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Why You Should Read These Books by Young People from Our Community
By JC Montenegro, PhD Last week, we celebrated something extraordinary at the Salesian Family Youth Center: the book premiere and signing...

Jc_Montenegro
Jul 272 min read


Summer at Salesian Family Youth Center: A Youth-Led Community Experience
By JC Montenegro, PhD Every summer program offers something valuable to its participants, but Camp Salesian stands out for one key...

Jc_Montenegro
Jul 272 min read


Finding Herself at Camp: Pahtli’s Journey Toward Peace by JC Montenegro, PhD
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...

Jc_Montenegro
Jun 292 min read


“We Are the Now”: Young People lead with power and purpose at Salesian Youth Conference in Los Angeles
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.

Jc_Montenegro
Apr 244 min read


The Heart of Service: the Stories Behind the Salesian Family Youth Center
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.

Jc_Montenegro
Apr 173 min read


More Than a Game: How Community, Sports, and One Young Leader Are Changing Lives
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.

Jc_Montenegro
Apr 142 min read


Empowering Voices: Young Writers from Boyle Heights Shine at Salesian Family Youth Center
In a moving celebration of creativity and resilience, seven young writers from the Boyle Heights community recently presented their first...

Jc_Montenegro
Sep 6, 20242 min read


Building Resilience: How Summer Camps Help Young People To Deal With Frustration.
This article is written by JC Montenegro, PhD. Based on my experience managing summer programs and working closely with young people, I...

Jc_Montenegro
Jul 15, 20242 min read


When you feel safe you learn: a secret weapon for children. By JC Montenegro, PhD
When kids feel safe, they thrive. Discover how a nurturing environment unlocks potential at Salesian Family Youth Center. Read Jason Ngo's s

Jc_Montenegro
Jun 16, 20243 min read


Empowering Youth to Make a Difference: Visiting children on Skid Row a homeless neighborhood.
Written by Luis Chacon! Yesterday's experience in Skid Row was a powerful demonstration of youth empowerment and the impact of community...

Jc_Montenegro
Jun 3, 20242 min read


Enhancing Service Quality Through Team Improvement at Salesian Family Youth Center. By JC Montenegro, PhD.
The Salesian Family Youth Center's admin team evaluations highlighted areas for improvement. We'll integrate feedback to enhance our impact.

Jc_Montenegro
May 23, 20242 min read
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