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Waymakers

Waymakers is a non-profit celebrating 50 years of service to Orange County. In 1972, a University of California, Irvine pilot project addressed the need to provide diversion counseling for delinquent youth and their families. The result was the establishment of what would become Waymakers. Over the past 50 years, Waymakers has evolved to serve youth, adults and families living in Orange County involved or at-risk of involvement with the justice or mental health systems by designing and implementing some of the most respected prevention and intervention programs in Southern California. Today, Waymakers provides crisis shelter and support for youth ages 12-25, supports crime victims, counsels youth and their families, resolves conflicts, and educates communities, serving more than 50,000 individuals each year. Although the size and scope of Waymakers’ growth eclipsed its humble beginnings, the passion for those we serve has never waned.... Read more

Purpose

Every day throughout Orange County, people attain hope after trauma. Kids abandoned by adults they trust. Parents of kids lost to gang violence. Individuals scarred by violent crimes. Even families of children in trouble with the law. They don’t simply survive the trauma; they make choices to heal – all with the help of Waymakers. Whether redirecting youth offenders, helping sheltered children get back on track, unifying troubled families, resolving community conflicts or empowering victims of violence, Waymakers clears the path so clients can advance beyond crisis. By focusing on the immediate needs of the individual and guiding them to make positive, lasting change for themselves, Waymakers’ impact is changing Orange
County communities for the better.
... Read more

Vision

A safe community where individuals of all ages reach their highest potential, fostering lasting change and positive impact throughout Orange County.... Read more

Mission

Waymakers builds safer communities by helping individuals make their way through conflict and crisis to a place of strength and stability.... Read more

Additional Culture Details

Waymakers prioritize people and value making a long-term impact upon those they encounter. They’re compassionate mentors and sage defenders who help people learn and grow. Despite their unconditional support, Waymakers are committed to showing people how to make their own way past problems, adopt solutions and create sustainable change in their lives. They embody the qualities of responsiveness, consistency, trustworthiness and adaptability, and these attributes influence the culture of the organization. They empower without enabling and intervene without judging. They are natural nurturers who believe long-term, sustainable impact begins by taking one step toward change.... Read more

Values

Respect
We value the inherent self-worth and uniqueness of every individual and provide client-centered services to meet their specific needs.

Recent Awards

Company Snapshots

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