosts 2 concert events to support the Ventura County Humane Society. Many dogs are adopted at these events!!!
This last Fall, Narconon Ojai presented its third donation check to the Youth Foundation during Narconon's annual golf tournament. Narconon's annual support is greatly appreciated!
Also this past Fall, the Youth Foundation hosted its 3rd annual An Evening of Country Music fundraiser to a supportive, sold-out crowd who were entertained by local singers backed by a great country band. Thank you for all of the support!
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Leadership
Community Involvement
Executive Director
Jamie Fleming
Kelly Ammerman - Asst. to Exec. Dir.
Executive Board
Franci Nelson - President
Suzanne Feldman - Vice President
Erik Wilde - Secretary / Treasurer
Advisory Board
Maurice Chasse
Tom Krause
Nathan Wallace
Youth Foundation Guild
Joan Kemper
Wendy Dio
Cathy Cluff
Mike Gaidano
Asunta Fleming
Community Advisors
Dr. Sherrill Knox –
Superintendent, OUSD
Jim Halverson - OUSD School Board
Trina Newman - Ojai Police Chief
Dave Monson – Principal, Nordhoff
Junior High and High School
Jim Bailey - Headmaster, Rock Tree Sky
Lyndon Thomas
Stephen Wagner
Robert Munic
Jayn Walter - Co-Executive Director,
Help of Ojai
Barbara Haskins – Board President,
Ojai Chamber of Commerce
Fabian Padro - Executive Director,
Narconon Ojai
Operations
Alex Mooney - Creative Director
Connor Schryver – Bookkeeper
Programs
Youth Foundation Programs
Leadership Program
Raptors, Birds of Prey (Jaclyn DeSantis)
Car Design (Sean Scott)
Thrive (Tessa MaGill)
Ripples Program - (Margaret Bungard)
Cooking Intro - (chef Sandra Jones),
(Messermeister Knives)
Marine Robotics & Ocean Exploration
(Tyler Buckingham)
Introduction To Flying
Space Exploration - Rock Tree Sky School
(Jim Bailey)
Auto Mechanics - Ojai Valley Imports
(JR & Rita Luna)
Improv - (Robert Munic)
Ojai Mandala Program (River Sauvageau)
Life Skills
Loud School of Rock (Nate Arling)
MLK Day Celebration (Kate Russell)
YES – Youth Employment Service
(Franci Nelson)
Entrepreneurship
Art of Filmmaking (Robert Munic,
Josh Gobbell)
College Campus Tours -
(Margaret Bungard)
Youth Program Alliances
Rock Tree Sky School (Jim Bailey)
Casitas Rowing (Wendy Gillett)
Art – Ojai Studio Artists (Linda Taylor)
Green Valley Youth Program (Tara Fay)
Humane Society (Steve McCurry)
Ojai Police Department -
Explorers Program
Ventura Actors Studio (Ojai) (Gina Nemo)
Surfclass (Chip & Kelly Bell)
Chess (Surya)