By JC Montenegro, PhD Last week, we celebrated something extraordinary at the Salesian Family Youth Center: the book premiere and signing...

By JC Montenegro, PhD Every summer program offers something valuable to its participants, but Camp Salesian stands out for one key...

As many of you may know, during the summer, I help Camp Savio, where we have over 600 children. On weekends, I catch up on my emails and...

Over 100 young people gathered at the Salesian Family Youth Center to share their struggles and offer solutions for a better Los Angeles. Their voices shaped a powerful youth document that JC Montenegro and Luis Chacon presented in Sacramento while joining the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Together, they advocated for policies on mental health, education, safety, housing, and youth leadership. The message was clear: young people are not waiting. They are leading today.

In Boyle Heights, the Salesian Family Youth Center is a place where lives are transformed. Many staff members were once participants who found guidance, support, and purpose within its walls. Now, they lead with that same spirit mentoring youth, building community, and living out the values of service and kindness. SFYC is more than a center; it’s a family where young people grow, lead, and give back.

Jayden, a fourth grader in our Mamba League team, began the season chasing the spotlight, but ended it as a leader. Through teamwork, emotional growth, and guidance from Coach Andres Ortiz, he learned that true greatness lifts others. Though they lost the final game, they walked away with something greater: unity, maturity, and pride. Thanks to our partners, this experience reminded us that when we invest in our youth, we all win.

Explore the latest updates from the SFYC! Discover how we’re empowering youth and making a difference in our community.

The Salesian Family Youth Center’s Gala raised vital funds for youth development programs, supporting sports, education, and mentorship!

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to grow up as the child of immigrants in the U.S.? To live in a country where you were born but...

In this e-news, we would like to share with you some of the projects that we have been working on these last two months.

In times of crisis, true community shines through. As Los Angeles faces devastating fires that have displaced families and strained local...

In the heart of Boyle Heights, the Salesian Family Youth Center (SFYC) is a place of hope, resilience, and transformation. While its...

At the Salesian Family Youth Center, we celebrate Christmas in a unique way. It’s not about material gifts, but about giving ourselves to...

We have a need that we hope you can help us meet—our Game Room currently lacks couches where our young people can sit, relax, and...

When I watch this video, I can't stop thinking about the miracles that have happened this year for us to be here serving the children of...

Hello dear friends and supporters, In this e-news issue, we are excited to share some important updates about the Salesian Family Youth...

Are you ready to be inspired by the transformative work happening in our community? We invite you to explore our latest End of Year...

What am I doing Friday evening at the Youth Center when everyone has gone home? It does not make sense! But it does; the reason why I am...

In a moving celebration of creativity and resilience, seven young writers from the Boyle Heights community recently presented their first...

This article is written by JC Montenegro, PhD. Based on my experience managing summer programs and working closely with young people, I...