| | |
Horizons
Newsletter
May 2026
| | | Celebrating Community & Culture | | |
May is a time to recognize the richness, diversity, and cultural traditions that shape the communities we serve.
This month, we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the many histories, experiences, and contributions that continue to strengthen our neighborhoods and city.
Alongside celebrations like, Mother's Day, this month also offers an opportunity to recognize the nurturing figures, caregivers, and maternal energy that bring compassion, guidance, and care into our communities every day.
May also marks Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of care, wellbeing, and support for youth, families, and communities. Through our Emic Behavioral Health Services, Horizons provides mental health support for youth ages 10–24, including screening and assessment, case management, service linkage, therapy, and wellness groups. We currently have open slots available for English and Spanish speaking youth and families seeking case management and therapy services. Learn more below and fill out the referral form.
| | As we celebrate community, culture and care, and the many lived experiences that connect us, we are also proud to recognize members of the Horizons team reaching important academic and professional milestones this month. | | |
Daniel Tenuta, our HR Generalist,
graduated with a Master of Science in Management for Healthcare Administration at Northeastern University through the D’Amore-McKim School of Business in partnership with the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
For two years, Daniel dedicated countless evenings and weekends to balancing graduate studies while working full-time and raising three young boys.
Congratulations, Daniel, on this incredible achievement and dedication. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with you and grateful for all you bring to our community.
| | |
We are proud to congratulate
Vilma Herrera on being accepted into the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at San Francisco State University.
Today, Vilma serves as Horizons’ Mental Health Case Manager, supporting youth and families ages 10–24 through our Emic Behavioral Health Services program. She will continue to support clients at Horizons while pursuing her graduate studies and raising her 12-year-old daughter.
We are excited to celebrate this next chapter in Vilma’s academic and professional journey.
| | Grace is pictured second from the left at the bottom | | |
Congratulations to Grace Vasquez on being accepted into the
CNA program at Northern California Nursing Academy.
Grace currently serves as Principal Program Coordinator with the LevelUp SF program, helping address health disparities and promote health education for youth and community members.
We are proud to support Grace as she continues expanding her knowledge and commitment to community healthcare.
| | Growing the Horizons Team | | |
Meet Jennifer Fletes Vasquez
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Jennifer has always had a deep passion for movement and sports, which led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning.
Through leading youth sports camps and working within the education system, Jennifer saw the profound impact that supportive mentors and safe spaces can have on a child’s life.
She has witnessed how guided play and thoughtful mentorship can spark curiosity, and build confidence and resilience in ways that stay with young people long after they leave the classroom or playing field.
As our new LifeWorks Principal Program Coordinator, Jennifer’s mission is to create environments where every young person feels empowered to explore their strengths, embrace challenges, and realize their full potential.
| | |
Welcome Alex Sorto
Alex’s story does not begin in the streets of San Francisco, but in the deep, vibrant roots of Honduras. In 2012, he made the life-altering decision to immigrate to the United States. Like many of the young people he serves today, Alex arrived with a suitcase full of uncertainty and an unshakable determination to build a new future.
That journey taught him one of the fundamental lessons that continues to shape his work today: identity is one of our most valuable possessions. Upon arriving in the United States, Alex quickly learned how systems can reduce people to case numbers, migration statistics, or administrative files. His Honduran heritage became an anchor, while his lived experience as an immigrant became the compass guiding him toward community service, social justice, and youth empowerment.
As the new JEEP Principal Program Coordinator, Alex is committed to creating spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and empowered to shape their own futures.
| | San Francisco Foundation Grant Award | | |
Thank you to the San Francisco Foundation for your generosity and continued support of Horizons!
Your recent $50,000 grant will help expand opportunities, resources, and supportive services for the young people and families we serve throughout San Francisco.
Grants like these strengthen our ability to provide culturally responsive programming and meaningful pathways for youth and families to thrive.
We are grateful for your partnership and commitment to our community.
| | |
On Saturday, May 9, Horizons participated in the San Francisco Giants’ Fiesta Gigantes “Gameday at the Park” event at China Basin Park at Mission Rock.
As part of the Giants’ Saturday home game celebrations at Oracle Park, “Gameday at the Park” brings together live music, community engagement, and a celebration of Latine culture throughout the surrounding neighborhood.
Horizons was proud to join fellow Bay Area nonprofit organizations in connecting with community members, sharing information about our programs and services, and celebrating alongside Giants fans attending the game.
Shout out to Nancy (left) and Eric (right) for representing Horizons!
| | |
Horizons Unlimited of
San Francisco, Inc. (Horizons) is a community-based organization located in San Francisco’s beloved Mission District and offers culturally and linguistically competent services, in English and Spanish, for the diverse population of the Mission District and the City and County of San Francisco.
Since 1965, Horizons has had the honor and privilege to serve as a major access point for more than 265,000 native, immigrant, and newcomer youth and their families.
| | | | | |
