Waymakers

Waymakers’ Dispute Resolution Services is offering Fall 2026 Mediation Training from October 8–24, 2026. This 40-hour hybrid training is designed for individuals who want to build practical mediation and conflict resolution skills while helping people navigate challenging situations with communication, compassion, and understanding.⁣
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Participants will learn about the stages of mediation, active listening, handling strong emotions, balancing power, breaking deadlocks, ethical dilemmas, and working toward resolution. The training also offers pathways to volunteer, intern, observe, and co-mediate with Waymakers’ Dispute Resolution Services.⁣
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📅 October 8–24, 2026⁣
💻 Zoom + in-person training⁣
📍 Orange County, California⁣
💙 General registration: $1,200⁣
💙 Senior (55+) Registration: $600 *⁣
💙 Waymakers Employee: $150 *⁣
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🎓 Limited scholarships may be available for qualifying students⁣
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Interested in becoming part of a dedicated team helping people resolve conflict and build stronger communities?⁣
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Learn more and register by contacting Waymakers Dispute Resolution Services Program Staff at [email protected].⁣
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A SECOND CHANCE CAN CHANGE A FUTURE.

At 17, Chloe was referred to Waymakers’ Juvenile Diversion Program by the Fountain Valley Police Department following an incident involving battery.

As part of her diversion plan, Chloe completed community service, participated in a Legal Awareness Workshop, and took part in anger management sessions designed to help her better understand her choices and develop healthier ways to manage emotions.

During the Legal Awareness Workshop, Chloe learned more about the legal and personal consequences of her actions. Afterward, she shared:

“This had a lot of information that I did not know. I feel even more grateful for this opportunity.”

Her words reflected something important: a willingness to learn, take accountability, and make different choices moving forward.

Throughout the program, Chloe worked on developing healthier coping strategies and strengthening her emotional regulation and impulse control. And her growth didn’t stop when she completed the program.

In a recent update to her Case Manager, Chloe shared that she continues to participate in weekly therapy and remains focused on managing her emotions and responding to challenges in healthier ways.

Chloe’s story is an example of how early intervention, accountability, education, and supportive services can help young people move forward.

Through Waymakers’ Juvenile Diversion Program, youth have the opportunity to learn from challenging experiences, build new skills, and create a stronger foundation for their future.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to find a way forward.

Thank you to Global Hope 365 for having us representing the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force at the Walk/Run to End Child Marriage and Human Trafficking in Irvine.⁣
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We’re grateful to Irvine Mayor Larry Agran, Irvine Police Department, and Councilmember Melinda Liu for supporting this important event and bringing our community together to raise awareness.⁣
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It was also a meaningful opportunity to celebrate California’s passage of AB 1267, establishing 18 as the legal minimum age for marriage in California, with no exceptions.⁣
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We’re proud to stand alongside fellow community members, organizations, and leaders who are working to raise awareness, prevent exploitation, and help end human trafficking.⁣
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Together, awareness leads to action.⁣
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Celebrating Lita Mercado and her remarkable 20-year anniversary with Waymakers, two decades of leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to strengthening lives across Orange County.

From her early days as an administrative assistant in Victim Assistance Programs to serving as Program Director, Lita has shaped the very foundation of our victim services work. Her vision helped develop Waymakers’ Human Trafficking Program and fueled the growth of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, expanding critical support for survivors throughout the region.

Lita shepherded a team whose expertise has elevated victim services statewide, delivering cutting‑edge trainings for advocates and partners across California. Today, she oversees more than 100 dedicated victim service professionals, leading with determination, compassion, and a relentless drive to provide the highest quality care.

As a member of our Executive Team, Lita plays a key role in shaping the future of Waymakers. We are deeply fortunate that she has chosen to dedicate her professional acumen, leadership, and heart to Waymakers and the Orange County community.

Here’s to 20 years of impact and to the countless lives made safer, stronger, and supported because of her work.

Congratulations, Lita!

Last week, something pretty special arrived at our Waymakers Tustin Youth Shelter, a BEAUTIFUL new children's playhouse, built and donated through an incredible partnership between Westcliff University and Habitat for Humanity of Orange County CA .

Westcliff University students, staff and community members came together with Habitat OC to build and decorate the playhouse from the ground up (on a very toasty day). Now, it has a new home in our children's garden Waymakers Tustin Youth Shelters , where it will be enjoyed by the younger siblings of the young people we serve who visit during family sessions.

It's more than a playhouse. It's a place for imagination, creativity, laughter and connection, right outside our therapy space where families come together.

📅 SAVE THE DATES! We’ve got a lot of good things coming.

From golf on an exclusive course to holiday lights, w**e tasting, and an afternoon of tea, there are plenty of ways to have a great time while making a meaningful impact right here in Orange County.

✨ December 6, 2026 — Light a Light of Love
⛳ December 7, 2026 — Day of Golf at The Huntington Club
🍷 March 5, 2027 — Love Grows by Giving
🫖 March 20, 2027 — CHAR-TEA Party

Whether you join us on the green, raise a glass, sponsor a snowflake, or sip tea with us, your support helps Waymakers create pathways to safety, stability, and strength for children, families, and individuals experiencing crisis.

So grab your calendar and save these dates! More details and registration information are coming soon.

Which one are you looking forward to most? 👇

A DAY OF GIVING BACK, CONNECTION & A LITTLE SWEET CREATIVITY! 🍰 🎶

Our Huntington Beach Youth Shelter had another wonderful volunteer day, and we’re so grateful to everyone who showed up to make it special for the youth!

A huge thank you to WIPA SoCal for choosing Waymakers as part of their Day of Giving Back/Volunteer Day. The day was filled with creativity, connection, and plenty of smiles as volunteers and youth decorated 28 mini cakes generously provided by The Couture Cakery 🎂✨
We’re also grateful to LOS ANGELES DJ | DJ DAZZLER ✨🇵🇭✨ , Kevin Gaylor BrittDLV👑 , and the many additional volunteers who gave their time and energy to make the day meaningful.

A special shoutout to Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa for setting up the tables and chairs and helping create a welcoming space for everyone.

But perhaps the most meaningful part of the day came afterward, when volunteers spent time with the youth sharing about their careers, their experiences, and the paths that helped shape who they are today. These conversations can open doors, spark ideas, and remind young people that their future is full of possibilities.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, talents, stories, and kindness. Your generosity makes a difference and we’re grateful to have you in the Waymakers family!

Awareness can save lives. Action can change them.

Human trafficking can happen in any community—and knowing what to look for is an important part of prevention and intervention.

Our custom training solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of your organization, team, or community. Whether you’re looking to build awareness, strengthen identification and response skills, or equip your staff to recognize the signs of trafficking, we can create training tailored to your needs.

Ready to equip your team with the knowledge to recognize, respond, and make a difference?

📩 Contact us at [email protected] to learn more about custom trainings on topics like human trafficking.

⛳ ONE GREAT DAY. ONE EXCLUSIVE COURSE. A WHOLE LOT OF IMPACT.
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Get ready to tee up for Waymakers at the stunning Huntington Club on Monday, December 7! ⁣
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This isn’t just another day on the green. It’s your chance to experience one of Orange County’s exclusive private courses while helping create hope, healing, and opportunity for children, families, survivors, and individuals throughout our community.⁣
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Whether you’re gathering your friends, entertaining clients, rewarding your team, or simply looking for an unforgettable day of golf, Waymakers Day of Golf has something for you:⁣
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🏌️‍♀️ Play a premier private course few get to experience⁣
☀️ Enjoy a memorable day with friends, colleagues & community leaders⁣
🍽️ Savor delicious food, drinks & post-game celebrations⁣
💙 Make a difference through every swing⁣
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Your participation helps support Waymakers programs providing emergency youth shelter, counseling, victim services, violence prevention, and other critical support throughout Orange County.⁣
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Spots are limited and this is one day on the course you won’t want to miss. Reserve your spot today through our website event page, linked in bio.

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/dayofgolfatthehuntingtonclub/

📚🎒 A fun and supportive start to the school year!⁣
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On August 19, the Waymakers Gang Prevention/Youth Development Program hosted its annual Back-to-School Bash for youth and parents from the Oak View Community in Huntington Beach.⁣
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Families came together for an afternoon of learning, connection and fun. Youth participated in activities focused on pro-social skills, healthy sleep habits, and reducing stress, while parents took part in a workshop to help prepare their children for the new school year.⁣
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Thanks to the generosity of Harvey & Company, LLC, approximately 45 youth received new backpacks, and Chick-fil-A helped bring everyone together with a delicious meal. 💙⁣
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We’re so grateful to our community partners for helping create a positive and encouraging start to the school year for Oak View families!⁣