\t\tReading Time: 2 minutes<\/p>\n
San Diego County Probation knows it can be difficult when youth and their families can\u2019t be together on special holidays. So, earlier this week, along with the San Diego County Office of Education, they served a special traditional Thanksgiving meal to families so they could share a table and celebrate together.<\/p>\n
Nearly 200 family members and supporters of youth at both the East Mesa Youth Detention Facility and the Youth Transition Campus (YTC) were invited to spend time together and share a meal, said Deputy Chief Probation Officer Matthew Strickland.<\/p>\n
\u201cProbation offers home-like opportunities to youth, like a Thanksgiving meal with their families, to help them heal and restore their lives,\u201d said Chief Probation Officer Tamika Nelson. \u201cThis means a lot to them, and we know that youth do better when they are supported by and are connected to their families.\u201d<\/p>\n
The officers and teachers decorated the dining room and set out the meal buffet-style. The teen participants said the food was great, especially the pies.<\/p>\n
Each family had their own table. Officers held the meals over 3 different days to keep the events smaller so families could share private conversations.<\/p>\n
![\"Families](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/YTCDinner-350x222.jpg\")
\u201cEvery kid has the opportunity to participate at the Youth Transition Campus,\u201d said Probation Division Chief Mike Whatley. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be a parent that comes, it can be a Probation caseworker, a coach, a peer mentor or just someone who is part of the youth\u2019s positive support system.\u201d<\/p>\n
One YTC youth, 16, celebrated the day with his brother and sister.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was special. I got to spend time with my family for Thanksgiving. It would have felt weird if we hadn\u2019t. It was nice they could be with us even when we\u2019re here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A 17-year-old at YTC, had his mother and her husband as guests.<\/p>\n
![\"Inflatable](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ProbThanksgiving-Turkeys-267x350.jpg\")
He said, \u201cI was happy to see them come visit me. Every chance I get to see them, it\u2019s better. I feel like it was a special moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another YTC youth, 18, had both his parents for dinner. He said \u201cIt was nice that they had a little gathering and I got to eat with our family. We also took pictures with our family. It felt kind of like home because we live here. And we were at our house.\u201d<\/p>\n
County Probation works to help youth grow, heal and build better futures, and that starts with safety, fairness, and trust for everyone involved.<\/p>\n
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