Opening the World
Explore. Experience. Evolve.
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An education, leadership, community service & travel program for young adults
Opening the World (OTW) is a non-profit program that provides a safe and supportive environment for young adults at risk to share their experiences, be motivated and mentored by peers from similar backgrounds, and explore new experiences through community-building activities (i.e., peer bonding, community service, travel), capacity building (i.e. vocational, educational and leadership skills development), and healing interventions.
OTW helps young adults feel valued, learn to trust, build resiliency, reframe their pasts and consider new potential outcomes.
What We Do
Build Community
Opening the World effectively builds community between participants, local leaders, and the local and global communities we serve. Through peer bonding activities, peer mentoring, educational and community events, and volunteer opportunities, we combat isolation and encourage community.
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Promote Growth
From the very first interview, we try to identify ways to promote a participant’s individual growth. We assess participant needs, identify resources, and create opportunities for them to challenge and expand their vision of what is possible in life through educational, vocational, and leadership development opportunities and support.
Facilitate Healing
By providing a safe environment, peer community, and capacity-building skills, OTW empowers its young adults, giving them the courage to be vulnerable and consider addressing their historic trauma. We provide regular group and peer support and when our participants feel they are ready for deeper healing, we encourage them to pursue individual therapy.
Mental Health and Social Justice
Opening the World has partnered with the Marin County Prevention and Early Intervention Program (PEI) to raise awareness about mental health and social justice issues that impact our community and to provide helpful resources.
“Through my experience with OTW, I’ve gained a family and learned that healing is possible through the act of helping others.”
Diana came to the U.S. at 12 years old, crossing the border with her pregnant mother in search of opportunity. However, her path to that golden life was full of bumps, including domestic violence, depression, social isolation, parentification, single parenting, financial hardship, and loss.
OTW offered a safe space for healing her trauma while training her to believe in her own personal power. After graduating from UC San Diego, Diana enrolled in a Master of Science program in Integrated Design, Business and Technology. She is the first OTW graduate to pursue a master’s degree.
