|
MNC Precita Campus celebrates the Grand Opening of the Safe Haven Program! Safe Haven provides supervision, care management, supportive services and activities to low level, at-risk youth or first-time offenders awaiting court disposition.
MNC Precita Campus Site Supervisor Gustavo Santana gave a great presentation, introduced the staff, and talked about Safe Haven’s goals. They will provide safe passage (transportation) hot meals, snacks, educational workshops and individualized support to the youth in need. They also have partnerships with Florence Fang Community Farm, The Coach Manny Foundation, and other local businesses for Safe Haven youth to learn about nutrition, agriculture, biology, kinesiology, life skills and more.
Thank you to the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) for attending and funding the Safe Haven Program as well as Young Community Developers (YCD), the Juvenile Probation Commission (JPC), and the Huckleberry Youth Programs for attending and supporting the program.
“In nurturing young minds, I create a Safe Haven where every child feels valued, supported, and free to grow. My mission is to ensure that both youth and staff have the resources they need to thrive in a comfortable, empowering environment.” – Cristina Hernandez, Program Assistant
“Every young person deserves a second chance and a safe place to grow. Together, we can turn their struggles into strengths and their past into promise.” – Gerson Morales, Case Specialist
“My passion for this work comes from deep within. I received services in this very building. I’m blessed to give back to the community that gave me so much. I was trained by my own case manager when I was 14 years old and that in itself is a blessing. My saying is always: If you don’t have the passion in your heart for this work, the youth and young adults, then you are in the wrong line of work.” – Gladys Escobar, Case Specialist
“(Quoting DMX in relation to Safe Haven staff becoming a nurturing influence) When I first started growing orchids, I thought they needed the most expensive soil and lights to blossom, and they died. That’s when I realized that all they really needed was time and attention.”– Gustavo Santana, Program Supervisor
“Success is the sum of the small, daily efforts we put in. You must trust and listen to yourself. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and it does not matter how fast things change – as long as you don’t stop trying.” -Lourdes Perez, Program Support
“The youth are our future, and by guiding them through their mistakes, we not only help them find a better path but also build a stronger more compassionate society.” -Martin Portillo, Case Specialist
“All growth depends on activity, there is no developmental physically or intellectually without effort and effort means work.” – Michelle Santiago, Case Specialist
Español, 中文, Русский
| 
