Giving Back

Several of our current staff are former Bresee program participants. The following stories exemplify our strong history of developing leaders and encouraging community service.

Cristina Aviles

Over a decade ago, Cristina’s brother, Oscar, was referred to Bresee by a city program that serves at-risk youth. In time, Oscar’s life was transformed. He earned a partial Bresee college scholarship to Southern Nazarene University, and later he returned to work as our accountant. In 1998, Oscar encouraged his younger sister, Cristina, to get involved at Bresee. She attended regularly, went on trips, and participated in covenant groups. As an adult, she started working for nonprofit organizations, and eventually returned to Bresee as an after-school program coordinator.

Gabriel Diaz

Though the street where Gabriel grew up is one of the most gang infested and dangerous in our neighborhood, he found ways to overcome its challenges. He went to school in the valley and, in 1996, began finding sanctuary at Bresee after school. He was one of the first kids employed by our student graphic design business. Eventually, Gabe’s parents decided it was best for their family to move to the Midwest. When Gabe decided to return to L.A. in 2001, we hired him as a technology assistant in our CyberCafé. He has since been promoted to adult technology coordinator and is responsible for designing our website and event graphics.

Blanca Orellana

Blanca first started attending Bresee in 2003 when seeking Internet access. She became a regular member of our CyberCafé, attended Final Cut Pro classes, and fell in love with Bresee as an organization. The youth program was especially attractive to her. With her TOEFL certification and previous, extensive background in tutoring and creating lesson plans for organizations that serve immigrant populations, she jumped at the opportunity to come on board as an education coordinator.

Laura Sanchez

Neither Laura nor her parents could believe it when she heard that a youth center near her middle school was not only providing discounted tickets to Magic Mountain, but taking kids there for free. But, she decided to venture over and check it out. She was disappointed when the tickets had all been snapped up but, instead, she found what she didn’t know she was seeking: a second family. At a young age, Laura became a vocal leader, even as she received help with her homework and participated in every activity she could. While in college, she returned to Bresee and is now the first voice people hear when they call Bresee. She also assists with overall building and health clinic operations.

Fonda Whitehead

In 1998, Fonda’s brother told her about a safe place called Bresee Youth, where he and his friends played basketball. Fonda arrived on the scene, and promptly told the directors that they needed to start a volleyball program, too. They listened, and followed up with more services kids requested. Fonda got involved in Bible study, went camping and to every trip she could. After high school she decided she wasn’t “bright” enough to attend college and was taking tests to join the military. Bresee staff convinced her otherwise. Fonda earned a Bresee college scholarship and graduated from Northwest Nazarene University. She returned to Bresee 10 years ago as full-time staff, first as a youth outreach specialist, then as youth outreach director, and now as director of Family Support Services.