16 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY® FAMILY 2025-2026 Staff and students at Community Partnership for Youth are held to a set of six standards, all of which are critical life skills: showing respect for others, valuing people’s space and striving to be honest, among others. But perhaps the most simple, yet impactful, standard is the first one CPY lists: “We greet each other every day with a smile and a handshake to strengthen the relationship between us.” The standards are meant to extend beyond the walls of school and CPY’s Seaside headquarters. Case in point: Derrick Tyler, who serves as CPY’s site coordinator at Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula, recalls a recent visit to McDonald’s. While waiting in the drive-thru, he hears his name being called, and quickly realizes it’s one of the students who has taken part in CPY’s activities. Excitedly, the girl invites him to her birthday party that weekend, and Tyler obliges, where he is welcomed with open arms by her family and friends. Anthony Carter, CPY’s site coordinator at Ord Terrace Elementary School, meanwhile, attends one of his mentee’s basketball games—“It’s a COURTESY OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH FORMING BONDS At Community Partnership for Youth, mentors help young people navigate the trials and tribulations of life—with plenty of fun times in the mix. By Erik Chalhoub COURTESY OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH CPY students learn how to surf with The Wahine Project. Top left: Mentors with Community Partnership for Youth provide afterschool activities for students in Seaside schools. Top right: CPY takes students on field trips to local parks and other attractions.
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