Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Youth Recovery Connections (YRC) is a community-based nonprofit in Hollister, CA, dedicated to supporting youth, adults, and families impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and justice system involvement.

We provide compassionate support, guidance, coaching, and care management to individuals, groups, and families facing difficult times, including barriers to care, financial or housing issues, and the need for local resources. Our space and staff are safe, supportive, and free of judgment, ensuring that everyone feels empowered to speak up for their needs.

Youth Recovery Connections

About

Our Mission

YRC helps individuals and families improve their well-being and feel more stable, stronger, and hopeful about their future. Our mission is to bridge gaps in care and empower people to live healthy and independent lives.

Our motto is "Connecting for Change." We aim to be that bridge that connects people to the care and services they need.

We look at the whole person, not just one problem.

We believe people do best when they have support in all areas of their lives.

YRC is committed to be:

Trauma-informed
Culturally responsive
Respectful and collaborative
Grounded in dignity, equity, and community

Our History

YRC was established on December 3, 2021, to fill gaps in services for substance use prevention and intervention among youth. Our organization was founded during the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 shelter-in-place period, when many teens turned to substances to cope with stress, isolation, and uncertainty.

While helping youth is still central to our work, we’ve learned that supporting youth also means helping their families and addressing challenges affecting the whole household. Over time, we’ve grown our team and expanded our services to support youth, their families, and adults facing a wide range of challenges. Today, we provide Enhanced Care Management for people of all ages, addressing many issues beyond substance use. We continue to meet people where they are and help individuals and families thrive.

Our Team

Behind every program at YRC is a team of dedicated professionals committed to supporting our community. From peer support specialists and case managers to program leaders and interns, each team member brings unique experiences, compassion, and a shared passion for helping others. Get to know the people who make our mission possible.

Michael Salinas

Executive Director/ Co-Founder

Michael is the Executive Director and co-founder of YRC. Drawing from his personal journey and professional experience in behavioral health, Michael is passionate about creating opportunities for people to access support, services, and resources.

Lucy Meza

Admin Assistant

Lucy Meza serves as assistant to the Executive Director, helping to keep every day operations organized and providing needed support to the Executive Director so that YRC and all of its programs can continue running smoothly.

Jazmin Gutierrez

Case Manager/ Peer Support Specialist

Jazmin supports community members through Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and peer support services, helping individuals connect with resources, work toward their goals, and feel supported through life’s challenges.

Daniela Garcia Ceja

Community Health Worker

Daniela is a Community Health Worker at YRC who is passionate about helping people connect with care, resources, and support. She enjoys being part of someone’s journey toward better health and well-being.

Aaron Lucas

Cal AIM Program Director

Aaron Lucas serves as YRC's CalAIM Program Director. He is passionate about supporting both the team and the organization's mission by helping to ensure that programs run smoothly so that members receive the care and support they need.

Joshua Flores

Case Manager/ Peer Support Specialist

Joshua mainly works directly with youth on a variety of reasons and concerns. He focuses on providing one-on-one and group support to help them build confidence, overcome challenges, and work toward their goals.

Katia Radillo Hernandez

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Katia is the team's official Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Monica Hernandez

ECM Manager/ Parent Educator

Monica is dedicated to supporting parents and families by helping them identify their strengths, set meaningful goals, and connect with resources they need. She's passionate about empowering others and creating positive change in the community.

Iliana Gutierrez

Case Manager/ Peer Support Specialist

Iliana Gutierrez is a Case Manager and Peer Support Specialist who is passionate about helping individuals and families to navigate challenges, connect with resources, and build confidence as they work toward their goals.

Kaila Villarreal

Case Manager

Kaila is a Case Manager who enjoys learning about the programs and resources available to the community. She is passionate about helping others and making sure people can connect with needed support.

Bright Future Recovery
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH)
Central Coast Overdose Prevention (CCOPD)
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital
Hollister High School
Hollister Police Department
North American Mental Health
Pamela Brown Law

San Andreas High School
San Benito County Behavioral Health
San Benito County Office of Education
San Benito County Opioid Task Force (OTF)
San Benito County Probation Department
San Benito County Public Health Services
Transcend Educational Services
The Latino Coalition of San Benito County
Youth Alliance

Become a Partner

We are always looking to work with organizations sharing our commitment to supporting our community. If you are interested in partnering with YRC, please contact us.

Our Partners

There’s strength in numbers, and working together helps more people to get the care they need.
These are just a few of the organizations we work with for projects, referrals, or general services. Our partnerships are always growing, and we continue to build relationships with new and existing partners in the community.

“YRC was created to address the gaps I saw firsthand—where individuals were expected to 'figure things out' on their own while dealing with trauma, recovery, or system involvement. Too often, people are labeled by their challenges rather than supported for their strengths.

Youth Recovery Connections exists to change that narrative.

We meet people where they are, walk alongside them, and help them build pathways forward–whether that means staying engaged in school, navigating behavioral health care, rebuilding after incarceration, or strengthening family relationships.”

Michael Salinas,

Executive Director/ Co-founder