Beautiful library renovation by Access Books!

THE BEGINNING: (Michael Freeman, Executive Director)

“Our summer internship project was born out of a burden in my heart. Many of the young men at Compton High School would tell me that they were going to play in the NBA or NFL. In my conversations with these young men, I would explain to them that they needed to have a back-up plan. I would, then, ask them what else they had in mind for a career. Most of the time, they would look at me with a blank stare and shrug their shoulders. They would ‘strike a blank.’ As a result, we launched our Summer Internship Project for the purpose of filling in this blank, to give our teenage boys and girls close-up experiences with the real world of career jobs.”

THE BENEFITS: (In the Words of an Intern)

“I have learned so much while working in the law office. I have learned that my grades in school will help me excel in life. The fact that I was able to wake up and go to work every day shows that I have become more mature and reliable. I have become more empowered by the experiences that I have had. This program has empowered me to become a positive person and to help others with the same or similar difficulties that I, myself, have experienced.”

THE STRUCTURE:

•Duration: Three-week period/8 days total/4 hours per day

•Schedule: The work week is two to three days (Any days: Monday – Thursday). Friday is the day that the interns meet for debriefing.

•Training: Training sessions are held prior to the first work week to prepare the students. Students are guided through lesson plans that engage the interns in discussing issues dealing with work-place expectations.

•Conclusion: At the end of the last week, a celebration is held to acknowledge the interns’ completion of the program and to recap what they have learned.

THE COST TO BUSINESSES OR ORGANIZATIONS:

•Interns are paid a stipend.

•Businesses are asked to contribute to Elevate Your G.A.M.E.’s stipend fund but they are not required.

•Elevate Your G.A.M.E. raises funds for the stipends.

The Program

Arts + Wellness is a long-term multi-disciplinary arts program that supports young people in developing their wellness and mindfulness through empathy building, trauma healing, restorative justice, creative expression, real-world and project-based learning, and civic leadership. The young artists help select the art disciplines and issues on which to focus through public displays of art and hands-on experiences. Each series of this program is led by one of ABG’s Artists in Residence—talented professional artists with a commitment towards creating a culture of care—and have a specific focus such as:

• Art for Social Change

• Murals & Street Art

• Culinary Arts

• Urban Farming

• Music, Dance, & Performing Arts

• Creative Writing & Spoken Word

• Photojournalism & Videography

• Peer Mediation

• Yoga & Contemplative Practices

The Impact

This program is an essential response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of our young people—pre-pandemic—were experiencing significant levels of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences); now, as a result of the pandemic, all young people are carrying traumas that must be healed before they can excel and thrive as students, changemakers, global citizens of our future world.  Beyond building wellness and mental resilience, the Arts + Wellness program opens up dialogue between the youth and ABG’s trauma-informed Artists in Residence around prominent issues including: systemic racism, trauma of poverty, internal and external violence, bullying, and other systemic inequities. This program instills the youth with agency—a sense that they can do something to change their communities—and allows them to discover ways they can channel these feelings and experiences, along with fears and questions, into positive change for their immediate community and beyond. 

Alexander Sarabia shares his internship experience at Adventures to Dreams. Alexander, who is currently a student at UCI, had the opportunity to intern with us throughout the summer. During his internship, he got to work on various projects related to community engagement and youth development. 

Click to watch the video. 

When KCB decided to open its doors in the form of a community center where everyone belongs, we envisioned becoming a lifeline for many, a place where peace resounded and burdens could be made light. Throughout our continued commitment to this dream, we met Donald, a resilient soul who found his way to KCB after experiencing the harsh realities of homelessness. Donald’s story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and community.

Donald’s journey to KCB began in the shadow of the streets. He had been sleeping nearby, grappling with the overwhelming challenges of homelessness. “Drugs and alcohol weren’t the problem. Homelessness was,” he recalls. The rising costs of rent had made it impossible for him to secure stable housing, forcing him to the streets of Bellflower. When his cousin, who had offered him a place to stay, was arrested during a raid that revealed a drug manufacturing operation, Donald found himself on the streets again, feeling lost and without a home.

In a stroke of divine providence, local sheriffs told Donald about KCB. “I didn’t have any self-esteem,” he says, reflecting on his state when he first arrived. But from the moment he stepped through the doors of KCB, he felt something different. Unlike other help centers that seemed to push people through quickly, KCB treated him with respect and kindness. “Here, I feel respected. I feel like family,” Donald shares. The genuine warmth and acceptance he encountered at KCB contrasted sharply with the treatment he had experienced elsewhere, making him feel truly seen and valued.

Donald’s life began to change as he immersed himself in the KCB community center. He obtained his ID, social security card, and even a bank card with the help of KCB staff like Valerie and Javvy, who continue to play crucial roles in his journey. “I feel like I have half my sanity now!” he exclaims, a testament to the impact KCB has had on his mental and emotional well-being.

For Donald, the concept of “belonging” transcends mere words. It is the feeling of being part of a family, of being loved and embraced without judgment. He describes KCB as his place of tranquility—a rare haven where he can breathe and find peace. When asked about a moment that stood out for Donald, he stated that it was the third time he visited us, when he was grieving the loss of his daughter. Javvy, a KCB staff member, met Donald outside, offering support and understanding. This gesture of kindness made Donald feel relaxed and at home, solidifying his sense of belonging.

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Salesian Family Youth Centerhad an amazing event! Counselors from the summer camp at St. Dominic Savio Parish, Camp Savio, spent the entire afternoon with our camp counselors from Camp Salesian. It was a wonderful day of connection and fellowship among the Salesian presences of Southern California. JC Montenegro and Christina Mendoza, leaders of both camps, led a moment of prayer, reflection, and fun for the counselors. Nearly 250 counselors joined in this enriching experience. #SalesianYouth #CampSavio #CampSalesian #SouthernCalifornia #salesianfamily

Kids & Horses summer camp sessions run from 8:15 am-12pm daily starting August 5th and ending August 9th. There are still a few spots available, registration closes July 22nd. Camp activities include creative crafts, games and horse-related activities geared towards children of ALL abilities.