#USA #San Rafael #Alcohol Justice #NextGen Youth Advocates

A Family-Friendly Celebration for Cinco de Mayo

NextGen Youth Advocates™ (NGYA), a project of Alcohol Justice, is thrilled to announce a free, two-day health and wellness open house on May 4th and 5th at Alcohol Justice's office located in San Rafael's Canal district. This vibrant event is designed to offer meaningful, engaging activities for local youth and their families as they celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a safe and supportive environment.

The open house spans the weekend and blends educational workshops with fun social activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and substance abuse prevention. Attendees will enjoy hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and receive take-home gifts centered around healthy living and substance prevention.

Chauncey Bryant, a co-instructor for NGYA, emphasizes the program's mission: “Alcohol Justice passionately commits to empowering youth to become change agents for our future, reminding them that their voices matter, regardless of their age.” The event showcases efforts led by youth advocates, demonstrating how they can take charge in creating a positive atmosphere.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with peers and community members while contributing to various presentations, including gardening demonstrations, personal testimonials, and distributing resources. With a focus on fostering a healthy community, NGYA aims to create a model for gatherings without alcohol, reflecting the community's increasing demand for constructive spaces that engage youth.

Susan Bryant, another co-instructor for NGYA, shares, “We want to make addiction prevention accessible and showcase that leading a balanced, healthy life is achievable for everyone attending our event.” In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the open house provides invaluable opportunities for personal connections and resource sharing that empower youth to make informed choices for their well-being.

NextGen Youth Advocates™ invites children from the Canal district of San Rafael and various areas of Marin County to come together, nurture positive behaviors, and learn collaboratively. Offering after-school support within a secure setting, the program instills valuable life advocacy skills while encouraging youth to identify pathways for community change.

Raúl Verdugo, Director of Advocacy at Alcohol Justice, states, “Personal health and the empowerment of children extend beyond what we can teach. It’s about demonstrating how we can collectively address issues and pursue change. Young individuals can envision the world they deserve; we assist them in pinpointing necessary resources, equipping them with the skills to realize their aspirations with NGYA's support.”

Event Details

• - Who: Chauncey and Susan Bryant – NextGen Youth Advocates™, Alcohol Justice
• - What: Free Health and Wellness Open House
• - When:

- Sunday, May 4, 2025, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Monday, May 5, 2025, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• - Where: Alcohol Justice - 24 Belvedere St., San Rafael, CA 94901

Why Attend?

The event unites the community to tackle critical needs, offering chances to learn about substance prevention, engage in youth advocacy, explore ecological gardening, and enjoy tangible takeaways—organic products, vegetables, and children’s books—all supporting a dynamic and healthy lifestyle. The Alcohol Justice youth program is grateful for the support from the Sierra Health Foundation and the Marin County HEAL Collaborative.

For more information, please contact:
Raúl Verdugo at (310) 689-9401
Carson Benowitz-Fredericks at (917) 426-6443