Stronger Together: Boys of New School and CostaNoa

Monarch Services has been in Santa Cruz County since 1977, providing crucial support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through a range of programs, including crisis intervention, youth support, and emergency shelter. The organization serves approximately 1,500 survivors annually, with a strong focus on Latino communities and bilingual services. In 2023, the Children and Youth Program served 118 individuals, offering case management, safety planning, and counseling. This capstone project aims to bridge the gap in education about healthy relationships, focusing on teen boys at CostaNoa High School and New School Community Day High School. By implementing The Mask You Live In curriculum as a 10-week group, the project fosters critical thinking about masculinity, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. The program empowers boys to challenge societal gender norms, develop resilience, and improve relationship skills. Through tailored group sessions and enhanced access to mental health resources, participants gain tools for better communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. The next steps include expanding the program to reach more schools and refining services based on youth male participant feedback.