Last week, we hosted our first Train-the-Trainer cohort in Sacramento, preparing youth-serving adults to facilitate our core training in their communities. Grateful to partner w/ Catalyst Center + Community Solutions as we grow a network of facilitators centered on youth voice & harm reduction.

We had the privilege of training the incredible team at Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children's Services in Covina, CA. Through our core training, their staff explored how to engage youth in honest conversations about substance use and other behavioral health concerns with curiosity rather than judgment.

If support only exists when someone is “doing everything right,” is it really support? Harm reduction meets people where they are — because safety and dignity shouldn’t be conditional. #HarmReduction #TraumaInformed #BehavioralHealth

Not every sign means there’s a problem, but they can be invitations to check in. Paying attention to changes in behavior can help adults start supportive conversations early. #YouthVoice #TraumaInformed #BehavioralHealth #MentalHealth #SubstanceUse

We recently partnered with Santiago Canyon College for an Open Doors core training — where youth-serving adults get tools to engage young people in honest, non-judgmental conversations about substance use + other behavioral health issues. Thank you to SCC for showing up with authenticity and care.

Not every behavior tells the full story. Young people may use substances for many reasons — coping, curiosity, social connection, or something else entirely. When we lead with curiosity instead of assumptions, we create space for honest conversations.

The questions we ask matter. When we focus on understanding instead of blame, young people are more likely to open up. One small shift can change the entire conversation. #TraumaInformed #RestorativeJustice #MentalHealth #BehavioralHealth

Open Doors trainings create space for youth-serving adults to explore new ways of supporting youth around substance use + other behavioral health issues. Thru conversation, reflection & shared learning, attendees leave with tools to bring to their communities. Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/.

Open Doors is tabling at CACFS’ #AdvocacyInAction2026 conference in Sacramento. This space is about more than policy; it’s about people. It’s about how we show up for youth with curiosity, care, and respect for their autonomy. If you’re here, come find us and say hi. We’d love to connect!

Open Doors Training helps youth-serving adults build trust with young people, reduce stigma around substance use, and connect them with the support they need to thrive. We’re hosting a FREE in-person training in Lake County, CA, on May 14th. Register by April 14th: forms.office.com/pages/respon...

We made our national conference debut at the ACRC Conference in Chicago, where we presented “Advancing Youth Autonomy & Equity in Youth-serving Systems." Grateful to be in community with folks who are rethinking how we support young people.

Harm reduction focuses on compassion, safety, and dignity. Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/. #HarmReduction #TraumaInformed #RestorativeJustice #SubstanceUse

Understanding the “why” behind behavior opens the door to better conversations. #TraumaInformed #SubstanceAbuse #RestorativeJustice #HarmReduction

When the Open Doors training curriculum was first taking shape, the team faced a foundational question: Who belongs at the table? For Tia Cochran-Otis, Curriculum Development Lead for Open Doors, the answer was immediate: young people.

Meet Rebeca Chavez. She's a preschool teacher, a restorative justice circle facilitator, and now one of Open Doors' newest facilitators through our partner organization Community Solutions.

Supporting students starts with reflection. Staff from EOPS at @elcaminocollege.bsky.social recently joined an Open Doors training to explore cultural humility, restorative justice, and harm reduction — and how these approaches can strengthen the way they support students.

Open Doors Training helps youth-serving adults build trust, reduce stigma around substance use & connect young people with support. We’re hosting a FREE in-person training in LA, open to anyone who works with / supports youth. 📅 April 13 📌 LA Register by March 13: bit.ly/4rkMdnv

Open Doors recently trained staff from @elcaminocollege.bsky.social's EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs & Services) — a team that helps community college students graduate & transfer to 4-year universities. The convo was rich, the vulnerability was real & they truly care about their students.

Axel Pecero is a youth advocate, a father, and a member of the Open Doors Youth Council. After nearly eight months of detention, he has made the painful decision to self-deport to a country he hasn't seen since he was 3 years old — leaving behind his 4-year-old son and a community that loves him.

Hearing directly from participants never gets old 💙 Kamali'i Foster Family Agency supports youth in foster care across Riverside & San Diego Counties. Their team of nearly 40 recently showed up to a training session with exactly the kind of passion + openness that makes this work meaningful.

We're celebrating #NationalSocialWorkMonth and the many contributions that Social Workers make to the health & wellness of individuals + communities. #SocialWork is a diverse, passion-driven, & rewarding profession. They work to create a lasting impact on the well-being of underserved communities.

This map tells quite a story! Each pin marks a place where we trained youth-serving adults to recognize & respond to substance use and behavioral health concerns in young people. Watch as 2026 locations start dropping... and there's still time to get involved! 🔗 opendoorstraining.org/training/

Congratulations to Oakland’s own Alysa Liu for winning the gold medal! Her reminder that access and inclusion of youth create opportunity. #youth #Olympics #Goldmetal #AlysaLiu #Oakland #Bayarea

Open Doors celebrates caregivers everywhere on National Caregiver Day!! Your labor of love makes the world a better place. #nationalcaregiverday #caregivers #love

World Day of Social Justice is a reminder of the importance of social justice in our communities and with our youth. And it is a commitment to action for us to continue to center equity, fairness, and impact in our professional and personal lives. #worlddayofsocialjustice #socialjustice #justice

FREE Train-the-Trainer opportunity! Learn to lead Open Doors trainings that help youth-serving professionals have stigma-free conversations with youth ages 12–25 about substance use & behavioral health. Gain materials, support & join a statewide network. APPLY NOW: form.asana.com?k=AxQQ6vAy-A...

Open Doors and Catalyst Center are very excited to be presenting at this year’s ACRC Annual Conference in Chicago to talk about our work to advance Autonomy and Equity in youth serving spaces. Hope to see some familiar faces there! #OpenDoorsTraining, #ACRC #conference #youth #youthdevelopment

A strong reminder the weekend at the Super Bowl half time show that love is one of the most powerful tools we have. As we navigate relationships within our communities and with our youth, this is a timely reminder of our purpose. #love #youth #community #relationshipfirst

We’re excited to amplify this no-cost, self-paced training from ACEs Aware. Designed for school staff supporting students in grades 7–12, this course introduces trauma-informed strategies to recognize distress, respond with empathy, and connect students to behavioral health support.

In January, nearly 40 staff members from Jovenes, Inc. came together in Whittier, CA, for a full-day core training. Jovenes supports unhoused youth through housing, education, & long-term stability programs. The training focused on cultural humility, harm reduction, & relational support.

What does it really mean to center youth voice — not just in theory, but in practice? In our latest blog, Open Doors Youth Council member Lupita Martinez (they/she) reflects on lived experience, recovery, and the importance of meeting young people where they are.

Open Doors is excited to be hosting a training in beautiful Humbolt County with Redwood Community services. The beauty of California is unmatched. Enjoy these photos from the team right outside of our training space. #OpenDoorsTraining #humboltcounty #youth #training #redwoodcommunityservices

Open Doors celebrates the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and their contributions in our communities. #OpenDoorsTraining #youthvoice #youth #blackhistorymonth

This testimonial comes from a full-day core training with Jovenes, Inc., where direct service staff came together to reflect on how they support youth experiencing homelessness. Because strong relationships with young people start with safe, supportive adults.

At a recent training with Redwood Community Services, a diverse group of youth-serving adults came together to discuss youth needs, rural contexts, and how substance use shows up in unique ways outside of urban spaces. From big cities to small towns, these conversations matter.

At Open Doors trainings, we talk a lot about separating fact from fear. When adults approach substance use conversations with honesty and care, young people are more likely to engage, ask questions, and stay connected. Learn more at opendoorstraining.org/. #HarmReduction #SubstanceUse

Open Doors got to train with Redwood Community Services at two locations this week. Such important services within communities where services are not always accessible. Thank you for hosting Open Doors!! #OpenDoorsTraining, #OpenHeartsOpenDoors, #youthvoice #youth #youthdevelopment

SAMHSA defined 12 supporting principles of Harm Reduction. Respect autonomy, engage first and promote safety are 3 of those principles. #OpenDoorsTraining, #OpenHeartsOpenDoors, #youthvoice #youth #youthdevelopment

Here are some Mariposa County statistics on youth substance use from the California Healthy Kids survey. The more we know, the more we can do to support youth. #OpenDoorsTraining, #OpenHeartsOpenDoors, #youthvoice #youth #youthdevelopment

Last month, we partnered with Waking the Village in Sacramento for a deeply engaged training session. The room was grounded in care, curiosity, & openness — creating space for honest reflection & meaningful dialogue.

In recognition of #NationalHumanTraffickingAwarenessDay this past Jan 11th, this month’s booster resource focuses on understanding the signs of human trafficking. @hopeforjustice.bsky.social offers FREE online training that addresses common misconceptions + explores ways to respond with intention.

Last week, Open Doors facilitators Francisco and James traveled to Whittier, CA, to train Jovenes, Inc.'s staff. Thank you for such an engaging and thoughtful session! We can’t wait to see how you utilize your learnings in your everyday work and lives. #youthdevelopment #mentorship

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of justice, equity, and dignity. His leadership continues to guide our work to address systemic inequities impacting children, youth, and families across California. #martinlutherkingjr #celebration #youth #california #opendoorstraining

One of the key principles of Harm Reduction is the understanding that there are many pathways to wellness. Supporting youth in navigating their personal wellness without judgment can support youth voice and choice.#OpenDoorsTraining, #OpenHeartsOpenDoors, #youthvoice #youth #youthdevelopment

Meet Amanda! She is one of our Open Doors contributors and an amazing person working towards overall mental health and wellness within society. #OpenDoorsTraining, #OpenHeartsOpenDoors, #youthvoice #youth #youthdevelopment

Open Doors got to train with Jovenes this week and enjoy these incredible adults dedicated to the youth of their community. Thank you for hosting Open Doors!! #OpenDoorsTraining, #OpenHeartsOpenDoors, #youthvoice #youth #youthdevelopment

Open Doors and Catalyst Center are very excited to be presenting at this year’s ACRC Annual Conference in Chicago to talk about our work to advance Autonomy and Equity in youth serving spaces. Hope to see some familiar faces there! #OpenDoorsTraining, #ACRC #conference #youth #youthdevelopment

What does real #mentorship look like? Presence over perfection. In honor of #NationalMentoringMonth, we're sharing this candid Q&A between a mentor and mentee. Their story explores how trust, encouragement, and shared learning help young people step into their confidence, and leadership.

Open Doors is proud to share a major milestone! 🙌 In 2025, we trained over 500 individuals across 13 counties, partnering with nearly 30 organizations to strengthen youth-serving spaces statewide. ... And we’re already looking ahead with 31 trainings scheduled for 2026! 💪

AB2711 protects students from punishment or suspension when seeking help for substance use. This necessary policy change for youth is now law in California. Here is some information about what that means.