Moving Forward is a youth-based (13-20) healing initiative that draws on Indigenous practices to help young people in Merced County find alternative forms of healing, mentorship, professional development, political education and personal growth. Guided by the Joven Noble curriculum, the program organizes talking circles that encourage participants to share their personal experiences and opinions on different topics that specifically affect Black, Indigenous and communities of color.
During the program, young people document their experiences through media workshops that include poetry, writing prompts, photography, journaling and much more. These lead to the collective creation of a ‘zine, which delicately uplifts the unique stories of each participant’s healing journey.
This program also has a community based cohort that encourages youth leadership and youth power. Currently, Moving Forward community cohort is advocating for youth voices to be heard at the county level through a youth commission.
In addition to offering healing methods and experiences to young people in Merced, Moving Forward also provides monthly stipends, internship opportunities, and strong interpersonal relationships.
Interested in Participating?
Currently, Moving Forward has Cohorts in Tenaya Middle School, Legrand High School, Breaking Barriers and Pathways to Success. The ceremonious nature of this program naturally embraces all identities (i.e. sex, gender, race) in order to enhance the healing and growth of our youth. Nonetheless, we always aim to prioritize youth who are impacted by incarceration and/or foster care.
Details and Information on each cohort can be found below:
Tenaya Middle School
Start Date: August 26, 2025
Time: 3:45pm to 5pm
Location: Tenaya Middle School (TMS)
Details: Limited to youth referred by Tenaya school staff
Community Cohort
Start Date: In Progress
Time: Tuesdays 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Location: Healing Generation Center at 1726 M Street
Details: Open to any youth, ages 14-20 who are system-impacted by incarceration and/or foster care
Pathways to Success Cohort
Start Date: October 10, 2024
Time: 10:30am to 12pm
Location: 731 E Yosemite Ave, Merced CA
Details: Limited to youth (ages 14-20) referred through Merced Juvenile Probation team
Legrand High School
Start Date: September 9, 2025
Time: 3:00-4:00
Location: Legrand High School
Details: Limited to students enrolled at Legrand High School
