From Book Launch to New Adventures... curious? keep reading!
- Jc_Montenegro
- 12 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Get ready to catch up on all the excitement at the Salesian Family Youth Center! In this edition, we’re highlighting summer adventures, leadership experiences, and community moments that showcase the energy, talent, and heart of our youth. From hands-on programs to inspiring events, see how our young people are growing, giving back, and making a difference every day.
Camp Salesian Report.
Camp Salesian 2025 welcomed children for seven weeks serving an average of 102 campers each week. While attendance dipped slightly due to factors such as immigration and family challenges, 79% of families received financial aid, ensuring broad access. The camp operated with 72 youth counselors and 10 staff, creating a vibrant community where most volunteers were high school or college students from Boyle Heights and neighboring areas.
Despite a $16,608 deficit, covered by the annual Gala, Camp Salesian continues to offer a safe, enriching summer for local children and teens. Read the full 2025 report in this link below to see detailed insights on attendance trends, financials, and the lasting impact on families and volunteers.
Board Members Share a Summer Feast and Community Spirit
On July 15, three board members and supporters brought 45 pizzas, salads, drinks, and apples to our Salesian summer camp, turning a meal into a joyful time of connection. Their visit showed that generosity is not just giving, but being present and nurturing the family spirit at the heart of our mission.
Opening Doors to Higher Education - Visiting University of California.
On August 1, twenty-five youth from the Salesian Family Youth Center visited the University of California, Santa Barbara to tour the campus, learn about college life, and explore the reef aquarium. For many, it was a first glimpse of higher education and a chance to imagine new goals. This trip reflects our mission to nurture spiritual, personal, and academic growth, helping young people dream bigger and move toward their future with confidence. This trip was thanks to the collaboration with "A Place For Youth".
Inspiring Latina Leaders Show the Power of Service
Seven young women from the Salesian Family Youth Center attended the Latina Public Service Academy 2025 Summer Reception, an evening honoring influential Latina leaders in public service. Thanks to Anna Cuba’s support, they met trailblazers like Commissioner Jenny Chavez, Council member Imelda Padilla, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, and Tracey Chavira, role models who showed that their heritage is a source of strength and that they, too, can lead and shape their communities.
Community Celebration Kicks Off the School Year
The Salesian Family Youth Center joined the Back to School Night, Nuestra Plaza, Nuestra Voz event at Mariachi Plaza, hosted by Visión y Compromiso. Families enjoyed music, a resource fair, and 100 free backpacks for students. We thank Sandra Villalobos, Celene Rodríguez, and especially Andrés for representing our center and welcoming everyone.
Celebrating the Impact of Higher Education at Cal State LA Day
We were honored to attend Cal State LA Day at City Hall, an event celebrating the transformative power of higher education. The gathering highlighted the ways higher education can empower new generations and strengthen entire communities. As the Salesian Family Youth Center, we proudly support institutions that create opportunities for growth, learning, and positive change, reflecting the deep connection between education and community impact.
From Classroom to Community: Youth Making an Impact
At the recent Pancakes and Politics breakfast organized by LA Chamber of Commerce, the LAUSD Superintendent shared a vision for strengthening education through bold leadership and community collaboration. We had the honor of presenting three books published by our youth, two from one high school and one from another, highlighting the voices, creativity, and achievements of the next generation of young leaders.
Breaking Barriers at the Ocean: A Surfing Experience for Youth
At Dockweiler State Beach, thirty young people from our Salesian community experienced surfing for the first time thanks to the Black Surfers Collective. With the support of local leaders, the PABD Ocean Education Surf Day became a transformative experience where our youth broke barriers, discovered new possibilities, and realized that surfing—and many other dreams—are within their reach.
Scoring Goals and Building Community: Soccer Tournament Supported by Grant
We celebrated the fourth round of games in our soccer tournament, made possible through a grant from LA84 Foundation to promote soccer among youth. We are grateful to Salesian high school that generously allowed us to use their field, as well as to our community partners who supported this exciting event, giving our youth the opportunity to play, compete, and grow through sports.
Showcasing Young Talent with Church Leaders
The Salesian Family Youth Center had the honor of attending a private dinner hosted at the residence of Archbishop José H. Gomez, co-founder of CALL. The evening brought together community leaders to reflect on the importance of service and collaboration. During the gathering, we had the privilege of presenting two books recently published by youth from our programs, showcasing the talent, creativity, and commitment flourishing within our community and reinforcing the bonds of our Salesian family.
Bravo Knights Gear Up for a Winning Season
Our Bravo Knights are kicking off the new season with energy and determination. Through countless hours of practice, they have been perfecting their passes, setting, serves, and spikes, while also building trust and unity as a team. With their eyes on victory and their spirit high, this season promises growth, teamwork, and thrilling moments on the court.
From Classroom to Craft: Lash Extension Training
Bravo students recently had the opportunity to explore classic eyelash extensions, gaining hands-on experience and practical knowledge. They learned fundamentals such as eye anatomy, lash styles, and mapping techniques, while focusing on safety, sanitation, and client consultation. This immersive training strengthened their skills and confidence, providing a solid foundation in lash artistry and inspiring them to continue growing in the beauty industry.
Youth Bringing Hope to Skid Row
The Salesian Family Youth Center recently returned to the streets of Skid Row with a small team of young volunteers. With the support of a generous clothing donation from one of our board members, they distributed children’s clothing while sharing moments of joy and connection with the community. For our youth, the experience went beyond giving, it was an opportunity to play, engage, and bring hope to children in challenging circumstances, demonstrating the power of compassion and initiative in action.
Closing Thoughts!
Thank you for reading about the incredible experiences and achievements of our youth. We invite you to be part of the Salesian Family Youth Center, whether through volunteering, supporting our programs, or simply staying connected.
If you have any questions, need more information, or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can continue empowering young people and building a stronger community.
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