When a young person in crisis walks through the doors at the Pacific Clinics TAY (Transitional Age Youth) Tunnel Program in Oxnard, they find someone like Peer Partner Denisse Quintero ready to listen and offer help. Like Denisse, almost everyone on staff has “lived experience.” That means they have been through the very same things that these young adults (18 to 25) are experiencing – homelessness, mental illness, absent families. Just five years ago, it was Denisse herself who came to the TAY Tunnel looking for support.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
This year’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month theme is, “We’re Here All Year,” highlighting the importance of year-round recognition, support and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to thrive in their communities.