Marisa Gamboa Executive Leadership Coach, Community Schools RTAC Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
Michael Burton
Local Sales Manager
Nexstar Broadcasting Group (KSEE24/ CBS47)
Michael Lopez President
Building & Trades Council, AFL-CIO
Dr. Robert Pimentel President Fresno City College
Stephen Davis, MBA Assistant Director Donor Services
Central California
Blood Center
BOARD LIAISONS
FRESNO COUNTY
PROBATION
David Ruiz
JJC Deputy Chief
Michael Farmer JJC Assistant Deputy Chief
FRESNO COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Katherine Martindale, Deputy Director
FRESNO COUNTY
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Phil Menchaca Director of Alternative Education
Joe Hammond
Principal II, Court Schools–Alice M. Worsley School
FRESNO POLICE
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Diana Trueba Vega Police Sergeant–Assistant Public Information Officer
NOBLE CREDIT UNION
Rick Lopez Branch Manager
Embracing Transformation: Inspiring Stories of Personal Growth
Dear Readers,
We are delighted to welcome you to the 2023 annual edition of Focus Forward’s Stories of Hope magazine. In this issue, we explore the common themes of resilience, personal growth, and second chances.
Each narrative is a testament to the strength of resilience, shining a light on the extraordinary individuals who have conquered adversity in various forms, ranging from family hardships and personal struggles to educational obstacles and legal setbacks.
Daniel and Kassandra explore their identities and journeys of self-discovery through academic transformation that take us in unexpected directions.
Some simply lost their direction, like Julio, who struggled after high school and is now on track to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), or Jose, who found redemption and a career in welding through the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus (JJC).
Marianni and Ana immigrated to the United States. Marianni escaped the political turmoil in Venezuela, determined to achieve her dreams in a new country. Ana gained the English language, GED, and a successful career after taking adult school classes.
Addiction continues to be an incredible challenge for many. Despite multiple arrests, Crystal overcame her addiction to earn two associate degrees and is pursuing a master’s degree. Joshua tells his story of transformation from addiction to becoming a successful entrepreneur. And Norma gained her sobriety through her inner strength and unwavering faith and now supports those who have faced tragic loss.
We also hear about Britney’s path to recovery, education, and a fulfilling career after a series of unthinkable life challenges.
We hope you find inspiration in these stories and take away valuable lessons that resonate with your own journey.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating the human spirit’s remarkable capacity to thrive in the face of adversity.
With warm regards,
Joe Olivares Board President and Magazine Committee Chair
Joanna Litchenberg Chief Executive Officer
Changing Lives Every Day
At Focus Forward, we support youth and young adults in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Our services are provided by passionate individuals from all walks of life and experience.
REENTRY PROGRAM For Youth in the Juvenile Justice System and their Families
PIPELINE TO OPPORTUNITY
Higher Education Program for Current & Former Juvenile Justice Youth
MENTORING For Youth in the Juvenile Justice System and Parlier Unified School District
BRIGHT FUTURES For Teen & Young Parents with Children 0-5 years
PLACEMENT SERVICES For Youth in the Juvenile Justice & Child Welfare System
“I create pathways to success for youth and families in need by serving as a positive role model and reminding youth and families they are more than capable of achieving their goals.”
– Crystal Gomez ReEntry Coordinator
INVEST IN CHANGE. INVEST IN THE FUTURE. INVEST IN FOCUS FORWARD.
With your support of time or resources, we can help youth and families disrupt cycles of violence, poverty, and incarceration. An investment in Focus Forward is an investment in our community. focusforward.org
Transforming Trauma into
Crystal Navarro uses her own story as a source of empowerment to inspire young people in the justice system
Crystal Navarro can recall more family members who have gone to prison than have graduated from high school. Gangs, addiction, and crime was the family tradition she knew growing up. She does not share this fact disparagingly. Her story is a source of strength. “My family taught me how to survive in a world that isn’t always kind. Now, I’m learning how to live and teaching my four kids how to live. I don’t want them just to know how to survive.”
Born in Tulare to a 17-year-old mother and a heroin-addicted, 20-year-old former Marine, it was a rough start to Crystal’s life. The family of six faced housing and food insecurity.
Crystal was first arrested for shoplifting at age 13. At 15, she became a teen mother and moved in with her boyfriend’s family, immigrants who worked in the fields, provided a stable home life, and encouraged her to finish high school.
When Crystal was 21, her brother, who struggled with meth addiction, stole his grandmother’s car, which
escalated into a police chase that ended in an accident that took his life. The impact on Crystal was substantial. Depression led to two suicide attempts. She was arrested multiple times for gangrelated crimes and served time, first for ten days, then 30 days, 45 days, and then a year. “I didn’t ever think I would get out of that lifestyle,” she shares.
In 2016, things escalated. Crystal and her husband were on the run in Mexico.
“The U.S. Marshals brought us back. I was pregnant when I returned and spent my whole time incarcerated pregnant,” Crystal laments.
“My whole family had given up on me. I lived on $500 a month; rent was $400. I got food stamps for food,” Crystal remembers. She barely left the house.
When her son turned two years old, Crystal enrolled at Porterville College. “I wanted to get my life on track, and I did it. I was scared. I thought I was going to school for nothing. I didn’t think anyone would hire me with my record,” Crystal reflects.
Crystal’s community college experience was challenging. “I had tattoos on my face.
No one wanted to sit next to me. I was scared for my life because my husband and I left the gang life. I felt like I didn’t belong. I learned to get comfortable in uncomfortable situations,” Crystal recalls. “I couldn’t give up anymore. I didn’t have any other options. School was helping me.”
Crystal prevailed, earning two associate degrees from Porterville College, one in Liberal Arts and Humanities and one in Social Science. She also found the support she desired through Project Rebound at Fresno State, a program for justice-impacted students. She is now enrolled in the Master of Social Work program and plans to pursue a career as a licensed clinical social worker. “I understand the importance of meeting individuals where they are. I plan to spend the rest of my life creating pathways in my community so that individuals can see their way out of dead-end cycles,” she says.
In 2022, Crystal joined the AmeriCorps/Impact Justice California Justice Leaders (CJL) cohort. CJL is a program for formerly incarcerated individuals who have successfully transitioned into the community. “I received personal and professional
development training, including case management, relationship building, and supporting the honorable discharge petition process. I became resourceful and took those skills to my work with Project Rebound mentoring program for young people serving sentences in the Division of Juvenile Justice.”
Working as a California Justice Leader, Crystal is embedded with Focus Forward at the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus, where she works with the Pipeline to Opportunity program. “The goal is to offer a strong academic system that supports youth serving sentences at the Juvenile Justice Campus. Through my work with AmeriCorps, Focus Forward, and the Project Rebound DJJ mentorship program, I have gained the experience and skills needed in social work.”
She shares, “My whole life, I felt my story was embarrassing. I’ve learned that it is a source of empowerment. It’s helped me, and I use it to help others. I am honored to be at a place in my life where I can give back to my community and be a positive force in others’ lives.” •
Driving Towards Success:
A Tale of Recovery and Entrepreneurship
“I absolutely thank Proteus for what they’ve done for me. They saw someone struggling, and they took a chance on me.”
— Joshua Gragnani
Joshua Gragnani was high when his brother died of a drug overdose after being released from prison. While not together at the time, the siblings were on a similar path. Joshua had been arrested a couple of times, and his probation drug tests were coming up dirty.
“The court required that I go to [recovery] meetings. The first three months were foggy. One day, I woke up. I was in a meeting. Nothing was terrible, so I gave it another three months,” he remembers. Joshua has been sober for ten years.
“I still think about getting high every day. It’s better to be away from all of it. I don’t even smoke cigarettes. It was all in or none. It’s a slippery slope. I commit to my sobriety. I want to be 100% focused,” Joshua shares.
Once sober, Joshua realized he needed to work. While his experience was in information technology, he couldn’t find a job. “I used to be in IT, but the area became saturated. No one would hire me,” he explains. Joshua even interviewed to work on a fishing boat in Alaska, but when he didn’t land that job, his uncle hired him to work on his farm and shared some advice. “My uncle told me, ‘You don’t want to work on the farm forever; you need to do something with your life,’” Joshua recounted. A co-worker had mentioned that Proteus had programs for farm workers. Joshua wanted a Class A license to have some consistent work. “Proteus
paid for my training to go to truck driving school,” Joshua revealed.
Holding a Class A license without reallife work experience proved insufficient to be hired as a truck driver. Again, his uncle offered him a job, this time driving a water truck on his farm. It was the experience Joshua needed to move forward. “My Proteus case worker found a job for me. I was hired and worked hauling tomatoes for three years. It was the longest job I ever had,” Joshua tells of the launch of his new career.
In 2014, Joshua’s new career meant he could afford a big wedding and married his long-time partner, Stacy. Together, they have twin girls who are now in high school.
One of Joshua’s regrets was not finishing his bachelor’s degree. In 2016, he returned to college and received a Bachelor’s in Ag Business at Fresno State. “I got the presidential accommodation and 4.0. I was minoring in entrepreneurship, but I dropped the minor and decided to get my master’s instead,” Joshua admits.
While in college studying entrepreneurship, Joshua entered a pitch competition. His idea was to start a trucking company — and he did.
Now, he runs the family trucking business, “Originally, it was me and my father who co-signed for my first truck,” Joshua disclosed. “I purchased the second truck, and we experimented with different clients and loads. A couple of years ago, we bought into a franchise, College Hunks Moving Junk. I hired five
guys in January of last year, and now we have 37 employees. We started with two trucks and now have seven trucks. We even rent two more trucks in the summer to keep up with the demand.”
“I’m creating something that never existed. I’ve created jobs. We have a wide range of people who work with us,” Joshua says of his company that, in addition to residential moving, they do hoarder clean-outs due to a death or an abandonment.
“We’re in growth mode now,” Joshua shared. He has returned to Proteus to find qualified employees. “I know the process that Proteus puts the drivers through. Proteus checks up on the people they’ve trained and does follow-up with them. I pay extra on my insurance to carry people without much experience. We hire people who need second chances — those who have been sober for over two years.” He continues, “One thing we do differently here is that our focus is on the quality of the employee because that’s the core of our business.”
Joshua says, “Having a past shaped who I am. Now, I am who I am because of it. What I’ve accomplished is because I’m clear-headed.” In addition to volunteering with AA, Joshua consults start-ups on behalf of the local Small Business Administration on trucking and other small businesses.•
Troubled Student to Inspirational Educator
Growing up, Kassandra Castillo was confused about her racial identity.
She explains, “I wasn’t in a specific category; I’m a mixed person.
My mom is mixed, African-American and Mexican; she looks African-American but speaks Spanish and relates more as Hispanic. My brother and I have the same dad, who is Mexican, but all my siblings look Black.”
In eighth grade, Kassandra transferred from Sequoia Middle School to CompuTech, a magnet middle school that matriculates to Edison, Fresno Unified School District’s high school with the highest concentration of ethnically diverse students.
“Going to Edison High School, I connected with other African-American students. I was seeking identity, and I became more comfortable with myself because there were a range of other mixed-race students,” Kassandra shares. The sense of belonging gave her the freedom and confidence to explore new experiences but not necessarily make the best choices. A social butterfly by nature, she admits, “I was always on campus but never in class.” Her chronic absences earned her a .08 GPA in her freshman year.
On her principal’s recommendation, she joined the Women’s Alliance, a program that aims to help students develop personal behavior and academic skills that will lead to success in the classroom, career, and adult lives. It saved her academic career.
“Because of the Women’s Alliance program, I was able to graduate on time and go into a four-year college,” she shares. As a sophomore, Kassandra received tutoring. Her GPA went from a .08 to 4.0.
However, doing well in school did not limit her from continuing to push boundaries. She enjoyed the rush of being both good and bad. She appreciated the accolades from the adults for achieving academically and the recognition from fellow students for pushing limits. It motivated her. She recalls, “I took care of business, but I was wild.” After getting caught drinking on campus, her mother moved Kassandra to Home Study for the rest of the year.
Her return to Edison as a junior was short-lived. Again, her rebellious spirit reigned. She was found drunk on campus and was transferred to Cambridge High School. She got into a fight in her senior year and was moved to Roosevelt High School, where she graduated in 2015.
The Women’s Alliance was a constant throughout it all. “They made me complete my homework and gave me the thought that I need to go to college. I had straight As. Graduation was never not an option,” Kassandra says.
She enrolled at UC Merced, majoring in psychology. During her senior year at UCM, Kassandra heard about opportunities as a teaching substitute. She worked at a summer math program for a high school. The students were engaged. She had found her calling and joined the Fresno Teacher Residency Program through Fresno
Kassandra Castillo discusses her tumultuous journey from struggling with her racial identity to becoming a dedicated math teacher, overcoming academic challenges, and finding her purpose in education.
Unified School District (FUSD), which pays for college tuition in exchange for three years of employment.
After receiving a bachelor’s in psychology in 2019, Kassandra continued to earn a master’s in special education in 2021 while scoring straight As.
Returning to Fresno, she started subbing for FUSD. One day, on assignment at Hoover High School, she ran into her former Spanish teacher, now a Vice Principal. Kassandra explains, “She pulled me in, ‘I have a class for you, but it’s a little rough. I think it will be perfect for you.’” The sign language students had already gone through two subs. Kassandra’s tumultuous past became an asset as she understood the angsty students. Over Thanksgiving break, she learned the American Sign Language alphabet. “When I returned to school, I went to class and showed them that I had learned the alphabet and told them we could learn more together,” she shares. They wanted to learn, and she stayed. “I was having an amazing time with these kids. I was the one person they felt safe with – just like I felt about the teachers in Women’s Alliance,” she recalls.
Kassandra, known as Ms. K in the classroom, is now a math teacher at Roosevelt High School. She graduated in November 2021 and, per her life plan, was pregnant by April 2022. Her son was born on New Year’s Day 2023. She is engaged to the father, a coach at McLane High School who she met at UC Merced seven years ago, and is working on formalizing her teaching credential.•
Backpack to
Daniel Avila becomes the first Clovis Community college student to graduate from an HBCU.
Bachelor’s
“They made me feel like they wanted me. I was valued and appreciated.”
—Daniel Avila
have considered attending an HBCU. They made me feel like they wanted me. I was valued and appreciated,” Daniel says.
Daniel found TSU to be diverse and welcoming. “Every HBCU is different. There’s so much misinformation about HBCUs; it’s not just black students. Just because they’re pro-black doesn’t mean that they’re anti-everything else. I wasn’t the only non-black student. It was diverse. I never felt out of place,” Daniel related.
While he valued his 4.5 years at TSU, Daniel struggled with housing insecurity while living in Houston, relying on friends and acquaintances for shelter or renting a motel room to find a place to stay in between semesters. He persevered through more than a few challenges, and in the spring of 2023, Daniel graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science Management with a Minor in Concentrated Professional Pilot Training.•
CALIFORNIA
2nd Consecutive Year!
• Latinx students’ rate of transfer to a 4-year institution.
• First-Generation students’ rate of transfer to a 4-year institution.
• Now offering 33 transfer degrees.
• Equity Champion for Black & Latinx students for Excellence in Transfer.
All are welcome at Clovis Community College where we serve over 13,000 students annually. We are committed to student success. Discover our variety of student support services and programs including our Food Pantry, NEW Crush Clothing Closet, Academic Counseling, Career and Transfer Services as well as programs for Disabled Students, NextUp Foster Youth, EOPS and TRIO.
CCCCO Student Success Metrics per 100 students, 2021-22 academic year.
Voyage from UnwaveringVenezuela: Pursuit
Marianni embarked on a challenging journey to the United States in search of better opportunities, overcoming hardships, and ultimately finding a rewarding career in construction.
FROM TOP
at 5 years old, Kindergarten graduation, 1995.
Marianni with her dad, Manuel Reyes, on the day she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree, Venezuela, 2012.
Marianni and her wife, Brenda Reyes, after graduating from Valley Build.
ABOVE: Marianni in September 2023
CLOCKWISE
LEFT: Marianni
Inset photos provided by Marianni Reyes-Rojas
of a Promising Future
Marianni Reyes-Rojas enjoyed reading fantasy stories as a little girl — one of her favorites, Peter Pan. “I loved reading and how it made my imagination fly,” she shares. Perhaps the lessons of positivity and faith from the J.M. Barrie book led Marianni into a sojourn that spans continents and courage. Her tale is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of dreams. Born in Venezuela, her life’s trajectory took an unexpected turn as she ventured across borders in search of a better future.
“I had a career. I had a bachelor’s degree. I had a house and car,” Marianni shares. “Then there were political problems in Venezuela.” The nation’s turmoil forced her to make a choice. “There were no opportunities there,” she laments. The daunting circumstances compelled her to embark on a solitary journey.
“I left Venezuela feeling nostalgic for what it once was, but I also left with a lot of hope and dreams. I never thought I would come across situations and experiences that would teach me how to be stronger and show me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to,” Marianni explains.
At the time, Venezuela was going through a brutal economic crisis. Prices were changing daily. “It was difficult to buy food with the inflation being so high.
There wasn’t any gasoline or electricity. Water would get cut off for days,” Marianni recalls of the time immediately after she received her bachelor’s degree. “I wasn’t able to get a job that allowed me to support my family, and I had no other choice than to leave the country to look for better opportunities.”
Marianni first went to Peru. Work opportunities were limited, and pay was meager. She resorted to selling candy on the streets to make money. A generous friend lent her the funds to purchase a plane ticket to the United States. A new chapter had begun.
“I didn’t have any family here in the United States, so I felt very lonely,” Marianni shares. “However, today, I can say that not giving up had amazing rewards.”
With the help of Workforce Connection, Marianni was able to start a new career in construction. “I was looking for an opportunity to go back to school and start a new career. I heard that Workforce Connection helped people get certifications. They have a program called Valley Build that is focused on helping people interested in getting trades certified. They gave me an opportunity to go back to school at no cost,” Marianni explains of the program that has contributed to the success of her new life.
“When I graduated from the Valley Build program, I was lucky enough to get an invitation to join the Bricklayers at BAC Local 03. I am going through their pre-apprenticeship program now. Each day is inspiring because I am learning something new,” she shared in mid-August this year. Since then, Marianni has completed the program and has
joined the workforce as an apprentice.
Her goal is to get enough experience in construction to become a Foreman.
“I would also love to get invited to conferences to motivate people to show them that anybody willing to work in construction can do it, especially women. I would like to use my life as an example and show them there is room for them in construction,” Marianni shares.
“This country has given me a great quality of life and opportunity to help my family. My parents, brother, and sisters are here; they are currently attending school, which makes me very happy,” she beams. All new beginnings are difficult; adapting to change and learning a new language has been a challenge for Marianni, but she believes that her newly adopted country has been a tremendous blessing.
Like bringing Tinker Bell back to life, perhaps it’s simply a strong conviction — accompanied with or without vigorous clapping — that leads to a happy fairytale ending. For Marianni, her journey continues to evolve while shining as a beacon for those who face uncertainty.
“It’s not too late,” she assures, her words echoing the power of possibility. Through her story, Marianni reminds us all that determination and self-belief can pave the way to dreams realized.•
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Reclaiming College Dreams J
ulio Mora excelled at Madera High School. He was successful in the classroom, earning a 3.3 GPA. Julio also excelled outside the classroom as a three-sport athlete. It was the transition to college that proved a challenge for him.
While Julio was accepted to Fresno State, he didn’t apply for scholarships, financial aid, or even register for classes.
“I didn’t know exactly what to do. I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t have a major or career in mind,” he explains.
While his family knew little about attending college, it was perhaps that he wasn’t ready for higher education immediately after high school that proved to be the biggest challenge.
Julio enrolled at the Madera Center, now Madera Community College (MCC), and attended three semesters — all of which he failed.
“I didn’t feel prepared. My peers influenced me, and I began not doing my homework. The freedom was too much for me. I wasn’t able to stay in school,” he laments.
Julio and his high school sweetheart had a daughter in 2011. He turned to the workforce to support his family.
“I worked assembly job lines, making envelopes or electric boxes out of cement. I did a lot of physical
work for a couple of years,” Julio shares. I felt like I didn’t want to do manual work for the rest of my life. It wasn’t a good fit for me. They are hard jobs,” Julio explains. “I would go to work. The machine is running. You’re putting in the supplies. They were long days and mentally numbing. I found it depressing. It made me grumpy,” Julio says. He wanted to work with people.
Julio’s mom returned to college in 2008 and became a Registered Nurse in 2012.
“She is my motivator and role model. My mom can do it; I know I can do it too,” says Julio. “My mom graduated. She knew I liked going to school and recommended that I follow in her footsteps. I thought that since my mom did it, she could guide me. An RN sounds like a good profession.”
In 2016, Julio re-enrolled and completed three semesters. By 2017, life got hard again. He had to move out of his home and couch-surfed with family members. “I got three Cs that semester. Until that point, I had 12 As. I didn’t want to mess up again, so I dropped out for five years,” Julio explains. He wanted to go to college but couldn’t seem to make it on his own. Instead, he returned to assembly jobs and did a stint on a cherry farm.
“I went back to school again in 2022, signed up for chemistry, and got an A. I got a little bit
more stable and moved in with my brother,” Julio said.
While attending MCC, Julio spent all day at school, arriving at 8 a.m. and leaving the MCC Tutorial Center when it closed each night.
“Because I was there all the time, I was offered a job at the front desk of the tutorial center. I checked people in, helped them with printing, made appointments,” recalls Julio.
He also volunteered for his physiology instructor, Dr. Jennifer Gray, who was looking for a lab assistant, a role he eventually landed. “Taking the class and being a lab assistant meant that I got to take microbiology and physiology three times,” explains Julio. “I learned the subject matter really well.”
“My daughter is 12 years old now. When she was nine, she told me she wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to show her that her dad could become an RN. We bond over the medical field. We talk about the functions of the heart,” Julio says. He earned his associate degree in May when he was selected as MCC’s Student of Note at its Commencement Ceremony, which included the perk of delivering a graduation speech. He aims to become an ICU RN for two years before continuing to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Julio is thankful for family, friends, instructors, and “all my bosses at MCC.”•
“My daughter is 12 years old now. When she was nine, she told me she wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to show her that her dad could become an RN.”
— Julio Mora
Your Future Starts Here
People with a college degree earn a higher income on average.
Don’t wait any longer to change your life. Do it for your family. Do it for you.
Madera Community College offers special support programs for:
• First-generation college students
• Students from a low-income background
• Foster youth
• Undocumented students
• Veterans
• Students with a disability
• Student from a farm working background
• and more
Programs are built with regional jobs in mind. Choose from Madera and Oakhurst campus locations. Check-out laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots for free.
Everything You Need to Succeed
Apply for free financial aid to cover fees, textbooks, transportation, utilities, and more. Many students qualify for free tuition.
“ Madera Community College gave me the tools I need to be successful in the medical field. I am grateful to the faculty and staff for the support they give to me and all of the students here. It’s a wonderful place to begin your college journey!
“
Julio Mora, Class of 2023
Get the support you need to succeed. Services include tutoring, career support, academic counseling, and more
Empowering Herself and Others at Fresno Adult School
na Bustamante and her mother immigrated from Mexico to the United States and settled in Seattle, Washington, after her father passed away. Ana was 14 years old. “I cried in high school because I didn’t know the language,” Ana laments. She completed her freshman year but dropped out the following year after falling in love. Ana married, moved to Los Angeles, and became a mother of three boys. “I was a housewife for ten years; then we moved to Seattle. I worked as a seamstress in manufacturing to help support my family,” Ana shares. Ever detail-oriented, Ana was asked to create the first sample from patterns and then trained to develop patterns. She loved the numbers involved in exact measurements.
Her husband didn’t like the Seattle weather and wanted to “give sunshine to the boys.” The family returned to California in 2000, this time in Fresno. Ana’s first job making car seat covers, lasted eight years. The company closed, and she moved on to making seats for wheelchairs. “They were overstaffed, and I was let go,” she recalls. “I didn’t know anything else but knew I needed to get a high school diploma to get a job.”
Ana looked into private schools. “They wanted to charge me $3,000 back then.
Fresno Adult School’s prep classes are free. The only fee was $150 to the State of California,” Ana shares. She enrolled at the Cesar E. Chavez Adult Education Center in downtown Fresno. Ana took assessment tests and scored high. “My instructor recommended that I take the test for the GED, but money was tight. My middle son was getting married, and his wife immediately became pregnant. She [Ana’s daughter-in-law] told me I should go back to school. I told her that I didn’t have $150. When she got paid, she gave me the money and told me that I no longer had an excuse,” Ana recalls with amazement. “I started taking the tests one by one, leaving the language last because English is my second language, and I expected to have some trouble with it. Math does not scare me. But my highest scores were in language. From the day I started attending the prep classes to the taking my last test, it was exactly seven weeks,” Ana says with pride. “I had the potential to learn. I was providing roadblocks for myself. I thought English is my second language, so I used that as an excuse,” She added. Ana considered doing something with accounting but didn’t want to incur college debt. A friend of hers recommended that she check out the career vocational programs at Fresno Adult School.
She was accepted into the Office Assistant program. “I learned about computers, and I passed. When you do the Office Assistant program, you get Microsoft certification for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint,” Ana shares. She first became an intern in the office at Fresno Adult School, then became a substitute employee for Fresno Unified School District. She had a couple of placements before landing back at Fresno Adult School. When the Office Manager position became available, she applied and was hired.
Ana continued taking classes at Fresno Adult School. “I had been a legal resident of the U.S. for more than 20 years because I didn’t know where to begin to become a citizen. Fresno Adult School had a grant and classes to help me get my citizenship,” she says. Ana became a U.S. citizen in 2015, three years after receiving her diploma.
“I feel so proud having been a part of the student body and now being part of the staff. I’m proud of both worlds,” Ana relates. “At Fresno Adult School, we are really community-oriented. We are here to welcome anybody ready to grab their second chance — because nobody else will do it for you.” She adds, “This is your home. Whenever you’re nervous, we’re here to help you without judgment. We are here for English Language Learners. We’re here to serve.”•
“I had the potential to learn. I was providing roadblocks for myself.”
Lunes - Jueves 8:30AM - 5:30PM Friday 8:30AM - 12:00PM 2500 Stanislaus ST Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 457-6000
Welding a Bright Future
Jose Morales credits Mike Lepore, a coordinator at Alice Worsley High School at the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus (JJC), for helping him receive his high school diploma. Jose explains, “I didn’t think I could do it because I was so far behind when I started. He helped me with my schoolwork every day. The amount of care and compassion the staff at JJC showed me was amazing.”
Born and raised in Fresno, Jose first got in trouble with the law as an 11-year-old when he and his friends broke into an empty house and mindlessly vandalized a property. They were caught walking home with paint color on their fresh faces. He was given probation, which was later extended due to a range of infractions until he was 19 years old.
“When I was 15, my little brother and I, who was 13 at the time, were getting intoxicated. That led to my first long-term stay in the juvenile hall. Since I had [cannabis] wax on me, I was
placed in the Substance Abuse Unit,” Jose explains. During his first six months, Jose got into a physical altercation with a fellow incarcerated youth, doubling the time he would serve.
Jose’s mom, who regularly visited, was a source of great support. However, Jose’s dad, an immigrant from Pachuca, Mexico, didn’t visit. Jose believed that his dad was hesitant because of past DUI convictions and an overwhelming fear of being detained and possibly deported.
Prior to Jose’s arrest, he was his dad’s right-hand man in his landscaping and handyman business. Once incarcerated, Jose was no longer available to work with his dad. Jose’s dad turned to hard drugs to give him the energy and stamina to do all the work on his own. “When I got back, he was a completely different person. He was arguing with my mother. I found out what was really happening with my dad,” Jose remembers.
According to Jose, his parents fought every night. “I knew within a few days that I didn’t
Jose Morales overcame a troubled past, incarceration, and feelings of self-doubt with the help of caring staff at the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus — ultimately finding a new path in welding.
want to be there. I couldn’t take it,” he shares. “I left and began hanging out with friends and making terrible decisions,” he says. Within a month, Jose was picked up on a misdemeanor charge, which, due to the terms of his probation, meant an automatic felony. “I kept asking myself, ‘Why, why, why?’ The answer was it was my own fault. It came back to that I didn’t really try. I felt as if I had given up on myself and everything I had learned. I was heavy with guilt,” Jose laments.
Jose, who graduated high school during his first year of incarceration, was thinking about facing teachers again. “I told them that I wouldn’t be back. I felt like I let them down. They helped me graduate and move forward, and I didn’t care. They gave me a golden opportunity, and I messed it up,” he confessed.
Jose shares, “During my second year of incarceration, I was just doing extracurricular classes. They [the staff at the JJC] started a welding class led by Greg Barragan. I figured that would give me skills to take to the outside
world. At the same time, they signed me up for college.”
Jose was able to leave the facility to attend Fresno City College. JJC provided stable housing, transportation, and access to education. On Sundays, he was furloughed to visit his family. “I felt great about it. It was dormitory living with guidance. I had help and support. It’s the reason I kept going,” He shares.
Jose was certified through the American Welding Society. His instructor secured a job interview. “I had to take my welding test with two armed guards, bulletproof vests, guns on hips, tasers — all the other welders were staring except one I knew from inside, a guy who helped me to pass my weld test,” Jose pauses. “I got hired!”
Jose’s career in welding gives him the ability to support his family and the freedom to take trips. “I’m studying to be an inspector. That’s my goal. I want to create my own business. I want to be ready to start my business when the time is right,” Jose explains. “I’m only 26, and I have the skills to do so much more.”•
Ensuring all children can reach their full potential
“The dreams of every parent for their child’s bright future live in our Fresno County classrooms, starting with healthy families supported by caring and responsible adults across the educational continuum. Together, it is everyone’s responsibility to do what is right for our children to create positive change, including providing equal access that ensures all can reach their full potential.”
Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
Norma Nunez at home with her son’s boxing award belts in the background.
Norma overcame addiction and personal tragedy to achieve success while remaining deeply involved in boxing and offering support to those who have experienced similar loss.
ROLLERCOASTER
Last year, Selma native Norma Nunez survived the ultimate tragedy, the death of her child Jolissa Fuentes, who went missing on August 7, 2022, and was found sixty-five days later, a victim in an unfortunate solo car accident near Pine Flat Lake.
Norma relied on her faith in God to get her through the heartrending grief. It’s the same faith and inner strength that helped her get sober 19 years ago. Her life has been a roller coaster, from heights of joy to soul-crushing challenges.
Norma was a young teenager when she first got high on meth. She recalls, “I knew it wasn’t what I should be doing, but when you’re 14, your whole life is doing what you’re not supposed to be doing. We would get high every day.” She dropped out of school in eighth grade and met her husband, Joey Fuentes, at a house party when she was 16 and he was 21. The pair have been together for 28 years and have five children.
In 1997, Norma was 18 when the couple had their first baby, Irene. Joey and Norma married in 2000. The same year, their second child, Jolissa, was born.
“He [Joey] would do good. I would do good. Then, he would get caught up in
parole violations and go back to jail. Then, I would go on a bender. He would get out; we would both do good, and it would start again,” Norma explains of their fluctuating lifestyle.
In 2002, their third child, Joey Jr., was born. That same year, Norma’s husband went back to jail. Norma went on a drug and alcohol spree. “One day in 2002, I left my kids with my mother-in-law and didn’t come back. Because I wanted to get high, and I didn’t want them to interrupt me or to expose them to the streets. I did what I thought was best, and I went on a good one. It was two years’ worth of partying,” Norma recounts of her life during the throes of addiction.
In 2004, Norma’s son Joziah was born addicted to drugs and had to be admitted to Valley Children’s Hospital. “While visiting me in the hospital, my sisterin-law, a social worker, said, ‘You’re better than this. Either you get your act together, or you lose him.’ I knew she wasn’t playing. That was the day I changed my life,” Norma shared. She has been sober since May 11, 2004. Her fifth child, Jordan, was born in 2005.
The family stabilized. After a year of sobriety, Norma knew she needed to do something with her life. “We were living in Section 8 housing in Parlier. I said to Joey, ‘Let’s move to Fresno so I can get my GED.’ He agreed. I enrolled myself at Cesar Chavez [Adult School].”
After receiving her GED, Norma enrolled at Fresno City College. Through Fresno Housing, Norma received the Karl Falk
scholarship each year she attended college. Of the organization, she says, “They helped me out a lot; I lived in Section 8 housing the whole time I went to school.” Norma’s husband became a commissioner for Fresno Housing in 2012.
Norma’s first degree in 2011 was an Associate of Science (AS) in Respiratory Therapy, and then she earned an Associate of Arts degree in 2012. She transferred to Fresno State and received a bachelor’s in public health in 2015. She continued to garner an MS in Clinical Rehab and Mental Health Counseling in 2018, graduating with honors.
Now, Norma is a Lead Community Health Worker for California Advancing and Innovating MediCal (CalAIM), an organization with a long-term commitment to transforming and strengthening Medi-Cal, offering Californians a more equitable, coordinated, and personcentered approach to maximizing their health and life trajectory.
For the last ten years, Norma, her husband, and two sons — Joziah and Jordan — have been involved in boxing. Joey is a trainer, and Jordan, whom Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer recognized in August 2021, is the fourtime national champ ranked top 10 in the United States by USA Boxing.
Participating in grief ministry and being near others who have experienced deep loss helps Norma move forward. Her message to others who have experienced tragic loss is to “Never give up. Hold on to your faith that you will see them again one day.”•
COMING SOON!
The ability for you to invest in and contribute to educational goals and workforce aspirations of Fresno Housing residents
Stay tuned for exciting news on Fresno Housing's nonpro t and its programs serving youth and families.
The Power of Grit
Raised by a single mother, Britney Kisling’s childhood was one of constant motion.
By age 10, she had already called five different cities home and briefly encountered homelessness.
Life changed when Britney’s mother began dating a kindhearted man she met at church.
A love story unfolded against the backdrop of Calvary Chapel in the Inland Empire. A devout Christian, he relinquished his apartment to the motherand-daughter duo, believing cohabitation should wait until after marriage, which followed. The loving presence of her stepfather became a beacon of stability. His quiet demeanor starkly contrasted with the absence of her biological father.
Britney’s younger brother was born when she was six, further entrenching the influence of her supportive stepfather. Yet, her longing for a relationship with her biological father went unanswered — punctuated by broken promises and the heavy burden of his absence.
Her father’s brushes with the law, leading to two prison terms, cast a long shadow on their strained relationship. Britney’s stepfather expressed his desire to adopt her. Amid conflicting emotions, she found herself at odds with the idea, steadfast in her belief that her biological father would eventually return.
Her father’s release from prison heralded a critical moment redefining their relationship. However, his blunt words upon her visit, “I’m not a kid person. Come back when you’re 18,” was a painful revelation, forever altering her perception of their connection. In the wake of this heart-wrenching encounter, Britney turned to her stepfather for solace. His unwavering support led to an adoption.
The family relocated to the Central Coast, where adolescence unfolded amidst dreams of a military career and a young love that held promise. But life took an unforeseen turn when Britney was diagnosed with epilepsy, shattering her military aspirations. While her boyfriend, who became her fiancé, pursued a military path, Britney shifted toward community college. Tragedy struck once more as her fiancé was deployed to Afghanistan and killed within months.
An unexpected coffee shop encounter started her next chapter when her mom introduced her to Matt, a man two decades her senior. Against the odds, their connection blossomed, leading to marriage and the birth of their daughter, Madison. A reluctant mother at first, Britney’s struggle with depression was aided by her mother’s unwavering support.
Life, however, had more unbelievable challenges in store. A police inquiry and subsequent arrest of Matt left her reeling. As Matt faced accusations of child molestation from a time before the couple met, Britney’s life was again thrust into a stormy chapter. By 2016, their marriage had ended, leaving Britney to raise Madison alone. A four-year court case resulted in his conviction.
Matt’s issues brought up family trauma. Britney admitted, “I lost my mind and turned to drugs — pills, Adderall, Oxy, and Norco for about a year straight, every day. I would also drink alcohol. Suicide became a serious consideration.” Britney chose instead to check into The Camp Recovery Center. She regained her sobriety and her life. She has been sober for five years.
A move to Fresno in 2017 marked a fresh start with growth opportunities, pursuing higher education at Fresno Pacific
University and rekindling a romance with a friend, Ken, from San Luis Obispo. The couple married and welcomed a daughter in 2018.
It hasn’t been an easy path; a range of struggles, from the blending of families to mental health and recovery issues, brought the couple to the precipice of divorce. However, Britney confesses, “We have never given up; we continue to support each other — even when it hurts. I believe when in a marriage, you fix what is broken, rather than simply throwing it away.”
In 2019, Britney graduated with a bachelor’s in social work before moving to the master’s program at Campbellsville University, where she graduated in 2021.
“By this time next year, I will be licensed and then plan on starting the doctoral program,” Britney, who now works as a mental health clinician of the housing team with Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health, revealed. Britney’s journey exemplifies the strength of the human spirit, a testament to the transformative power of grit. With her sights set on a brighter future, she continues to inspire others through her work as a small women’s group leader at Celebrate Recovery and a youth leader at Clovis Hills.
As a final thought, she shares, “Through my story, I want to communicate that we are all ridiculously in charge of our lives. It’s not about what has happened — or does happen. It’s not about what is or was lost or taken; it’s about how you choose to react and what you do with life.”•
What are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drug commonly used to treat pain by medical professionals. However, opioids are often used and manufactured illegally due to their potency.
Illicit “street opioids'' can contain dangerous doses of powerful drugs and place people at a higher risk for OVERDOSE OR DEATH.
The Force of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is an opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. When drugs are manufactured illegally, fentanyl is often disguised or laced in other illicit drugs, including…
• Xanax
• Percocet
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Meth
One dose—one pill—can be fatal, whether you know it’s there or not.
Visit www.OpioidSafeFresno.com for more details.
Help is Here
SIGNS OF AN OVERDOSE:
• Breathing slows or stops
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness
• Disorientation
• Clammy skin
• Changes in pupil size
If someone you know needs help with opioid or any other type of substance abuse, there are resources available in Fresno County.
General Access Line 1-800-654-3937
Bridge Program 559-250-4822
• Nausea or vomiting DIAL 911
For more information or help, call the General Access Line: 1-800-654-3937 or visit www.RecoverFresno.com THIS IS HOW MUCH FENTANYL IT TAKES TO KILL YOU.
Empowering Youth: JJC and Focus Forward’s Ongoing Collaboration
Snow machine sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal provided some whimsy on a winter day.
The Fresno County Probation Juvenile Justice Campus (JJC) and Focus Forward continue collaborative efforts to ensure each youth in custody can access services to transition back into the community and their families successfully.
Winter Wonderland
Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal donated a snow machine to Focus Forward, allowing the youth in JJC to have a winter wonderland experience that made them feel like they were a kid again.
Fresno State Tour
In collaboration with the Probation Department, Focus Forward organized the first excursion to a California State University—the event aimed to expose JJC youth to the opportunities available for and from higher education. The attendees received information on a range of career paths, engaged in career fair booths, games, and entertainment, and enjoyed a mix of delicious food.
Graduating and Taking the Next Step
In May 2023, 13 JJC youth graduated from the on-site Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS)
Worsley High School. The youth quickly enrolled in Fresno City College with the assistance of Focus Forward. Many of the students qualified for financial aid assistance while registered and attending college online or in person. Focus Forward also helps set up appointments for those youth to receive their California Identification Cards from the Department of Motor Vehicles. At the same time, the Probation Department assists with the transportation to these appointments, helping youth who qualify and receive financial aid to open bank accounts with their new California ID from the DMV and direct deposit those funds while in custody.
Youth Parent Programs
The Bright Futures and Just Beginnings programs promote and nurture positive parent-child relationships and ongoing bonding experiences by allowing JJC youth parents to meet with their children weekly. To create a home-like experience, the space includes numerous toys and books. Recently, the youth fathers recorded their voices reading the children’s book All the Places I Love You to enhance bonding. The fathers gave the books and recordings to their children, allowing them to hear their father’s voice while reading.
Youth Council Established Focus Forward and the JJC administration partnered to establish the first-ever youth council. The council leaders are elected by their peers and participate in monthly meetings where they present their concerns directly to the JJC administration. The youth council leaders are currently learning how to conduct themselves in meetings and how to write proposals.
Poetry Slam at the JJC
Focus Forward hosted a Poetry Slam at the JJC that included four JJC youths delivering a poem to an in-person audience. Participants received guidance from a Fresno City College Instructor who encouraged them to write from personal experiences. Awards were given at the end of the event, with the first-place winner entering their submission into a writing competition for publication.•
JJC youth visit Fresno State.
Father bonding with daughter in person and through a custom-recorded book.
Alice Worsley High School Class of 2023.
Participants of the Poetry Slam held at the JJC.
Magazine Launch Party
OCTOBER 18, 2023
With every new edition of Stories of Hope, we host a Magazine Launch Party to introduce the magazine, our sponsors and the incredible individuals featured in the new edition.
Thank you to everyone who made this edition’s launch possible!
BEVERAGES
Stephen Davis, MBA
E&J Gallo Winery
VENUE
Nexstar Broadcasting Group (KSEE24/CBS47)
Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater
PHOTOGRAPHY
InPower Marketing
MASTER OF CEREMONY
Andrew Marden from Nexstar Broadcasting Group (KSEE24/CBS47)
DJ SERVICES
Mark Lozada
ENTERTAINMENT
Ballet Folklorico & Marimba de Fresno
MAGAZINE PRINTING
H. Markus & Co.
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.”
www.smw104.org | @smwlocal104
IN THE TRADE — ALWAYS UNION MADE
IN THE TRADE — ALWAYS UNION MADE
Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union No. 104 is the Northern California leader in the fields of: Decorative & Architectural Sheet Metal; Metal Roofs; Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning; and Indoor Environmental Quality designed, built, maintained, and serviced to Sustainable Green Building Standards.
Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union No. 104 is the Northern California leader in the fields of: Decorative & Architectural Sheet Metal; Metal Roofs; Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning; and Indoor Environmental Quality designed, built, maintained, and serviced to Sustainable Green Building Standards.
From Adversity to Achievement
Young people touched by the juvenile justice and child welfare systems combat a great deal of adversity to become healthy, productive adults in our communities. It is our pleasure, responsibility, and mission to create pathways to success for the youth and families we serve.
“Attending Family Sessions let me know that I was not a bad Mom and that I am not alone in my struggles...”
— Family Sessions Participant
“I liked most that the parenting class was really understanding and motivated me to be a good dad. I don’t know what would have happened if I didn’t work with Bright Futures and if they didn’t push me to succeed.”
—Teen Dad
“We gained a family here... I wish I knew about Focus Forward services sooner...”
— Family Sessions Participant
“Thank you so much; this is truly a blessing. You guys do not understand how much this support means to us.”
— Grandparent of Foster Youth
INVEST IN CHANGE. INVEST IN THE FUTURE. INVEST IN FOCUS FORWARD. Please help us continue these critical services for our community. Scan the QR code or visit us at focusforward.org and donate today. A gift of any size makes a difference.
