by Claudia Flores, LCSW

At first, it looked like just another after-school group. Five eighth-grade boys walked into a room at the Manzanita Family Resource Center, shoulders tense, eyes cautious, each one unsure of what to expect. They carried different personalities, different defenses, and different stories—but they shared something powerful: a willingness, even if unspoken, to show up.

This was the beginning of a new cohort of Cycle Breakers, Radiant Futures’ newest clinical youth program designed as a preventative and early-intervention space for teens. At this pivotal stage of development, young people are navigating emotional regulation, identity formation, peer influence, and growing independence. Cycle Breakers meets youth right where they are, offering psychoeducation, peer connection, and tools to build healthy relationships with others and with themselves.

As the weeks unfolded, the group transformed. Conversations deepened and the teens began exploring where violence comes from and how it has been normalized in their lives; at home, at school, and in society. In a trauma-informed, nonjudgmental environment, they examined what healthy and unhealthy patterns look like and how those patterns show up in everyday choices, from managing anger to staying motivated in school.

One participant shared, “I didn’t know other people felt the same way I do. I thought it was just me.” That realization opened the door for connection.

Cycle Breakers became a place where emotions were welcome. The teens practiced expressing anger without hurting themselves or others. They learned how to speak up during moments of conflict, listen to each other, and sit with discomfort instead of shutting down or acting out. What could have been moments of tension became opportunities for growth.

Another youth reflected, “Here, I can actually say what I’m thinking and not get in trouble for it.”

Just as importantly, the group became a space for joy. The teens laughed, relaxed, and allowed themselves to simply be kids. Trust grew week by week, and the group dynamic shifted from guarded to genuine. Friendships formed, accountability emerged and each young person began recognizing their own strengths and the power they have to make different choices and create healthy cycles.

By the end of the Cycle Breakers series, the transformation was undeniable. The teens walked away with greater self-awareness, stronger communication skills, and a clearer sense of who they are and who they want to become. They learned that while they may have been exposed to harmful cycles, they are not destined to repeat them.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about Cycle Breakers, or if you want to connect a survivor or family to Radiant Futures’ services, our 24-hour Helpline is available at (877) 531-5522. One call can open the door to support, safety, and the possibility of breaking cycles.