To improve the health of the Next Seven Generations
Culture, Land & Future: MILPA invests in our communities' health and wellness by practicing cultural healing, uplifting ancestral knowledge, spiritual practices and family dichos. We seek to advance our programming and reconnect young people to the land.
Our program bridges the gap by offering hands-on experiences that uplift land based learning, sustainability practices, cultural healing and FUN. Youth will learn how clean air, water, and access to green spaces extend longevity to improve physical, mental and emotional health.
Just imagine the impact your donation is creating to sustain the future stewards of the Earth.
MILPA is a vital resource in Monterey County, providing a culturally grounded, trusted community space for over 150 youth annually in this county alone. Primarily young people from Salinas, as well as Seaside, and the rural North and South County communities, MILPA offers direct mentorship, leadership development, and wellness programming through evidence-based curriculum. In a region facing systemic barriers, MILPA creates pathways for young people to reconnect with culture, build confidence, and imagine healthier futures. Our programs support public health, reduce isolation, and empower youth to be leaders in their communities.
Statements such as “I have never been to the ocean” or “When I go, I feel like I do not belong” are common among our youth. Sense of exclusion stems from a combination of factors; historical inequities, socio-economic barriers, and lack of culturally relevant environmental education. MILPA has taken youth to Kayak for the first time.
My friends and I had never been kayaking before. Thanks to MILPA we got to try something new and learned about our wetlands. I feel lighter and wish school felt like this.
- Joey Soto, Salinas
