Phoenix Youth at Risk transforms the lives of at-risk youth through mentoring. We unlock futures so that youth in trouble do not become adults in trouble.

Our History

Phoenix Youth at Risk was founded in 1987 and the organization was granted 501 (c)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service in 1989. Founders envisioned a hands-on educational experience that would open the hearts and minds of troubled youth to a whole new realm of life possibilities.

The program initially consisted of a 10-day retreat that combined in-depth education, training and personal redirection through self-examination and physical challenges. Recognizing that the effects of a retreat would be short-lived once the youth returned to their challenging community environments, founders understood that a continuing relationship with an adult for an extended period of time would be the element making the transformation “stick”. Today, a four-day intensive retreat, a comprehensive curriculum, one-on-one and group mentoring, and nine months of weekly workshops and community service projects define our unique volunteer-driven New Pathways Mentoring Program, our signature program.

In 2005, we assumed operation of the Stepping Stones Mentoring Program which provides mentoring for children and youth ages 5 – 15 living in transitional (homeless) shelters with their families. Now known as Positive Adult Leaders in Society (P.A.L.S.), this program offers individual mentoring, encourages academic achievement and provides positive adult interaction.

We are located in our own facility at 10th Street and Pierce purchased through a grant from United Parcel Service in 1995.

Since 1987, Phoenix Youth at Risk has positively impacted the lives of approximately 2,000 at-risk youth.


Our Staff

Linda Lyman President/CEO
Heather Walsh, Director of Programs

Tavo Sastre, New Pathways Program Manager

Veronica Magallanes, New Pathways Program Coordinator

Rebecca Klima, PALS Program Manager

Sylvia Brekke, Volunteer Manager
Brianna Stratman, Outreach Coordinator

Carmen Jimenez, Administrative Assistant

Velia Arcia, Accounting Clerk

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Board of Directors Board Chairman Adam Lang Snell & Wilmer LLP Board Vice Chairman Wendell Cook Interior Logic Treasurer Steven R. Brown Nexgen Pharma Secretary Kathleen Holmes Cushman & Wakefield Members Shannon Albert-McDonough Honeywell Aerospace   Norman Balderrama Wells Fargo Bank   Angela Copeland Arizona Public Service   Joe Dana Channel 12 News   Jack Daniels Fennemore & Craig, P.C.   Al Evenson Homestead Land Company   George Garcia Miracle Mile Deli   Tom Garfinkel Arizona Diamondbacks   Cal Gauss Community Volunteer Tom Hoover HGH Communications, Inc.   Mary Cruz Jacobson Arvizu Advertising   Vinita Johnson Central Arizona Shelter Services   Deborah Ostreicher Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport   Les Peterson Community Volunteer   David Rousseau SRP   John Shields National Retail Development Partners, LLC   Cary G. Wood American Express Corporation

Honorary Board Honorable John Shadegg United States Congressman   John C. Corella Corella Companies   Buddy Satterfield Shea Homes   Cody Williams Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce   Gustavo J. Armendariz Jr., MD The Orthopedic Clinic   Bill Cherek   Jeffeory G. Hynes Phoenix Police Department   Karie Montague Montague Marketing   Kahryn Nix Driver & Nix