4
Goodwill and Jessica Rodriguez, Transforming Lives Through the Power of Work see page 3 Local mom helps start grassroots nonprofit ………………...... 1 Terrance Stone, the story of his path to youth advocacy …. 1 Josie’s Journal, the power of community leaders ….……….... 2 Goodwill’s Jessica Rodriguez: her passion, their mission … 3 Q&A with SB County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig ……………..…. 4 In this issue A former gang member turned community leader, Terrance Stone has lived a story you’d expect to see in a movie. But instead of lending his story to Hollywood, he’s given his life to empowering the lives of thousands of young men and women in our community. Stone is the CEO of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy (YVYLA), a nonprofit he started in 2001 that’s dedicated to steering young people away from the kind of life that cost Terrance much of his own. “I try to use myself as an example. I’m very transparent when I’m out and talking to kids.” ennifer Araiza is part of the change we wish to see in the world, a Supermom of the 21 st century. If working full-time and taking care of four children wasn’t enough—two years ago Araiza and a group of local supporters started a nonprofit organization from the grassroots up, called The REC Center. What started as a few local parents coming together to find quality after- school instructors for their own community quickly became a high demand recreational program in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. “Many families, including myself, were taking our kids to Riverside or Redlands for quality recreation and art programs. It was important for me to bring these programs closer to home,” said Araiza. Close to home is right. After recognizing the impact of not having a Parks and Recs department in her community, Araiza saw the need in her hometown of Grand Terrace and made it the birthplace of The REC Center. But it didn’t stop there. Other communities and organizations learned about the program and worked with Araiza to bring the The REC Center to their area as well. Now, after the Feb. 1 Grand Opening of the Bloomington site located at 18604 Jurupa Avenue, The REC Center has three sites (Grand Terrace, Highgrove, Bloomington) that offer recreational opportunities to local residents of all ages. According to RECstar.org, The REC Center seeks to bring education- focused recreation programs to communities that may otherwise not have them. Araiza says the focus this year is to attract more teenagers to their classes where they can learn a skill like disc jockeying or painting that may not be offered at their middle school or high school. J Continued on page 3 CEO Terrance Stone of YVYLA From youth delinquency to advocacy, the story of CEO Terrance Stone and Young Visionaries Continued on page 2

Josie's Press, March/April

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

The theme of this issue of Josie's Press is COMMUNITY HEROES. Meet four people in the 5th District of San Bernardino County that make a difference in the community every day. Terrance Stone of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy; Jennifer Araiza and her grassroots nonprofit The REC Center; Jessica Rodriguez of Goodwill Southern California; and Fire Chief Mark Hartwig of the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Citation preview

Page 1: Josie's Press, March/April

Goodwill'and'Jessica'Rodriguez,'Transforming+Lives+Through+the+Power+of+Work''see+page+3+

Contact us at (909) 387-4565

Email: [email protected] Website: www.sbcounty.gov/gonzales Editor: [email protected]

Scan the code above and join us on Facebook!

Vol.+3+Issue+2+ March/April+2014+

County Government Center 385 N. Arrowhead Avenue, 5th Floor

San Bernardino, CA 92415

!

American!Lung!Association’s!!!!!!!!!March!29!@!9:30!AM!

Respiratory!Rally!

Arrowhead'Regional'Medical'Center,'400'N.'Pepper'Ave.''Call'(909)'321F3290'to'register'or'for'details'+

Bloomington!MAC!meeting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!April!1!@!7:00!PM!

Ayala'Park,'18313'Valley'Blvd.''Call'(909)'387F4565'for'more'information'+

Free!Tax!Preparation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!April!10!@!1:00!–!5:00!PM!

provided(by(County(of(San(Bernardino(Grand'Terrace'Branch'Library,'22795'Barton'Rd.'Call'(909)'252F4903'to'schedule'an'appointment''

Jr.!Fishing!Workshop!(ages!7–15)!!!!!April!12!@!7:30!AM!

Prado'Regional'Park,'16700'S.'Euclid'Ave.''Call'(909)'387F2461'for'details'and'registration'''IRS!tax!filing!deadline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!April!15!!

Call'(909)'252F4903'for'free'tax'filing'services''+

+

5th(District(Events(

Local'mom'helps'start'grassroots'nonprofit'………………......''1'Terrance'Stone,'the'story'of'his'path'to'youth'advocacy'….''1'Josie’s'Journal,'the'power'of'community'leaders'….………....''2'Goodwill’s'Jessica'Rodriguez:'her'passion,'their'mission'…''3'Q&A'with'SB'County'Fire'Chief'Mark'Hartwig'……………..….''4'

In(this(issue(What motivates you in your job?

What is SB County Fire doing that is new and innovative?

We have a few innovative programs right now. As mentioned above, we are working with the Sheriff to use some of the AB 109 detainees in hand crews to fight fire and fire hazard abatement. It also provides the hand crew members with skills that are valuable upon release form detention. We are also working with County Public Health and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to provide in-home medical care and education to recently discharged patients from ARMC through a Statewide Pilot Study.

What greatest challenge do you think SB County Fire faces and what are we doing to combat it?

Long-term financial sustainability and future leadership are our biggest challenges and highest priorities. We are actively cultivating future leaders through the County Management and Leadership Academy and transforming the culture to push decision making down to the most appropriate level and by enabling them. We are encouraging our employees to make decisions and helping learn through their success and failure. We maintain a corresponding level of accountability with the increased decision making authority. We are seeking non-traditional ways to be innovative and competitive as we create a foundation for long-term financial sustainability. We are also implementing strategies to improve our efficiency and effectiveness with new programs together with the Sheriff’s Office, Public Health, and ARMC.

What words of advice do you offer to aspiring firefighters and first responders?

Set yourself apart. Be different and attractive. Set your expectations a little higher than you think you can reach then set a course to achieve them. Then when you reach those take a break and reset the bar.

1

A former gang member turned community leader, Terrance Stone has lived a story you’d expect to see in a movie. But instead of lending his story to Hollywood, he’s given his life to empowering the lives of thousands of young men and women in our community. Stone is the CEO of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy (YVYLA), a nonprofit he started in 2001 that’s dedicated to steering young people away from the kind of life that cost Terrance much of his own. “I try to use myself as an example. I’m very transparent when I’m out and talking to kids.”

1

ennifer Araiza is part of the change we wish to see in the world, a Supermom of the 21st century. If

working full-time and taking care of four children wasn’t enough—two years ago Araiza and a group of local supporters started a nonprofit organization from the grassroots up, called The REC Center. What started as a few local parents coming together to find quality after-school instructors for their own community quickly became a high demand recreational program in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. “Many families, including myself, were taking our kids to Riverside or Redlands for quality recreation and art programs. It was important for me to bring these programs closer to home,” said Araiza.

2

Close to home is right. After recognizing the impact of not having a Parks and Recs department in her community, Araiza saw the need in her hometown of Grand Terrace and made it the birthplace of The REC Center. But it didn’t stop there. Other communities and organizations learned about the program and worked with Araiza to bring the The REC Center to their area as well. Now, after the Feb. 1 Grand Opening of the Bloomington site located at 18604 Jurupa Avenue, The REC Center has three sites (Grand Terrace, Highgrove, Bloomington) that offer recreational opportunities to local residents of all ages. According to RECstar.org, The REC Center seeks to bring education-focused recreation programs to communities that may otherwise not have them.

Araiza says the focus this year is to attract more teenagers to their classes where they can learn a skill like disc jockeying or painting that may not be offered at their middle school or high school.

J

Continued on page 3

CEO+Terrance+Stone+of+YVYLA+

I am motivated by what could be should be. I am an idealist. I draw inspiration from those with the same motivation. I get that from my mom. My mother raised me and my six brothers and sisters on her own after my father died when I was 7. She went back to school and eventually retired as a Community College President.

What would you like to see change to make SB County Fire better as a whole?

We are moving together in the right direction. We’d all like to be more and more responsive to our local communities. We push each other to be better each and every day.

From youth delinquency to advocacy, the story of CEO Terrance Stone and Young Visionaries

Continued on page 2

Page 2: Josie's Press, March/April

11

hen you drive by a local Goodwill you might see racks of clothes, shoppers darting to-and-fro to find a hip outfit at a

great price, or a neighbor making an in-kind donation. What you may not see are the Goodwill employees and the unique role they play in the community that’s worth far more than anything you can buy in a store. Jessica Rodriguez is one of those special Goodwill employees that you just won’t see at the local retail store. She works behind the scenes as program manager at Goodwill’s San Bernardino Career Resource Center (located at 444 S. Waterman Ave.) and also manages multiple workforce and career development programs that are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and other vocational barriers prepare for and find stable employment. With that much responsibility, you’d think work motivation would come at a premium; but if you ask Rodriguez, she’ll say it’s easy. All she has to do is step out of her office. “If I look onto the work floor, looking at the participants doing

2

their job, hearing their stories, looking at their successes, that’s why I continue to come every day to work. Why I motivate and inspire my staff to do the best that they can, it’s those successes,” said Rodriguez. In her 10 years with the organization, Jessica has been focused on Transforming Lives Through the Power of Work, as is the mission of Goodwill. Goodwill serves local businesses and individuals through their multifaceted career development programs, several of which Rodriguez manages. According to GoodwillSocal.org, Goodwill is committed to helping people with disabilities “secure sustainable employment and enjoy a greater sense of independence, dignity, purpose and pride,” and is helping thousands of people achieve career success every year.

Goodwill provides services through their Career Resource Center at no cost. They prepare job seekers for employment through resume workshops, interview coaching, job search tools, and a host services that are focused on helping their clients not just find a job, but sustain a career. Whether you’re a teenager looking for experience to build a resume, an individual with a specific barrier to employment, or a veteran seeking help transitioning into the civilian workforce, Goodwill wants to help give you the tools you need to succeed. For the road ahead, Rodriguez sees Goodwill expanding its reach throughout our region, continuing to partner with local businesses and helping many more people in our community reach the success they want to achieve. “When we hear that one success story that day or that week, we know that it’s worth it.” For more information on Goodwill Southern California business and career services in the Inland Empire, call (909) 885-3831 or visit goodwillsocal.org.

The REC Center brings after-school programs to communities Continued from page 1

1

lthough the time has passed for mourning, the

community will long endure the lost of a trusted

and respected leader, Bobby Vega. Born and raised

on the Westside of San Bernardino, Bobby’s life is

2

a testament to the real impact one person can have in our

community. In a detailed interview as part of the San Bernardino

Oral History Project, which you can find on sbcity.org,

Bobby detailed his first memories of community

involvement, starting at Casa Ramona, a nonprofit close to

where he lived on West 8th Street (now Casa Ramona

Academy). He remembered his mother and grandmother

volunteering all the time, and starting his first summer job

there as a kid in the 70s. What he made special note of were the mentors he had.

People like former councilmembers Esther Estrada and

Robert Castaneda; Dr. Armando Navarro, now professor at

UC Riverside and the same man who helped Bobby meet

the late Cesar Chavez. I mention these names not to praise them, but to bring

attention to the fact a great man, a great community leader

like Bobby did not happen on his own. It took a family, a

A

3

neighborhood, and a network of mentorship and positive

support to shape Bobby into the leader he became. It took the

small initiative of decent people like you and me to lend a

hand in the community and to see something special in an

eager child who will be the future of our region. That is the

same notion Bobby committed himself to as a progressive

and working youth advocate.

I share these thoughts with you to remind us all that a

world of difference is waiting in our hands, in our own

personal enterprise as working citizens. Those of us who

have faced struggle and adversity in becoming the people we

are today hold a special power that should transcend our

generation and invigorate our youth.

Even in his well lived and decorated life, Bobby never

forgot the people who helped frame the person he became to

be. He understood the importance of their dependability and

their stewardship. He understood the real life applicability of

the idiom “it takes a village.”

Our community is not a transient being in itself, it is an

ever evolving and influential domain that all our children

learn and grow from. That understanding is what drives

people like Mr. Vega. Let it be the force that moves all of us

to be the change we wish to see in the world.

If you’d like to volunteer in the community, visit

VolunteerMatch.org and use the search tool to find local

opportunities on issues you choose that interest you.

2

“We just try to spark that inspiration in young people so that they know they can do it, they can be whatever they want to be,” said Stone in a 2010 interview. In an area blighted by systemic challenges of poverty and chronic unemployment, YVYLA has helped take local youth off the streets and onto a track of success, serving over 10,000 young men and women to date. “It’s just trying to fill a need and a void in the community. Every time we start a program. It’s based off what the needs are of the community—right now,” said Stone. YVYLA and its expansive services are indicative of that belief. In addition to the personal development and youth mentoring programs they provide, YVYLA operates the only runaway youth homeless shelter in the San Bernardino area, one of two County-wide. This March marks the shelter’s third year in operation. “We just wanted to come in and see how we can address that problem. Making sure that kids are not on the streets. This is one of the best ways we can do it—provide them a home.” With over a decade of experience working with transient and troubled youth, Stone knows the right approach in working with individuals who find

3

themselves without a place to stay. “It doesn’t matter how much education you want to give them or intervention prevention programs, if they’re homeless and they’re hungry, none of that is going to work. We figured let’s get them off the streets, house them and feed them, and have enough time to be able to work with them and get them back with a productive part of their family.” Stone makes it known that the shelter isn’t simply a “flop house.” Children (ages 14 to 17) who enter the shelter are required to be enrolled in or back attending school within 48 hours. Every participant is in the home for up to 21 days, giving YVYLA case managers time to assess an individual’s immediate

needs and establish short-term goals with the intention of leading to the person's long-term success. The shelter does not hold a wait list, but Stone assures, “No kid is left, we’ll find you a place to stay. I don’t know what we’re here for if we don’t go to the full extent of making sure that every kid has a place to stay, a place to sleep, something to eat. Our main goal is what can we do to drastically change this kid’s direction in life.“ To learn more about Terrance Stone and YVYLA’s education and employment programs, youth shelter, and more, visit yvyla-ie.org or email [email protected].

The story behind Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy Continued from page 1

2 3

3

For many residents, Araiza and her supporters represent a Parks and Rec coalition that fill a big void in the neighborhood. “Smaller and unincorporated communities shouldn’t have to travel so far for the resources larger communities have at their fingertips,” said Araiza. The REC Center serves all age groups and offers these classes and more through May: clay, yoga, crochet, computers, theatre, piano, art, guitar, vocals, dance, tae kwon do, and cheer. Visit their website at RECstar.org for the complete schedule. If you would like to support The REC Center you can help sponsor a child in need of financial assistance or become an instructor, email [email protected] or call (909) 728-1081 for more information.

Transforming Lives Through the Power of Work

Jessica+Rodriguez+(above)+stands+on+the+work+floor++of+the+Goodwill+Southern+California+Inland+Empire+campus.++

Page 3: Josie's Press, March/April

11

hen you drive by a local Goodwill you might see racks of clothes, shoppers darting to-and-fro to find a hip outfit at a

great price, or a neighbor making an in-kind donation. What you may not see are the Goodwill employees and the unique role they play in the community that’s worth far more than anything you can buy in a store. Jessica Rodriguez is one of those special Goodwill employees that you just won’t see at the local retail store. She works behind the scenes as program manager at Goodwill’s San Bernardino Career Resource Center (located at 444 S. Waterman Ave.) and also manages multiple workforce and career development programs that are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and other vocational barriers prepare for and find stable employment. With that much responsibility, you’d think work motivation would come at a premium; but if you ask Rodriguez, she’ll say it’s easy. All she has to do is step out of her office. “If I look onto the work floor, looking at the participants doing

2

their job, hearing their stories, looking at their successes, that’s why I continue to come every day to work. Why I motivate and inspire my staff to do the best that they can, it’s those successes,” said Rodriguez. In her 10 years with the organization, Jessica has been focused on Transforming Lives Through the Power of Work, as is the mission of Goodwill. Goodwill serves local businesses and individuals through their multifaceted career development programs, several of which Rodriguez manages. According to GoodwillSocal.org, Goodwill is committed to helping people with disabilities “secure sustainable employment and enjoy a greater sense of independence, dignity, purpose and pride,” and is helping thousands of people achieve career success every year.

Goodwill provides services through their Career Resource Center at no cost. They prepare job seekers for employment through resume workshops, interview coaching, job search tools, and a host services that are focused on helping their clients not just find a job, but sustain a career. Whether you’re a teenager looking for experience to build a resume, an individual with a specific barrier to employment, or a veteran seeking help transitioning into the civilian workforce, Goodwill wants to help give you the tools you need to succeed. For the road ahead, Rodriguez sees Goodwill expanding its reach throughout our region, continuing to partner with local businesses and helping many more people in our community reach the success they want to achieve. “When we hear that one success story that day or that week, we know that it’s worth it.” For more information on Goodwill Southern California business and career services in the Inland Empire, call (909) 885-3831 or visit goodwillsocal.org.

The REC Center brings after-school programs to communities Continued from page 1

1

lthough the time has passed for mourning, the

community will long endure the lost of a trusted

and respected leader, Bobby Vega. Born and raised

on the Westside of San Bernardino, Bobby’s life is

2

a testament to the real impact one person can have in our

community. In a detailed interview as part of the San Bernardino

Oral History Project, which you can find on sbcity.org,

Bobby detailed his first memories of community

involvement, starting at Casa Ramona, a nonprofit close to

where he lived on West 8th Street (now Casa Ramona

Academy). He remembered his mother and grandmother

volunteering all the time, and starting his first summer job

there as a kid in the 70s. What he made special note of were the mentors he had.

People like former councilmembers Esther Estrada and

Robert Castaneda; Dr. Armando Navarro, now professor at

UC Riverside and the same man who helped Bobby meet

the late Cesar Chavez. I mention these names not to praise them, but to bring

attention to the fact a great man, a great community leader

like Bobby did not happen on his own. It took a family, a

A

3

neighborhood, and a network of mentorship and positive

support to shape Bobby into the leader he became. It took the

small initiative of decent people like you and me to lend a

hand in the community and to see something special in an

eager child who will be the future of our region. That is the

same notion Bobby committed himself to as a progressive

and working youth advocate.

I share these thoughts with you to remind us all that a

world of difference is waiting in our hands, in our own

personal enterprise as working citizens. Those of us who

have faced struggle and adversity in becoming the people we

are today hold a special power that should transcend our

generation and invigorate our youth.

Even in his well lived and decorated life, Bobby never

forgot the people who helped frame the person he became to

be. He understood the importance of their dependability and

their stewardship. He understood the real life applicability of

the idiom “it takes a village.”

Our community is not a transient being in itself, it is an

ever evolving and influential domain that all our children

learn and grow from. That understanding is what drives

people like Mr. Vega. Let it be the force that moves all of us

to be the change we wish to see in the world.

If you’d like to volunteer in the community, visit

VolunteerMatch.org and use the search tool to find local

opportunities on issues you choose that interest you.

2

“We just try to spark that inspiration in young people so that they know they can do it, they can be whatever they want to be,” said Stone in a 2010 interview. In an area blighted by systemic challenges of poverty and chronic unemployment, YVYLA has helped take local youth off the streets and onto a track of success, serving over 10,000 young men and women to date. “It’s just trying to fill a need and a void in the community. Every time we start a program. It’s based off what the needs are of the community—right now,” said Stone. YVYLA and its expansive services are indicative of that belief. In addition to the personal development and youth mentoring programs they provide, YVYLA operates the only runaway youth homeless shelter in the San Bernardino area, one of two County-wide. This March marks the shelter’s third year in operation. “We just wanted to come in and see how we can address that problem. Making sure that kids are not on the streets. This is one of the best ways we can do it—provide them a home.” With over a decade of experience working with transient and troubled youth, Stone knows the right approach in working with individuals who find

3

themselves without a place to stay. “It doesn’t matter how much education you want to give them or intervention prevention programs, if they’re homeless and they’re hungry, none of that is going to work. We figured let’s get them off the streets, house them and feed them, and have enough time to be able to work with them and get them back with a productive part of their family.” Stone makes it known that the shelter isn’t simply a “flop house.” Children (ages 14 to 17) who enter the shelter are required to be enrolled in or back attending school within 48 hours. Every participant is in the home for up to 21 days, giving YVYLA case managers time to assess an individual’s immediate

needs and establish short-term goals with the intention of leading to the person's long-term success. The shelter does not hold a wait list, but Stone assures, “No kid is left, we’ll find you a place to stay. I don’t know what we’re here for if we don’t go to the full extent of making sure that every kid has a place to stay, a place to sleep, something to eat. Our main goal is what can we do to drastically change this kid’s direction in life.“ To learn more about Terrance Stone and YVYLA’s education and employment programs, youth shelter, and more, visit yvyla-ie.org or email [email protected].

The story behind Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy Continued from page 1

2 3

3

For many residents, Araiza and her supporters represent a Parks and Rec coalition that fill a big void in the neighborhood. “Smaller and unincorporated communities shouldn’t have to travel so far for the resources larger communities have at their fingertips,” said Araiza. The REC Center serves all age groups and offers these classes and more through May: clay, yoga, crochet, computers, theatre, piano, art, guitar, vocals, dance, tae kwon do, and cheer. Visit their website at RECstar.org for the complete schedule. If you would like to support The REC Center you can help sponsor a child in need of financial assistance or become an instructor, email [email protected] or call (909) 728-1081 for more information.

Transforming Lives Through the Power of Work

Jessica+Rodriguez+(above)+stands+on+the+work+floor++of+the+Goodwill+Southern+California+Inland+Empire+campus.++

Page 4: Josie's Press, March/April

Goodwill'and'Jessica'Rodriguez,'Transforming+Lives+Through+the+Power+of+Work''see+page+3+

Contact us at (909) 387-4565

Email: [email protected] Website: www.sbcounty.gov/gonzales Editor: [email protected]

Scan the code above and join us on Facebook!

Vol.+3+Issue+2+ March/April+2014+

County Government Center 385 N. Arrowhead Avenue, 5th Floor

San Bernardino, CA 92415

!

American!Lung!Association’s!!!!!!!!!March!29!@!9:30!AM!

Respiratory!Rally!

Arrowhead'Regional'Medical'Center,'400'N.'Pepper'Ave.''Call'(909)'321F3290'to'register'or'for'details'+

Bloomington!MAC!meeting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!April!1!@!7:00!PM!

Ayala'Park,'18313'Valley'Blvd.''Call'(909)'387F4565'for'more'information'+

Free!Tax!Preparation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!April!10!@!1:00!–!5:00!PM!

provided(by(County(of(San(Bernardino(Grand'Terrace'Branch'Library,'22795'Barton'Rd.'Call'(909)'252F4903'to'schedule'an'appointment''

Jr.!Fishing!Workshop!(ages!7–15)!!!!!April!12!@!7:30!AM!

Prado'Regional'Park,'16700'S.'Euclid'Ave.''Call'(909)'387F2461'for'details'and'registration'''IRS!tax!filing!deadline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!April!15!!

Call'(909)'252F4903'for'free'tax'filing'services''+

+

5th(District(Events(

Local'mom'helps'start'grassroots'nonprofit'………………......''1'Terrance'Stone,'the'story'of'his'path'to'youth'advocacy'….''1'Josie’s'Journal,'the'power'of'community'leaders'….………....''2'Goodwill’s'Jessica'Rodriguez:'her'passion,'their'mission'…''3'Q&A'with'SB'County'Fire'Chief'Mark'Hartwig'……………..….''4'

In(this(issue(What motivates you in your job?

What is SB County Fire doing that is new and innovative?

We have a few innovative programs right now. As mentioned above, we are working with the Sheriff to use some of the AB 109 detainees in hand crews to fight fire and fire hazard abatement. It also provides the hand crew members with skills that are valuable upon release form detention. We are also working with County Public Health and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to provide in-home medical care and education to recently discharged patients from ARMC through a Statewide Pilot Study.

What greatest challenge do you think SB County Fire faces and what are we doing to combat it?

Long-term financial sustainability and future leadership are our biggest challenges and highest priorities. We are actively cultivating future leaders through the County Management and Leadership Academy and transforming the culture to push decision making down to the most appropriate level and by enabling them. We are encouraging our employees to make decisions and helping learn through their success and failure. We maintain a corresponding level of accountability with the increased decision making authority. We are seeking non-traditional ways to be innovative and competitive as we create a foundation for long-term financial sustainability. We are also implementing strategies to improve our efficiency and effectiveness with new programs together with the Sheriff’s Office, Public Health, and ARMC.

What words of advice do you offer to aspiring firefighters and first responders?

Set yourself apart. Be different and attractive. Set your expectations a little higher than you think you can reach then set a course to achieve them. Then when you reach those take a break and reset the bar.

1

A former gang member turned community leader, Terrance Stone has lived a story you’d expect to see in a movie. But instead of lending his story to Hollywood, he’s given his life to empowering the lives of thousands of young men and women in our community. Stone is the CEO of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy (YVYLA), a nonprofit he started in 2001 that’s dedicated to steering young people away from the kind of life that cost Terrance much of his own. “I try to use myself as an example. I’m very transparent when I’m out and talking to kids.”

1

ennifer Araiza is part of the change we wish to see in the world, a Supermom of the 21st century. If

working full-time and taking care of four children wasn’t enough—two years ago Araiza and a group of local supporters started a nonprofit organization from the grassroots up, called The REC Center. What started as a few local parents coming together to find quality after-school instructors for their own community quickly became a high demand recreational program in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. “Many families, including myself, were taking our kids to Riverside or Redlands for quality recreation and art programs. It was important for me to bring these programs closer to home,” said Araiza.

2

Close to home is right. After recognizing the impact of not having a Parks and Recs department in her community, Araiza saw the need in her hometown of Grand Terrace and made it the birthplace of The REC Center. But it didn’t stop there. Other communities and organizations learned about the program and worked with Araiza to bring the The REC Center to their area as well. Now, after the Feb. 1 Grand Opening of the Bloomington site located at 18604 Jurupa Avenue, The REC Center has three sites (Grand Terrace, Highgrove, Bloomington) that offer recreational opportunities to local residents of all ages. According to RECstar.org, The REC Center seeks to bring education-focused recreation programs to communities that may otherwise not have them.

Araiza says the focus this year is to attract more teenagers to their classes where they can learn a skill like disc jockeying or painting that may not be offered at their middle school or high school.

J

Continued on page 3

CEO+Terrance+Stone+of+YVYLA+

I am motivated by what could be should be. I am an idealist. I draw inspiration from those with the same motivation. I get that from my mom. My mother raised me and my six brothers and sisters on her own after my father died when I was 7. She went back to school and eventually retired as a Community College President.

What would you like to see change to make SB County Fire better as a whole?

We are moving together in the right direction. We’d all like to be more and more responsive to our local communities. We push each other to be better each and every day.

From youth delinquency to advocacy, the story of CEO Terrance Stone and Young Visionaries

Continued on page 2