Focus Forward Stories of Hope Magazine, 6th edition

2021 | ISSUE VI

Another Chapter in a Storied Life:

Mama Sharon shares her history and sage advice

Life-changing program for “Littles” — and “Bigs” Reflecting on a career in the trades Alexis the Electrician:

A mother’s journey to self-sufficiency

Emilia Reyes’ Superpowers

Introducing Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission’s CEO

Breaking The Cycle Marcy Black owns her story

— and fulfills her dreams

Adrift

Adjective: floating without being either moored or steered

Stanford Bound:

From penitentiary to Palo Alto

FOCUS FORWARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OFFICERS PRESIDENT

Joe Olivares, MSW Superior Consulting Service VICE PRESIDENT

Al Grasso, LCSW Retired SECRETARY

Genesis Wilson CFO Dutch Bros Coffee Fresno Inc. TREASURER

Vicki Crow, CPA Retired

BOARD MEMBERS

Michael Lopez Business Representative Sheet Metal Workers Local Union District 104

Joe Olivares, MSW Superior Consulting Service

Naun Garcia Owner Inpower Marketing

Michael Burton Local Sales Manager Nexstar Broadcasting Group (KSEE24/ CBS47)

Michelle Engel-Silva Executive Director of Operations Proteus Inc. Blake G. Konczal CEO Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board

Kelsie Igasan Public Speaker

CREATIVE TEAM Bertz-Rosa Strategy & Creative Suzanne Bertz-Rosa Creative Director, Writer,† Photographer,† Designer Kathy Kinard Editorial Assistant †

Unless noted

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Karin Chao-Bushoven, MA Director of Research California Health Sciences University

Michael Burton Local Sales Manager Nexstar Broadcasting Group (KSEE24/CBS47)

2021 | ISSUE VI

STORIES OF HOPE MAGAZINE COMMITTEE

Natalie Dodson, MSW Talent Acquisition & Community Engagement Manager, California Teaching Fellows Foundation Carolyn Ocheltree Enrolled Agent Ocheltree CPA Stephen Davis, MBA Sales District Leader PepsiCo EMERITUS MEMBERS:

Susan Anderson, J.D. Retired Matt Rosenfeld Senior VP/Regional Manager Broadcasting Nexstar Broadcasting Group (KSEE24/CBS47) EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Joanna Litchenberg, MSW CEO Focus Forward

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Stephen Davis, MBA District Sales Leader PepsiCo Natalie Dodson, MSW Talent Acquisition & Community Engagement Manager California Teaching Fellows Foundation Michelle Engel-Silva Director of Operations Proteus Inc. Marisa Gamboa Executive Director Court & Community Schools Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Naun Garcia Owner Inpower Marketing Karen Guevara, MBA Finance Manager Focus Forward Joanna Litchenberg, MSW CEO Focus Forward Carolyn Ocheltree Enrolled Agent Ocheltree CPA Genesis Ortiz-Wilson CFO Dutch Bros Coffee Fresno Inc.

BOARD LIAISONS FRESNO COUNTY PROBATION

Lori Willits Division Director JJC Commitment Facility Michael Farmer Assistant Director JJC Commitment Facility FRESNO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Katherine Martindale Program Manager FRESNO COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Marisa Gamboa Executive Director Court & Community Schools FRESNO REGIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

John Lorance Rapid Response & Government Sector Coordinator

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Stanford Bound: From penitentiary to Palo Alto

8

Another Chapter in a Storied Life: Mama Sharon shares her history and sage advice

12

Life-changing program for “Littles” — and “Bigs”

16

Reflecting on a career in the trades

20

Alexis the Electrician:

A mother’s journey to self-sufficiency

24

Emilia Reyes’ Superpowers Introducing Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission’s CEO

28

Breaking The Cycle

32

Marcy Black owns her story

— and fulfills her dreams

36 Adrift

Adjective: floating without being either moored or ste ered

Inspiration to Perservere Dear readers,

PHOTO: MIAKA HARDCASTLE

We’re thrilled to be publishing Stories of Hope again this year, having to skip last year due to the pandemic. As it goes in life, some things have changed at Focus Forward, and some things remain the same. We still follow our mission to create successful pathways for youth in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems while fostering positive change and promoting successful outcomes for the youth in our valley.

As Board President and Magazine Committee Chair, Joe Olivares is still at the helm of our annual magazine and is joined by our new CEO Joanna Litchenberg, who was appointed to the position on November 1, 2019. Joanna served four years as a Program Manager with the team. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from California State University, Fresno and comes with a wealth of experience in human resources, finance, program development, and contract management. Together with our Focus Forward team, it is our great pleasure to share these Stories of Hope.

The thread woven throughout this issue is one of education, perseverance, and choice. As “Mama Sharon” Williams shares (page 8), “If it’s not the best choice, choose again.”

PHOTO: INPOWER MARKETING

The stories highlight a wide range of education opportunities, from job training programs and apprenticeships to community college and even Stanford University — all of which are providing pathways to a chosen life.

Merriam Webster defines perseverance as the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult. The challenges are real. Family members often provide the inspiration required to persevere. Alexis (page 20) and Sharon (page 8) both found their motivation from the desire to provide for their children. Paul (page 4) and Isaiah (page 28) were motivated by their mothers’ breaking hearts. Andrew (page 36) leaned on his brother to help him find a program that changed his life. And, while Big Brothers/Big Sisters might not be blood, they inspire their volunteers or “Bigs” as well as the “Littles” or clients that attend their programs.

In the end, we all need to own our own story, whether it’s overcoming unspeakable child abuse in the case of Marcy (page 32), reflecting on a decades-long career in the trades for Mike (page 16), or rising to lead an impactful organization, like Emilia (page 24). As you read each story, we hope that you are as inspired by the storytellers as we are by the youth we serve. Thank you for joining us on the journey.

Sincerely, Joe Olivares Board President and Magazine Committee Chair

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Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

Joanna Litchenberg Chief Executive Officer

2021 • ISSUE VI

for young people impacted by the juvenile justice and child welfare systems

Left to right: Cassandra Parker, Jasna Jaramillo, Karen Guevara, Morgan Miller, Joanna Litchenberg, Cherie Morales-Armendariz, Crystal Gomez, Maria Martin, Mykal Estrada, Kristy Crum.

Photo Credit: InPower Marketing

Rene Moncada, Karel Gonzalez.

Photo credit: MJE Photography

Focus Forward supports young people and their families to identify, plan and achieve success through six core pathways.

Medical & Behavioral Health

Relationships

We connect youth and families to the medical and mental health services they need.

Safety We help find stable housing relocate to safe neighborhoods and reduce risk for our youth and families.

Life Skills We provide one-on-one mentoring and group workshops to build independence and self sufficiency.

info@focusforward.org

www.focusforward.org

Workforce

We provide and connect youth and families to job readiness services, certifications and employment.

Education We work with education systems to increase high school attendance and college enrollment.

(559) 600-4961

Stanford B From penitentiary to Palo Alto

R

ecently Paul Calvo went to Six Flags in Vallejo with fellow engineering students headed to various Ivy League schools. While in line, he spotted what looked to be a son and dad — both wearing Stanford apparel — staring at his face tattoos; Paul perceived their gaze as a condemnation.

“The irony,” Paul thought since he will be starting at the prestigious Palo Alto institution in the Fall. At one point in his life, he may have escalated the situation with violence. Now, however, Paul just smiled, remembering their faces and thinking that if he saw them on campus, he would introduce himself.

It’s a stark contrast to the brutality of prison, where Paul spent seven years.

Paul doesn’t feel as if he’s made significant changes in his life. He’s a grinder; he works hard. It’s who he is.

However, the focus of his life has pivoted.

No longer is he the hot-headed firecracker in a maximum-security prison, fighting rival gang members. His grind has changed from peddling guns and drugs to studying engineering and landing a coveted internship with Chevron.

A good gang member

Paul grew up in Fresno with his mom, dad, and younger sister. As a youth, Paul had a temper and was not one to back down from a fight. “Anything would set me off,” he recalls. An altercation at school led to him being incarcerated for the first time at 14 years old. In juvenile hall, he started hanging out with Bulldog gang members. He continued to get in trouble but managed to graduate high school through independent study.

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Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

At around 17 years old, carrying a gun became normal for Paul. When he got caught in possession of an AK-47 assault rifle, he earned more credibility.

To pay the bills, he sold drugs and committed credit card and check fraud.

“It was just normal,” he adds. He was a good gang member throughout his multiple arrests and especially when he went to prison. “I did all seven years because I kept getting in trouble.”

“Two years before my release, they transferred me to a prison that I couldn’t be at. I can’t walk the yard because I have nothing but enemies,” Paul explains.

There are unwritten rules of the prison yard, the outdoor area prisoners share for recreation. The authorities who monitor gang members within the system attempt to keep rival gang members separated.

However, as an inmate, admitting there is a problem with a rival has two-fold repercussions. First, it would put the inmate in protective custody, which may land them in the SHU, the Special Housing Unit, or solitary confinement known as the “shoe.” Secondly, it marks an inmate as weak to their peers, which is a more egregious act.

Paul continues, “I make out to the yard with a ‘tomahawk’ [handmade weapon using razors]. I hit this guy in the face with it. The guards take me to the SHU.”

The sound of silence

The background silence on the monthly phone call let Paul’s mom know that her son was back in the SHU. “I could hear that she lost all hope for me,” Paul remembers the discussion that inspired him to change. “We talked about how when I was born; this wasn’t the life she hoped for me.” He continues, “I have two years left and realized that when I got out, I had to be productive.”

Returning home to a new life In July 2016, Paul moved back to Fresno.

While visiting with his sister, who was attending Fresno Pacific University, Paul realized her math homework, an upper-division stats class, made sense. She recommended that I go back to school. “I fought it,” he said.

“I’m a con. I have a huge record.”

In the Fall of 2017, Paul enrolled at Fresno City College. The counselor placed him in trigonometry class. “I didn’t even know how to spell trig,” Paul joked. He earned an A grade and became a math tutor. He continued to tutor in math, physics, chemistry, and engineering while carrying 12–17 units per semester with a 3.9 GPA at FCC. Dr. Robert Pimentel, Vice President of Education Services & Institutional Effectiveness at Fresno City College, worked with Paul while he was attending the college. “Paul is a committed student with intentions to change the community where he grew up. I have seen what he is capable of doing, and he inspires me to continue to do what I do as an educator; education changes lives, and Paul is a great example of that,” said Pimentel.

Paul reflects on the changes that happened over the past few years, “I’ll drive through the ‘hood and see a friend of mine, someone I did time with, who is talking to himself. He’s on drugs. He’s out of it. Or I come across another friend that got murdered, and here I am going to Stanford.”• 2021 • ISSUE VI

Bound: INSET PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAUL CALVO

RISING SCHOLARS PROGRAM

want to soak up “ Ieverything that

”

Stanford has to offer.

Formerly Incarcerated students receive mentoring, and special services through the Rising Scholar Program.

The program attempts to identify and address barriers that keep students from being successful in their education. The goal is to close educational achievement gaps and address personal and educational barriers that may hinder a student’s ability to achieve their educational goals.

In collaboration with other campus programs, this program assists in connecting students with academic counseling, housing, food services, substance abuse services, and other student services.

Revealing Stanford pride in his shirt choice, Paul Calvo stands in front of a mural at the Science Building on the Fresno City College campus.

INSET: Paul Calvo soon after his release from prison.

2021 • ISSUE VI

Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

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Fresno City College

SPECIAL PROGRAMS LEAD TO STUDENT SUCCESS DREAM CENTER – The Dream Center provides information and academic counseling to new and continuing undocumented students at Fresno City College.

DSP&S (DISABLED STUDENTS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES) – Creates an accessible, inclusive campus environment to empower students with disabilities and provide them access to pursue their academic, personal, and vocational goals.

EOPS (EXTENDED OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAMS AND SERVICES) – Offers personalized academic counseling and advising as well as financial assistance to qualified students.

CARE (COOPERATIVE AGENCIES RESOURCES FOR EDUCATION) – Provides counseling and financial resources for single parents currently receiving CalWORKs, cash aid, general relief, or TANF. NEXTUP – Provides support services for current and/or former foster youth.

fresnocitycollege.edu

Your Future Starts Here PUENTE – A statewide program which helps prepare Latino students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, earn their degrees and return to the community as leaders and mentors to future generations.

RAIN (RESOURCES FOR AMERICAN INDIAN NEEDS) – Designed to promote, inspire and guide American Indian and Indgenous students upon entry, duration, and completion of their academic goals.

TRiO STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES – Provides academic support and guidance to first generation, low-income, and disabled students to help them earn a certificate, degree, or to transfer to a four-year college.

UMOJA – Promotes student success and improved lifetime outcomes for all students through a curriculum that is responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas.

IDILE – An academic and community-mentoring program that focuses primarily on African American students.

SYMBAA (STRENGTHENING YOUNG MEN BY ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT) – Emphasizes the African American male experience and assists students in achieving success through a coordinated program of courses and student support.

Thank You USEAA Mentors

USEAA UNITED SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICANS – Provides support services to Southeast Asian-American students to enhance academic success and contribute to their social and cultural development.

VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER – Provides assistance to veterans and their dependents when applying for educational benefits.

USEAA

State Center Community College District

UNITED SOUTHEAST ACADEMIC PROGRA “SERVING STUDENTS SINCE 1999”

Another Chapter in a

StoriedLife:

Mama Sharon shares her history and sage advice CHAPTER 1:

Child-mother At the tender age of twelve, when Sharon Williams was still a child, she had her first baby. Raised by a single mother, Sharon was the middle of seven siblings. As the eldest girl, she shouldered most of the domestic chores when her mother was away working from “sunup to sundown.” Mature for her age, both in responsibilities and looks, Sharon could have passed for 14, still quite young, but old enough for the boys to pay her the male attention the fatherless tween craved.

By 1967, when Sharon was 16, she had three young children, and her mom insisted that she quit high school to raise them.

CHAPTER 2:

Turbulent transition to an adulthood Sharon became withdrawn; rarely leaving the house, she believed that she didn’t have a reason to be happy because of the shame she brought upon herself. It was difficult for her to talk with her mom.

Sharon reflects, “I thought about suicide, but my babies already didn’t have a daddy; what would they do without a mama?

I didn’t know where my ground was.”

Caught in the space between child and adult and overwhelmed by her situation, Sharon left her kids, mom, and home. As a minor, she became a runaway, an illegal act in the 1960s.

After two weeks, she turned herself in and was incarcerated, first in Juvenile Hall and then with the California Youth Authority. While only detained 8

Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

for 14 weeks in total, the time made an impact. She vowed never to return.

CHAPTER 3:

Finding hope in the Job Corps While in custody, Sharon attended a presentation about the Job Corps. She joined as soon as she was able and was sent to Moses Creek, Washington. “About the furthest place away from my life,” she says. “I’m 4' 11", and it gets four feet of snow there.” The program format was split into a half-day of training and a half-day of working. She loved it.

She soon found out that the farewell gift from her boyfriend was her fourth pregnancy. Even though she had to leave the Job Corps program, the experience gave her a glimpse into the possibility of what life could be.

CHAPTER 4:

Looking for more

Returning home, Sharon focused on raising her kids, received her GED, and became a data transcriber for the Internal Revenue Service.

However, she had a sense that there was more. She remarks, “My life was pulling on me for something else.”

Sharon didn’t think she was smart enough to go to college; however, after hearing a commercial from Fresno City College, she was inspired to enroll.

“My first semester, I got a B average, and I learned that I wasn’t dumb. That summer changed my life. I finished City College and went onto Fresno Pacific to study counseling.” Sharon had found her passion, social work, and began working at a group home. “I stopped

looking for others to tell me I was okay.” She says that her confidence showed up, adding, “I watched my kids watch me. They were proud of me.”

CHAPTER 5:

Mama Sharon

Sharon went on to land her dream job as a group counselor at Fresno Juvenile Hall, coming full circle to where she was once incarcerated. The youth affectionately called her Mama Sharon.

Her message to them was unwavering, “This is not your life. This is just a chapter. Turn the page, baby. It’s your choice. If it’s not the best choice, choose again. You don’t need to get stuck here.”

CHAPTER 6:

Turning the page

Sharon retired in 1996 and continues to serve the community through her work with Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life program, on the board of Fresno Housing, and as a local youth minister. She is most proud of her family — consisting of five children, 23 grandchildren, and about a dozen great-grandchildren — and her relationship with God. She feels that it is crucial to share, “I learned by reconnecting with my faith that I was enough, and I was worth loving.” Sharon is now literally writing her own story with plans on recording songs and spoken word pieces.• 2021 • ISSUE VI

“

Each life is an empty book. It’s your job to write the story. I learned that later in life.

I stopped making other people responsible for me.

I began to write my own story.

”

Sharon Williams on her patio at Legacy Commons, a Fresno Housing development.

2021 • ISSUE VI

Fresno Housing would like to recognize and show appreciation for Commissioner Sharon Williams.

As both a resident at one of our properties and a commissioner — her lived experience makes her an especially valuable member of the Fresno Housing family.

ft$

@fresnohousing

Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

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Create and sustain vibrant communities throughout

Fresno County Fresno Housing works to create vibrant communities, build quality affordable housing, and support the success of approximately 50,000 residents throughout Fresno County.

@fresnohousing ft$ fresnohousing.org

Life-changing program for “ Littles” — and “Bigs”

BY MITZI MOORE

LEFT TO RIGHT: Little Sister Susannah, Big Sister Joanna Wray, Little Brother Noel, and Big Brother Paul Yankey outside the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California offices in Fresno.

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Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

2021 • ISSUE VI

2021 Big Brother of the Year, Paul Yankey, and 2021 Big Sister of the Year, Joanna Wray, demonstrated over their 18 combined years of service that one person can positively impact a child’s life. These two represent the many amazing mentors across the four counties that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California (BBBS) serves.

One of more than 300 affiliates nationwide, the local BBBS chapter has been serving the Central Valley for more than 50 years. The nonprofit believes that every child deserves to have someone in their corner, someone who will defend their potential and help them become the best version of themselves. BBBS fulfills this vision by building a team of support around each child. A crucial component to this team is the volunteer. These volunteers or “Bigs” are ordinary community members, who give back, making an extraordinary impact on their “Littles” or mentees, their mentees’ families, and their communities. BBBS’s one-to-one mentorship model builds bridges between individuals of various backgrounds while fostering the dreams of the youth being served.

2021 • ISSUE VI

Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

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Joanna wanted to be a hero

Joanna Wray aspired to be a doctor when she was a little girl because she recalled caring for her sister, born with spina bifida, and admired the medical team that prolonged her life. She wanted to be a hero like them. Joanna was a determined youth and worked diligently to be accepted into a prestigious university. She worked part-time jobs, participated in extra-curricular activities, and pushed herself to excellence. Before she graduated from high school, however, her desire to begin college became a longing to escape her home environment.

Joanna recalled, “From witnessing the destruction of addiction and deteriorating mental health of my mother, I was desperate to getaway. At the same time, I realized that I did not have the support I needed to make it to university.

Nobody in my family had pursued higher education, and I felt completely isolated and alone trying to navigate the process of applying to, paying for, and moving to college.”

Despite her setback, Joanna worked tirelessly in community college until she was successfully accepted to UC Davis, where she studied Human Development. In reflecting on her own childhood experiences, she decided to end her pursuit of medicine. Joanna

discovered her call to advocate and walk with people in their route to finding themselves. Joanna’s love for the youth in her community never ceased, and she believes that “Big Brother’s Big Sisters could not be more well suited for this goal. The satisfaction I get from knowing that there is someone out there that feels a little more seen, and supported by my presence in their life, is unparalleled.”

Joanna has been matched with her Little Sister Susannah for twelve years and continuously supports her in her dreams. Joanna has played an instrumental role in Susannah’s life, who has grown up in a single-parent household. They recently celebrated Susannah as she graduated from high school and turned 18-years-old.

Paul knew he had to get involved

Big Brother Paul Yankey was adopted and the only child in his household.

He recalled a supportive and loving environment, one with great experiences and admirable role models. Following in his family’s footsteps, Paul pursued the military, finding a home in the Marine Corps, serving in active duty for eight years. Paul married, and like his parents, chose adoption to start his family. He later had two children of his own.

While he had a supportive upbringing and pursued a noble career, Paul encountered his own hardships as a veteran, making some less than desired life choices. Paul sought counseling and regained a new sense of hope. He found a new life purpose to inspire others, leading him to work for Madera County Department of Social Services. It was here that he heard about Big Brothers Big Sisters. Paul recalled his first experience learning about the program and shared, “In their presentation, they said they had about 100 children on the waitlist, and when I heard the average wait was about a year, it made me uncomfortable.

I knew I had to get involved.”

At the time of his enrollment, Paul pursued his master’s degree and had existing mentorship experiences through the Young Marine Corp Program. Paul has been matched with his Little Brother Noel for six years. Noel has had his share of struggles and poor life choices, yet Paul stayed by his side, including when Noel moved to a different city and couldn’t see him as frequently. Paul shared he is proud of Noel, now 16, and his accomplishments. Noel recently started his first job in aspiration to be a welder.

Paul best describes his experience at Big Brothers Big Sisters as a life-changing program for both the youth and the adult. He shared, “Six years ago when I was getting started, I debated, ‘can I help? Can I actually make a difference?

Will anything I do matter?’ You start the program thinking you are going to do something for someone else, and you do not realize that you become a better person in the process. mentoring is very important, and our community needs it.”

To learn more about volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Central California, visit https://bigs.org.• STORY SPONSOR:

Big Sister Joanna Wray enjoys a laugh with her Little Sister Susannah 14

Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

2021 • ISSUE VI

presents

Five Reasons to Become a Big: 1. Become the best version of yourself.

2. Give back to your community through friendship.

3. Inspire youth with your life.

4. Be the change you want to see in the world.

5. Be a kid again!

Start a friendship that will change your life and their's forever!

For more information visit our website at www.bigs.org

“

Regardless of where you are in life, there is a way out through hard work.

”

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Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

2021 • ISSUE VI

Reflecting on a career in the trades

L

ike many who grew up in rural Central Valley towns, Mike Lopez’s family didn’t have much. His single mother was raising Mike and his siblings in Mendota. The family lived in public housing and worked in agriculture. As a kid, Mike would hike to the river and canals to go swimming and fishing.

“In a small town, everybody knows everybody,” Mike recalls. Most of the town’s residents were involved in agriculture. He and his aunt, mom, and siblings worked as farm laborers to make extra money.

“I first started working as a farm laborer when I was in the eighth grade and when I was 15 at packing houses.”

The packing houses exposed Mike to unions for the first time. “The wages were good. The hours were long.”

But the packing houses closed, and the good-paying jobs left town.

There were only two exhibitors on career day in high school: a vocational school from Arizona promoting their HVAC program and a Marine recruiter. Mike tested for the Marines but didn’t enlist.

However, the HVAC program piqued his interest. After graduating from Tranquility High School, Mike and his girlfriend moved to a studio apartment in Fresno. He enrolled at Fresno City College, where he spent two semesters learning welding, blueprint-reading, sheet metal, controls, and refrigeration.

“I moved to El Centro to try to follow the melon industry. I couldn’t get hired on at the packing houses, so I started an AC 2021 • ISSUE VI

job. The experience I had going to FCC — we built a house as part of the classes — gave me enough experience to get a job,” he recalls of how his career began.

Mike and his young family, which now included his eldest daughter, returned to Fresno. In 1991, he was hired at New England Sheet Metal as a utility worker, cleaning up and making deliveries.

Within a week, he was promoted to a residential journeyman. “They gave me a company truck and gas card.” Mike worked on installing HVAC units in new homes in Firebaugh and Orosi.

“When I went to New England, my pay doubled. My family and I now had health insurance, and my pension started up,” he shares. “I think what helped me was that I already knew how to work. I had a good work ethic. I learned as much as I could to keep employed.” In 1997, Mike started the five-year apprenticeship program, which he graduated from in 2002. “Ten years after starting my career, I completed my apprenticeship,” he announces. Mike also became certified in welding structural steel and light gauge metal while in the program.

His career advanced over the next 20 years at New England to journeyman, shop steward, and finally foreman. In 2012, Mike left the company after being elected as the business representative of Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 of Madera, Kings, Fresno, Tulare Counties.

In early 2020, he was elected as building trades president for Fresno Madera, Kings, and Tulare Counties. “I’m happy to be in the trades and represent the membership,” he shares. Mike is also a trustee with the union’s healthcare program and apprenticeship school.

While he is proud of his career and accomplishments, he is most proud of his children, Mercy Ann, Michael John, Krista, and granddaughters Mercedes, Sophia, Leslie, and Unique.

Of his family, he says, “We spend our free time boating, camping, and barbecuing together on the weekends.”

Having seen the quality of life that the trades could provide, his son has followed his dad into the sheet metal union and is a third-year apprentice.

“I just now turned old enough to retire, but I am not planning on it until I find a replacement for myself. Target date is the end of 2022. It’s going to be tough letting go. All I’ve ever known is working every day,” he laments. But Mike plans on keeping himself busy with his grandkids, rental properties, and the restoration of a 1968 Caprice Classic. • STORY SPONSOR:

DID YOU KNOW? No prior experience is necessary in the sheet metal industry to apply and to be successful.

As an Apprentice you are provided full healthcare benefits for you and your family at no extra cost which includes medical, dental, prescription drugs, vision, and a health savings plan.

There is no tuition throughout your apprenticeship.

To learn more visit: fresnosheetmetal.com Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

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Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union No. 104 takes pride in strengthening our local communities. By breaking down traditional barriers to employment and providing opportunities to learn a trade, SMW 104 is proud to create a pathway for you to the middle class.

WWW.SMW104.ORG | @SMWLOCAL104

Alexis Rowberry with her children Skylar, 13, and Juan, 11

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2021 • ISSUE VI

Alexis the Electrician

A mother’s journey to self-sufficiency Spark

The phone call happened two years ago. Brittani Kelley with the Building Trades Council answered the call from Alexis Rowberry, a mother of two. Alexis was living with her children, daughter Skylar and son Juan Jr., then 11 and 9 years old, in a homeless shelter. She desperately wanted to join a Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board pre-apprenticeship program.

While she met all the requirements, she was previously denied because she lacked a permanent address.

“She was very well-spoken and sweet,” recalls Brittani, who immediately contacted the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board Program Director Pat Barr to see if the normally months-long application process could be expedited, allowing Alexis to join the upcoming cohort.

“She was so positive. She knew that if she got into the union, she would have a good wage for her kids,” explains Pat Barr. “By the end of the first week, she already became a top student.”

Alexis completed the program. “We had seven unions. The hardest one to get into is the IBEW. She was one of two that passed that test,” says Pat. “People follow her lead. Because she knows what she’s talking about. She’s always in demand.”

Boomeranging

Alexis was born in Germany, where her father served in the Army. As a toddler, her family returned to the U.S. and settled in Kentucky. When Alexis was about eight years old, her parents divorced, and she moved with her mom 2021 • ISSUE VI

and two sisters to Clovis, California.

At 14, she moved back to Kentucky and then bounced back to Clovis a couple of years later, where she finished high school and started working.

At 24, Alexis got married, and the couple was expecting their first child. Seven months into her pregnancy her husband was diagnosed with leukemia. The marriage didn’t last. “We were married long enough to get divorced,” she quips.

Her ex-husband passed away three years ago from complications of cancer.

In a twelve-year period, Alexis moved between California and Kentucky eight times. “I run because of the problems, and they just follow me.”

Domestic life

Alexis met her son’s dad Juan Sr. in California. They broke up while Alexis was earning her A.A. in accounting. It was an amicable split, and they chose to live within two miles of each other to better facilitate co-parenting. However, after graduation, Alexis couldn’t find a job. She and her children moved in with her mom, which didn’t last. With no home, no job, and two kids, Alexis, trekked back to Kentucky once again.

“I met a guy and married him. It was a horrible choice,” Alexis explains.

“It didn’t take very long for him to start hitting me. He would smack me across the face if he didn’t like what I said. He would put his hands over my mouth and nose. It was terrifying. It was abusive, and there were drugs. He threatened to kill me on a regular basis.”

In the spring of 2019, Juan Sr.’s family contacted her to find out if the kids

could spend the summer with them.

“I knew that would give me a chance to get out of the relationship.”

It was hard, but soon after seeing her kids off, she left everything in Kentucky and returned to Clovis, couchsurfing with different relatives as long as possible. “We went to a shelter,” she shares, where the trio lived for six months. It was during this time that Alexis was given the phone number that changed her life.

Empowered

The family now lives in an apartment in Clovis. “I plan on buying a house next year, where we can each have our own space, where my kids can paint their bedroom walls.” Alexis shares the abundance her new vocation has provided, “We were able to go on trips.

I bought them both brand new bikes. I bought my daughter her own bedroom set and bunk beds for me and my son.”

“I never, ever wanted to be in the position I was in before — isolated and dependent,” Alexis says of her past.

Now, she smiles, “I feel empowered.”•

DID YOU KNOW? Workforce Connection offers employment and job training to people from all backgrounds—if you or anyone you know needs a job, go to a One Stop Center.

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The Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board (FRWDB) has programs to assist young adults with academic preparation and work experience opportunities and adults in their job search.

Our Young Adult Services provides assistance to: Young Adults 14-24 years old High School Diploma and/or GED Assistance Tutoring Career and College Preparation Leadership Skill Development Workshops Work Experience Opportunities Vocational Training Guidance

Call 1-888-409-6884 www.workforce-connection.com/yas

Our Workforce Connection One-Stop locations offer adults:

GREAT WAYS TO FIND A JOB Get one-on-one assistance from our trained staff when you meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in staff assisted services!

Search on your own using the computers, phones, copy machines and more at any of our Resource Rooms!

Log on to America’s Job Center of California at Caljobs.ca.gov to access career information and training availability!

Call 1-877-954-HIRE (4473) www.workforce-connection.com

Emilia Reyes’ Superpowers Introducing Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission’s CEO

E

BY STAFF WRITER

milia Reyes has a deep understanding of the challenges facing our community. Now, as Chief Executive Officer of the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC), she believes those experiences have helped prepare her for the role.

Daughter of an immigrant father and migrant mother

Emilia’s father immigrated to Fresno at age 19 from a remote village in Mexico. He met and married her mother soon after. Together, the young couple had seven children, two girls and five boys, and raised them in their 1,200 square foot Mendota home.

Emilia recalls growing up in poverty.

During their early years, her parents worked in the fields, which meant food was scarce in the winter months when the work dried up.

Full circle with Head Start When Emilia was three years old, she attended Head Start, a comprehensive early childhood education program funded by the federal government and operated by Fresno EOC.

“I grew up in a very traditional Mexican home where my father was the typical machista. Growing up, I was very quiet and had difficulty with language.

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Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

It wasn’t until I entered Head Start that I began speaking. And now, I am humbled to lead the organization which operates 32 Head Start locations throughout Fresno County.”

her bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management. She continued to CSU Dominguez Hills to earn a master’s degree in Business Administration.

Competitive spirit led to college

While Emilia was away at school, she received devastating news. Her 22- year old sister was shot and killed during an attempted carjacking near Chandler Airport while she drove to work. “As the only remaining daughter, my father wanted me to leave college and stay home. I promised him after I finished school, I would come back to the valley,” she explains.

A naturally competitive child, Emilia was motivated to do her best at school. “I was a people pleaser. I was fortunate that I was put into classes with the children of the farm owners,” she says. “By my junior year, my peers were thinking about college, Harvard, Dartmouth, and so forth. I thought to myself, ‘If they can go away to college, so can I.’ I was determined to figure it out and became the first in my family to attend college.”

Her mom wanted her to study at nearby Fresno State. As her high school class valedictorian, Emilia knew that she wanted to go a bit farther. “I applied and was accepted to five UCs. I chose UC Santa Cruz as it was the closest to home.” During summer breaks, she worked 12- to 16-hour days in shipping and receiving for a packing house to pay for college. Since numbers always came naturally to her, Emilia earned

Sister of murder victim

To this day, there are no arrests.

Upon returning, Emilia went to local law enforcement, hoping to get justice. Instead, she shared, “I had to learn how to cope with my grief, forgive the murderers and leave questions unanswered. I could no longer spend time trying to understand what drove them to kill my sister and leave my 20-month-old nephew an orphan. I had to believe that it was someone who wasn’t loved or cared for.”

Professional path

Emilia’s first job out of college was as a caseworker for a nonprofit, then moved on to Fresno State Foundation, administering a grant for the Workforce Development Board. After two years, she transitioned to First 5 Fresno County 2021 • ISSUE VI

and moved up from grant administrator to finance officer, finance director, chief business officer, and finally in the top spot as executive director. There, she led the completion of the $16 million construction project: Lighthouse for Children. She was also highly involved in community efforts to combat preterm birth and black infant mortality rates.

Mom to a son with special needs “When my son was two years old, I noticed developmental signs that didn’t make sense,” Emilia explains. She addressed it with her son’s pediatrician, who attributed it to Emilia being a first-time mom. However, they were referred to a specialist for an assessment.

A couple of weeks later, the pediatrician confirmed her son had autism. Lost, confused, and faced with this new reality, she knew she had to make things better for her son.

After countless appointments, assessments, financial burdens, and due process, her son received the services he needed to thrive.

She continues, “My son prepared me to be the leader I am today. I was a single mom, raised not to question authority, and I had to find my voice. I found it by advocating for my son.” Now at 20 years old, he lives on his own and is in his second year at Fresno State, majoring in Journalism and Communications.

Leading Fresno EOC

Emilia began her journey at Fresno EOC in 2020. She feels honored to lead one of the largest nonprofits in the Central Valley with more than 35 programs, 1,200 employees, and a $160-million-dollar annual budget dedicated to helping people achieve their goals, especially during unprecedented times.

“I use my lived experiences as my superpowers; I believe it doesn’t matter who or where you are in life — we all deserve an opportunity. I understand children and families in Fresno County continue to face these same experiences today. There are several Emilias out there affected by the work we do every day. From attending a Head Start program to having the opportunity to earn their first paycheck in a Summer Youth Program, and even the Emilias who are young mothers receiving breastfeeding support through Fresno EOC WIC. Fresno EOC is helping people and changing lives, and I am a living example of what Fresno EOC does, and can do, for thousands of individuals in our community.” •

“

I t’s important to have leaders who reflect the community we serve.

”

STORY SPONSOR:

Emilia Reyes returns to her Mendota roots, posing in front of cantaloupe packing crates.

INSET: Emilia Reyes, CEO of Fresno EOC, with students of a Mendota Head Start program.

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Helping People.

Changing Li ves.

We provide opportunities, strengthen self-sufficiency, and offer support for all people. We listen to the needs of the communities and provide programs and services to help people achieve their goals.

FresnoEOC.org FresnoEOC

Fresno_EOC

FresnoEOC

Breaking The Cycle The only lifestyle Isaiah Romo knew growing up was the gang life. He lived in a gang neighborhood. His relatives were gang members. His friends were gang members. “I didn’t know of anyone who ever went to college or had ever even been to a college,” says the Fresno City College freshman.

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Starting young

Isaiah first held a gun in the sixth grade. It wouldn’t be long until he brandished one in a crime. “With older gang members, I wanted to earn respect. They gave me a gun and told me to rob the store. I was young and dumb and didn’t know what was happening, so I did,” Isaiah recounts. After he robbed the store, the 12-year-old ran home. It wasn’t long before the police arrested him. “I received a lot of praise for robbing the store,” Isaiah explains.

He spent about five months in juvenile hall.

Isaiah is the fourth of his working single mother’s eight children. Growing up, he was close with his dad, and he was the only one of his siblings that chose to live with his father (who rotated in and out of incarceration on gang-related offenses) and his grandmother.

A week after Isaiah was released from juvenile hall, he was arrested again. This time for grand theft auto. He served eight months. He got out, stole another car, and went back to juvenile hall.

“Taking things didn’t really phase me. I didn’t see where the lifestyle was taking me,” he explains.

Shifting perspective

While in custody, Isaiah remembers a particular visit from his mom, “She was crying. She was concerned that I would end up just like my dad. She wants me to do better and not be in the gang lifestyle.” The shift was beginning.

Isaiah Romo after work outside his apartment, which he secured through Fresno City College’s HOPE Program.

2021 • ISSUE VI

I had a smarter mindset, so I enjoyed going to school.” Isaiah graduated from Roosevelt in 2020.

Stability and gratitude

Towards the end of high school, Isaiah became a father and shares custody of his daughter with the child’s mother. However, his housing wasn’t stable. “I got involved with Focus Forward — just that little talk here and there with Jasna [Jaramillo with Focus Forward] would help keep me going,” he says. The Focus Forward team directed Isaiah to the HOPE (Housing Opportunities Promote Education) Program at Fresno City College, where he received housing support and is currently studying business.

it takes is to believe “All your life actually that matters. You’re never in too deep to change your life around.

”

“Once I got into the HOPE program, it’s just been wonderful. I know that I’m safe. My daughter is safe. There is nothing stopping me from going far in life, and I help my family out.”

Being incarcerated, Isaiah learned that if you He continues to express gratitude, “Without do good, good things come to you. “In juvey, the programs that I got into, I would not be I felt good doing the right thing. I started where I am now: Focus Forward, HOPE. I had doing my homework. People around me no way of doing this by myself. I would be lost. were motivating. Cassie, my first counselor, They helped me fight for my future and goals was a big motivation for me. Helping me in life. It’s good to know that there are people be better and making things happen.” who keep their word. I’m in love with all my Changing schools counselors. They are my main motivation.

As Isaiah was transitioning from ninth grade into Everyone has had my back. This life is worth it.”• tenth at the Alice Worsley School within the juvenile hall, he told his counselor, Cassandra “Cassie” Parker with Focus Forward, that DID YOU KNOW? he wanted to change but was concerned that when he got home, the gang life would Fresno County Superintendent be waiting for him. “She helped me go to of Schools operates the Court Bullard High School because there wasn’t School educational program. anyone there who wanted to fight me,” he Every pupil in the Court shares. Isaiah’s shift continued by joining the School program receives football team. “It changed my life in having education through FCSS. something to do after school. I could tire Any pupil who was enrolled myself out all day. I think a lot of me getting in the Court School in trouble was not having anything to do.” program is eligible to apply In the middle of Isaiah’s junior year, he for an annually renewable transferred to Roosevelt High School near his Court School PTA Scholarship to be applied to college or vocational institution. home. “Busing was too difficult. By that time, Focus Forward: Stories of Hope

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we believe every student can thrive!

Every day, the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools works to positively impact the lives of more than 200,000 Valley children we serve. We believe that every child, no matter his or her circumstances and abilities, must have access to a quality education in order to thrive. Through our departments and services, we support programs such as Special Education, Migrant Education, Court and Community Schools and school district financial and educational services with a special focus on these fundamental areas: Career technical education – Allowing students to explore their interests and develop careers skills, while reinforcing their academics, creates a workforce ready to enter the trade jobs that are essential to our community’s success.

Arts – The arts bring joy and creativity to our schools while at the same time requiring rigorous practice, close attention to detail and critical thinking skills.

Poverty – School children cannot prosper in an environment lacking food, shelter and stability. We support community programs and partnerships to decrease the poverty rate in our county.

Intervention – Our schools need active involvement of parents, local businesses, community leaders and citizens to succeed.

Participation in the education process from mentoring to sponsorship of programs is the precursor to positive change.

Civility – Teaching our students to be givers instead of takers is the foundation to build true leaders who respect their neighbors, their community and their country.

Homelessness – Homelessness and poverty go hand-in-hand.

Education is the great equalizer with which we must provide every student in the county.

Early education – Children need access to educational opportunities and school readiness programs before kindergarten to give them a foundation for a lifetime of success.

Changing lives – one future at a time! www.fcoe.org

Follow FCSS on

“I believe we can all make a positive difference in the lives of our children, not only through education, but in a shared interest in the well-being of others.”

Jim A. Yovino Fresno County Superintendent of Schools

Marcy Black

Marcy Black at her office.

She was recently promoted to Division Manager for Managed Care in the Department of Behavioral Health for Fresno County.

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owns her story —and fulfills her dreams

Chaos and cruelty

Marcy’s mother stopped beating her children with ropes after Child Protective Services (CPS) removed Marcy’s older brother. Her mom switched to kitchen utensils, but the violence didn’t end.

Spatulas and wooden spoons weren’t the worst of it. Marcy’s childhood was one of chaos and cruelty.

In the early 1970s, Marcy, age six, and her family lived in a travel trailer parked on her grandparents’ driveway for a short time. In the care of her grandfather, Marcy was sexually abused. It wasn’t the first time. Marcy was molested at age five by someone her parents let stay in their home. Marcy says her parents had “poor boundaries” and would “always let people live with us.” The abuse continued at the hands of family members, house guests, and caregivers over the next 12 years.

Marcy didn’t dare tell her mother, who was prone to fits of rage, about the abuse in fear of receiving a beating. Marcy didn’t know then that her grandfather had also molested her mother. “I think my mom has a mental health disorder,” Marcy explains. Growing up, Marcy would first ask herself, “how is mom going to be today?” before determining how to act, which was usually invisible.

The one thing Marcy didn’t question was the resolve she developed at age 10. “I’m going to help people when I grow up. I don’t want people to hurt like I hurt,” she says became her dream.

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End of the abuse

The abuse stopped when Marcy was 17 years old after reporting being raped by a classmate at a party while under the influence of alcohol. She blamed herself and might have never said a thing if the boy hadn’t continually grabbed her from behind at school after the incident. The teacher, with whom she confided, contacted CPS. Marcy, too afraid of her parents’ tempers and concerned that CPS would take her into custody, didn’t return home.

The abuse ended with her absence.

“I didn’t know how to get help. I didn’t feel right,” Marcy says. She drank alcohol to cope with her feelings and, in her early 20s, added methamphetamines to the mix. Then she was arrested. Being charged with felony possession was, she says, “the lowest point of my life.”

In 1998 Marcy was convicted and sentenced to probation. While she laments having to disclose the conviction on job applications, she shares, “Even though you’ve had the justice system involved, it’s not the end of your life.”

Opportunity to change

Marcy used this experience as an opportunity to change. In her mid-20, she met her husband and gained sobriety.

“Drug court helped me get clean and stay clean because of the accountability,” she says. Soon, she was pregnant with her first child, a son. “My kids have kept me sober,” says the now mother of four, two by birth and two by marriage.

When her son was five years old, Marcy began pursuing her dream; she enrolled at Fresno City College to become a certified substance abuse counselor. “The core values of social work resonated with who I am,” she shares. Working in the field, Marcy realized that “people don’t just have substance abuse problems; they are more layered.” This realization spurred her to obtain a B.S. in social work and M.S.W. degrees — all while being a mom with a full-time job and internship.

Initially, Marcy was concerned that because of her felony, the State of California wouldn’t give her a registration number to practice.

Her worries were unfounded. She has been licensed since 2015.

“You can go through a lot and end up ok.”

Marcy sighs and shares an unattributed quote, “‘No one will ever know the violence it took to become this gentle.’”

Marcy believes in therapy both as a patient and practitioner. In her 17year career spanning the clinical and administrative sides of mental health, she has provided hope and help to individuals, children, and families facing trauma and illness. Currently, she serves as the Division Manager for Managed Care in the Department of Behavioral Health for Fresno County.•

STORY SPONSOR:

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Adjective: floating without being either moored or steered

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ndrew Clark spends his days at Avenal State Prison, a remote California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facility surrounded by open, dry land dotted with patches of scrub brush.

He is not incarcerated. His passion keeps him returning to serve the inmates who struggle with addiction.

“

Raised in Visalia, Andrew felt pressure to perform and excelled at soccer, playing locally, nationally, and internationally — receiving MVP accolades. The sport provided him with focus and purpose. Around the time he graduated from high school in 1999, his days on the field ended abruptly with an ankle injury. Andrew became untethered, adrift without direction.

“My priorities weren’t set. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life.”

Andrew enrolled in community college.

“I didn’t have any interest in education,” he admits. “I was into not having any responsibilities and partying.” He received his first of six DUIs at the age of 18.

He moved to Southern California and then Northern California, enrolling in school, then dropping out. After his third DUI, Andrew was ordered by the court to attend a 90-day addiction inpatient treatment program. Sobriety started.

Sobriety ended. A family intervention sent him to a treatment center in Oregon.

Sobriety is more than not doing alcohol and drugs; it’s being responsible and accountable.

”

With the new beginning, he tried a new approach. This time focusing on employment and landed a job in Seattle. He maintained his sobriety.

A family health crisis brought Andrew back to Visalia and back to his drinking habit. He received his fourth DUI and returned to the Oregon treatment center.

Again, looking for a different future and inspired by his musician brother, Andrew attended a music business college in Minneapolis. He fell into an ideal situation managing a country music band, whose lead singer was living a sober lifestyle, and moved with the group to Nashville. Soon, he expanded the number of musical acts he managed, booking tours at arenas and sold-out venues throughout the U.S. His career thrived as he remained sober for the next four years. However, the road is a persistent temptress, and he fell off the wagon while on tour, beginning a “downward spiral of depression and anxiety.”

Fleeing the music industry, he moved to the small town of Larned, Kansas, population 3,500. At age 34, he was convinced that his life was over. “I gave up. I couldn’t and wouldn’t stop drinking.”

He received two additional DUIs. According to Andrew, his probation officer (PO), the judge, and the local police were concerned that he would drink himself to death. On more than one occasion, the PO would have the intoxicated Andrew picked up for violating his probation, ensuring his safety by housing him in the town’s historic, circa 1800s jail that housed a maximum of ten.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANDREW CLARK

drink anymore. He reached out to his brother, who introduced him, through a friend, to Central Valley Teen Challenge in Reedley, a faith-based, year-long, transitional living program for adults and teens 18 years and older.

“It turned out to be the best decision I ever made,” he shared about attending the program. “It was an entire year of working out my inner demons.”

About ten months into the program, Andrew attended an orientation by Proteus for Workforce Connection. It sparked a change that turned into a plan. He enrolled in Fresno City College’s 18-month program to become a Drug and Alcohol Substance Use Counselor.

On June 8, 2020, Amity Foundation, a nonprofit contracted to provide rehabilitative programming services to inmates, hired Andrew as a Substance Use Counselor, allowing him to accumulate his required 2,040 hours to obtain his certification while working.

“As I educate others, I educate myself more.” He continues, “Sobriety is more than not doing alcohol and drugs; it’s being responsible and accountable.”

Andrew has plans to continue his education at Fresno Pacific University to pursue a bachelor’s in social work.•

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT? If you believe youth need love, even when they face challenges, and are interested in foster parenting, contact Proteus at www.proteusinc.org.

At the end of 2017, Andrew knew he didn’t want to 2021 • ISSUE VI

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FRESNO COUNTY PROBATION JUVENILE JUSTICE CAMPUS

The Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus and Focus Forward have come together creating new ways to ensure we are caring for each youth in custody as one of our own. After reviewing PbS (Performance-based Standards) data, we have created new opportunities to improve the way we service our youth and their families. Joining hands with Focus Forward has allowed the creation of a new Youth Survey for the youth after they have been released.

We have also created a new opportunity for the families of our youth to provide their feedback. Open communication is essential for the success of the youth we serve. Each youth on the commitment side will now have a case plan, a monthly progress report, and an Initial Assessment. Focus Forward will conduct these services. Open communication has allowed us to continue improving how we can become better in the work we do here each day.

During the pandemic, our support staff was unable to service the youth inside the facility.

The Juvenile Justice Campus staff stepped up in developing ways to ensure our youth would still have access to education and programming.

There is so much good that came from this past year despite the unforeseen circumstances:

The Population Control Officer ensured that the youth had an opportunity to vote in last year’s election. A new Life Skills class was developed by our PbS and EBP Officers; these officers ensured that our cognitive-behavioral programs, such as Girls Circle and Thinking for a Change programs, were still provided to the youth weekly.

Our Recreation Coordinator Officers doubled the recreational activities for the youth.

Throughout the year, our youth were reminded and taught about compassion. Our youth did several acts of kindness for our community. The Juvenile Justice Campus made banners for several different first responders and essential workers, thanking them for their service.

The youth also made cards for local senior citizen homes knowing they were unable to have visits from their loved ones. We all have good in us, and sometimes we just need to shine a little light for others to see it.

We are so happy to see our partners/support staff returning to our facility and servicing the youth. If we can all support each other together, we can ensure we give each youth the confidence to move forward positively.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

GIVE TODAY focusforward.org

Your support can help us expand our services to better support our youth and families with: Housing Transportation Legal Services Clinical Services

Served 93 youth exiting Fresno County's Juvenile Justice Campus and 51 of their families, together accomplishing 126 re-entry goals (FY 2020-21) Facilitated 90 Child Family Team meetings for foster youth in the juvenile justice system to help find youth a safe, stable home (FY 2020-21)

Parenting classes for parents working to reunify with their children maintained a 83% graduation rate and 100% class satisfaction rate (FY 2020-21)

Enrolled 91 incarcerated students and 5 youth post-release, into college courses. Students earned 128 college credits (Fall 2019 - Fall 2021)

THANK YOU FOCUS FORWARD FOR ALL YOU DO FOR OUR COMMUNITIES.

Magazine

Launch Party Thanks to our amazing partners for making this year’s party possible.

APPETIZERS BY

Toledo’s Mexican Restaurant BEVERAGES BY

PepsiCo WINE BY

Brent & Genesis Ortiz-Wilson VENUE BY

Nexstar Broadcasting Group (KSEE24/CBS47) & Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater PHOTOGRAPHY BY

InPower Marketing MASTER OF CEREMONY BY

Nexstar Broadcasting Group (KSEE24/CBS47) DJ SERVICES BY

Mark Lozada

ENTERTAINMENT BY

Ballet Folklorico & Marimba de Fresno MAGAZINE PRINTING BY

H. Markus & Co.

BECOME A MENTOR

Focus Forward’s Mentor program averages 25 volunteer mentors every year.

We are looking for committed volunteers who can guide and support our youth and families on their pathway to success.

“

I believe that this population needs dedicated and passionate people working alongside youth and families to help them achieve their goals and work towards brighter futures.

”

— KARI MAGARITY FOCUS FORWARD MENTOR

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

focusforward.org/volunteer

JJ

Juvenile Justice We provide mentoring, case management, parenting and higher education services to empower young people through their journey from incarceration to the community.

FY

Foster Youth We work with multi-disciplinary teams to support foster teens with safe, stable placement through family reunification, and independent living programs.

FS

Family Services We use a multi-generational approach to stabilize households, strengthen families and reduce recidivism.

focusforward.org

+559-600-4961

info@focusforward.org