Love in Action: Celebrating Youth & Our Upcoming Galaš
- Christina Mendoza
- 11 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Our new year is off to a great start with many programs offered here at the Salesian Family Youth Center! We see the difference in our students everyday as we gear towards our 4th Annual Gala, Una Noche de EsperanzaāØ, at the end of the month!
Only 2 Weeks Away From our Gala š
Our Gala is quickly approachingādonāt miss the chance to join us for a special evening filled with awards, entertainment, and a celebration of the incredible work we do for our youth. Canāt attend but still want to support our mission? We are currently accepting donations for our silent auction and would love your help in making the night a success. If youāre interested in donating or learning more, please email cmendoza@salesianclubs-la.org. We look forward to celebrating with you on this very special night! āØ
Gardening Class Update! š„
After a few weeks off due to the weather and Winter Break, our gardening class is joyfully back in session! Our We Care After-School Program students were thrilled to harvest the very first produce they planted over the past few monthsāa beautiful celebration of patience, growth, and teamwork. š±āØ
St. John Bosco's Feast Day! šāØ
Our We Care Program celebrated St. John Boscoās Feast Day by reflecting on his dream for young people and exploring how we, too, can dream big for our community. Students wrote their hopes and dreams on posters and shared them with one another, creating a meaningful space for reflection, inspiration, and connection. It was a beautiful activity honoring the patron saint of youth and the power of dreaming together.
Donor Spotlight āļø - A Slam Dunk for Our Youth š
The Salesian Family Youth Center was honored to be selected by the LA ClippersĀ to receive two brand-new outdoor basketball hoops! š We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift, especially as our basketball seasons are just getting started. These new hoops will create more opportunities for our students to stay active, build teamwork, and grow through sport. A heartfelt thank-you to the LA Clippers organizationĀ for recognizing the powerful impact athletics have in our community!
A New Chapter Begins š
The Salesian Family Youth Center is proud to launch a new edition of the Journalism Project through the SHOUT Program at Bravo High School, marking the beginning of an exciting journey toward our fourth book written by young authors. Through this initiative, students will once again find their voices, share their stories, and develop the skills that empower them to inform, inspire, and lead.
Empowering Girls Through Movement šš
Our Girl Scouts troop hosted a gathering led by Board Member Miriam HernĆ”ndezĀ and guest instructor Hanna Mercado. Through dance, the girls explored movement, coordination, and physical wellness while building confidence and self-expression. We are grateful for Hannaās active service and Miriamās dedicated leadership in creating meaningful opportunities that inspire and empower our youth.
Learning and Culture at Work with SHOUT at Bravo High School šš»š
Bravo After-School Tutoring is back, providing students with daily academic support to complete homework, make up tests, and stay on trackāwith the help of dedicated teachers who volunteer their time to guide and encourage them. At the same time, our Bravo FolklĆ³rico students are hard at work preparing for upcoming performances, practicing diverse dance styles that celebrate culture, discipline, and teamwork. Together, these programs highlight our studentsā commitment to growthāboth in the classroom and through the arts.
Welcoming Marius to the Club Don Bosco Pitch ā½ļø
Youth from the neighborhood and local parishes come together at Bishop Mora Salesian High School to play soccer, make friends, and enjoy a safe, welcoming space. Recently, Marius, a volunteer from Switzerland, joined the fun, adding extra energy to the games. Together, we laugh, play, and reflect on how embracing our weaknesses helps us serve othersāliving the spirit of Saint John Bosco every day.
Drivers Ed: Second Session Underway! š - SHOUT @ Roosevelt High School
The second session of Drivers Ed is officially underway at SHOUT! Our new instructor, Ms. Carmen, has been fantastic with the studentsākeeping them engaged, encouraging participation, and making sure everyone stays active while learning all the essential driving skills. With her guidance, weāre confident these students are on their way to becoming safe, responsible, and skilled drivers!
Empowering Future Innovators: Our New All-Female STEM Club š§Ŗš¬
Our new all-female club is all about empowerment and creativity, inspiring young women to explore the exciting world of STEM. Students are already getting hands-on, designing and creating eye-catching tote bags and mugsĀ to showcase their talents. Beyond making cool projects, the students are taking initiativeāresearching new designs and planning the materials and resourcesĀ theyāll need to bring their ideas to life. This club is more than just crafting; itās about building confidence, exploring STEM, and discovering the amazing things they can create when they put their minds to it.
Pottery Fun: Creativity in Action šØ @ Roosevelt
Our last pottery session was a blast! Students had the chance to create their own designs on a small clay spinner, learning how to mold and use techniques just like professional potters. Weāre excited to bring this experience into our own space so students can continue making awesome creations while having fun. Itās a great way to relieve stress, explore creativity, and enjoy the hands-on processĀ of pottery.
Serving Our Community with Pride
Members of the Salesian Family Youth Center community recently came together to help keep Boyle Heightsāespecially along Cesar Chavez Avenueāclean and welcoming. We extend our sincere appreciation to Dulce Acosta, Board Member, for her continued leadership and dedication to strengthening our community. We also thank Miriam, President of the Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce, for her partnership and support in making this effort possible.
Together, we continue building a stronger and more vibrant Boyle Heights.
An Evening of Joy and Belonging šāØ
Youth Ministry Boyle Heights recently gathered at St. Maryās Parish for an evening filled with joy, connection, and Salesian spirit. Young people from our schools, parishes, and youth center came together for a lively volleyball challenge, interactive games, and the traditional Salesian Good Night. During the gathering, we introduced the Rector Majorās StrennaĀ and reflected on the life and legacy of Saint John Bosco. The evening concluded with a simple yet meaningful gift for each young personāa reminder that they are seen, valued, and that they truly belong.
āØ A Month Full of MomentumāØ
This past month has been filled with energy, growth, and meaningful moments! We are deeply grateful for every student who walks through our doors and brings our community to life. As we look ahead, we pray that 2026 is a year filled with blessings for you and your families. Weāre excited to share all the amazing things still to comeāstay connected with us and be part of the journey! š
We still have seats at our Gala if you are looking to have fun celebrating all the amazing things we do!
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