CRYJ’s Teen in Residence Program
CRYJ launched the Teen in Residence program in 2022 with the generous support of The Weyerhaueser Foundation’s Giving Fund and an anonymous donor. The intention is to offer teens a paid position as a member of CRYJ’s program team where they can lean into their role as a peer leader, help the program team develop workshop material, pursue their own creative interests, and develop job skills.
Who: An energetic and thoughtful youth who has engaged in multiple risk taking behaviors that put them in contact with police and/or SROs, while also showing particular aptitude for and interest in working through difficult subject matter with other teens
What: An impactful three month experience that keeps this youth engaged with CRYJ, grows their confidence in being a vital voice in their community, and empowers them in their role as an integrated member of CRYJ’s program staff
Why: The Teen in Residence Program is mutually beneficial. It empowers the TR, provides CRYJ with the opportunity to work collaboratively with the TR, and offers CRYJ teens in workshops with the TR the chance to benefit from their unique perspective.
Previous Teens in Residence
AJ
SUMMER 2024 TEEN IN RESIDENCE
“If you believe you can do it, you’re already halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
How would you describe yourself?
I consider myself a kind and creative young girl. I think I’m a good example of “practice makes progress, not perfection.” I will always show up for others, even if it means sacrificing my time, but never my energy or happiness.
What are some goals you have for yourself?
One goal I have for myself is to live a life of total abstinence from all mind/body-altering substances. I want to go to college and become an adolescent addiction counselor, and I would love to stay creative and open-minded well into my adult years.
What kinds of things do you like to do?
One of my favorite things to do is get lost in nature. I love to spend time with my higher power by kayaking and hiking. I also often get lost in my art. Art is a big way for me to communicate my feelings and understand myself better. However, my absolute favorite thing in life is theater!!
Kaylea
Favorite Quote
“Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are.” — Kurt Cobain
How would you describe yourself?
I am a introverted teen girl who is trying to succeed in the world we live in today with a head filled with ideas and dreams waiting to be fulfilled.
What are some goals you have for yourself?
I would like to pursue my passion in helping others achieve their goals and dreams and I would like to save enough money to visit my parents down in Tennessee. Lastly I would like my crew to be the top house keepers at Meadow Lake.
What kinds of things do you like to do?
I enjoy longboarding in my free time as well as painting, and I love to go on long car rides and look at beautiful scenery.
Ari
What are some things you enjoy?
I love being outside (especially during the summer), hanging out with friends, and listening to music.
Do you have any pets?
I have 3 dogs.
How many siblings do you have?
I have 3 brothers and 1 sister—I’m the oldest.
What’s your dream job?
Tattoo Artist!
What’s something that’s important to you?
The people in my life! Friends, family, etc.
Xander
Favorite Quote
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” - Dr Seuss
What's something interesting about you?
I have mastered the art of playing guitar while simultaneously skateboarding.
What's something boring about you?
I have never had a broken bone.
What do you like best about CRYJ?
It has a very welcoming atmosphere.
What’s your favorite way to spend the day?
Skateboard all day, taking breaks to write songs about the people around me.
Amy
Favorite Quote
"Don’t allow someone to treat you poorly just because you love them"
What's something interesting about you?
I’ve always liked any type of music.
What's something boring about you?
I like to stay home and relax sometimes .
What do you like best about CRYJ?
Everyone is very welcoming and nice.
Ayla
Favorite Quote
"Reach for the apple, but don't fall out of the tree."
What's something interesting about you?
I usually can get along well with pretty much everyone. I love meeting new people.
What's something boring about you?
I love to relax (more often than I should). Some might even call me lazy.
What do you like best about CRYJ?
CRYJ opens up a lot of opportunities to grow and meet new people. The staff are the nicest people you'll meet.
Raina
Favorite Quote
“Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet on the inside.” - Katherine Gaskin
What’s something interesting about you?
I have two tribes in me: Sioux and Blackfeet. I don’t do Ouija boards because I know too much.
What’s something boring about you?
I love to sleep. And I eat ramen more than anything.
What do you like best about CRYJ?
Talking to people and getting along with all of them. I like Real Talk: Cannabis workshops because they get everyone talking.
Javin
Javin was CRYJ’s first TR— he was the one who inspired CRYJ to go all in and make the TR program a thing. During his time as an active CRYJ participant, Javin was a consistent leader in workshops, establishing himself as a teen that other participants respected, trusted, and modeled their own participation after. Javin paved his own way into being a longer-term presence and engaging at a higher degree at CRYJ, and was such a TR pioneer that he never even wrote a TR bio for himself.