About |  Background |  Contact |  Xinachtli Brochure (pdf)

Xinachtli, SCHC's gang intervention program is geared for young Latino and Native American men (although all other ethnicities are welcome) ages 13-18 in Santa Rosa who find themselves involved in a gang or at risk of gang involvement. Xinachtli (pronounced "sheen ASH tli") means "the germinating seed," a Nahuatl word from the Chicano movement that refers to the change that takes place at the moment a seed germinates.

The foundation for the 12-week program are group sessions with multi-cultural prevention and education curriculum emphasizing male responsibility, youth leadership development, responsible sexual health and behavior, and relationship violence prevention. Participants are introduced to the indigenous meaning and redefinition of "manhood." Resources and referrals are available to the whole families of participants to address and assist challenges families may be facing.

Participants meet in group sessions every Monday, 6-8 pm and Tuesday, 6-8 pm at Sonoma County Indian Health Project on Stony Point Road. Youth are placed in one of two groups according to their age, maturity, and level of gang involvement.

A key component of the program is connecting young men with older role models whom they can look to for guidance and support. After successfully completing the initial 12-week program, participants will receive assistance with job development, academic advising, and mentoring through an on-going men's group.

Program Background

In 2006, the City of Santa Rosa awarded a grant to SCHC to establish a gang intervention program. SCHC was one of nine nonprofit organizations to receive funding through a local sales tax measure. (See press announcement »)

Stressing the interdependence of personal relationships is a primary focus of YoMEP, drawing on diverse, positive cultural images. Youth of color are rarely able to learn about their political and cultural heritage. YoMEP raises awareness of the positive contributions that leaders from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds have made towards social and political change. Outreach, counseling, and case management services are part of a larger program that incorporates traditions and ceremonies to raise awareness of cultural contributions and show positive alternatives to gang membership.

Staff and Contact Information

Xinachtli is lead by Cris Oseguera, a Santa Rosa native who developed the program to tailor the curriculum, activities, and emphasis specifically to young men in Santa Rosa.

Cris Oseguera, Gang Intervention Program Coordinator, graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in psychology and has worked in gang prevention programs with youth and their families for the past 10 years. He is fluent in English and Spanish and has an exceptional ability to connect with youth and adults alike. He brings a vast knowledge of community resources and a focus on working with the family to overcome challenges.

Referrals to the program are open and ongoing. For more information, contact Cris Oseguera at 707.547.2220 ext. 214 or email criso@swhealthcenter.org.

Download a referral form » (pdf)
FAX completed referrals to 707.303.3396

Download Xinachtli Brochure »