Staff give each newcomer an orientation to the Center. The practice of Unconditional Positive Regard as it is spelled here,is the first rule. It helps the differing styles, who are sometimes antagonistic toward one another in other settings, get along. Other rules are no drugs, confidentiality on the part of staff, and policies for scheduling and use of studios. The program holds on to recording equipment by telling youth the program is theirs, and when equipment disappears it doesn't get replaced and the studio suffers.
Staff also keep close track of equipment.
The orientation also covers all UAY services, both to educate youth to community resources and to educate them to the idea that everyone needs help at times. All SAW staff have both art and counseling skills as well as the ability to establish rapport with youth on a quick basis. The arts program, other than the music component, has varied over the years based on the arts skills of current youth workers. It has included drama, mural painting, silkscreening and beading. The music is integral, though.