Giving Back

ALL ABOUT Heart

NONPROFIT BUILDS CAPACITY FOR KIDS TO REACH THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL

PROYOUTH is all about HEART – health, enrichment, academics, recreation and teamwork.

This nonprofit provides comprehensive expanded learning after-school programs to more than 18,000 students each year at elementary, middle and high schools throughout Tulare and Monterey counties. They aim to create positive learning environments that integrate youth development principles, provide academic support and focus on innovative project-based learning experiences.

“My staff and I come to work every day with the intention of providing the highest quality program possible for our children,” says CEO Dr. Marie Pinto. “A place where they can continue to learn, expand their minds and continue to grow, a place where they can engage in physical exercise, be treated to a healthy snack, be mentored by a caring adult, and a safe and nurturing place where a kid can be a kid. And all of this is provided to our families at no cost to them.”

The seeds were planted 30 years ago, when an army of volunteers envisioned a community where every child was safe from gang violence. They began with the help of the Visalia Gang Suppression Unit as a community-based, volunteer-formed partnership called Visalians for a Gang Free Community. They earned nonprofit status in 1994 under the name ProYouth, and their mission is to build the capacity of every student to achieve their full potential academically, socially and emotionally through innovative programs.

The HEART after-school program was first established at three Visalia schools in 1998, funded entirely by local donations. They’ve since added EDGE, which serves middle school students; XL, a drop-in program that students to become collaborators, critical thinkers and community leaders; Insight, a leadership development program where students learn to create digital media projects to create positive change in themselves, others and the world around them; along with other programs. They also serve more than 700,000 fresh meals each year.

ProYouth is funded by state After School Education and Safety grants, federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants, school district investments, and foundation and corporate contributions. Says Dr. Pinto: “Thank you to all our partners for ensuring ProYouth can continue to carry the work forward … into the future.” •

www.proyouthexpandedlearning.org

Kerri Regan grew up in the North State and earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Francisco State University. A freelance writer and editor, Kerri enjoys exploring the North State with her husband and three children.

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