Growing Up With Hope

Growing Up With Hope

ProYouth has been transforming the lives of the youth in our community for 30 years.

Words by Lifestyle Staff | Photos provided by ProYouth

Growing Up With Hope: ProYouth has been transforming the lives of youth in our community for 30 years.

Imagine a community where every child is safe from gang violence. That was the vision of Visalians for a Gang Free Community 30 years ago, when they said "no more" to crime against children, and formed Pro Youth: Expanded Learning. While the goal is not yet met, the organization’s CEO, Dr. Marie Pinto, is proud of the impact ProYouth has made on progress towards achieving that vision.

The story of ProYouth began in 1994, a time when Visalia was grappling with the growing needs of its younger population. Local leaders, educators, and concerned community members

recognized that many children were facing significant challenges, both in and out of school. These challenges included safety, academic struggles, lack of access to enriching after-school activities, and limited opportunities for personal development. Determined to address these issues, a group of visionary individuals came together to form an organization that would provide a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment for young people. This collaborative effort became ProYouth. The organization’s mission was clear: to keep children safe, support academic achievement, provide enrichment opportunities, and foster the social and emotional development of Visalia’s youth.

A series of gang-related shootings in the late 1990s challenged Visalia's image of a safe, small town for raising families. In 1995, local optometrist, Kelly Scott, was killed in gang crossfire while sitting at a red light with his infant daughter in the back seat. Four years later, 13-year old Nancy Saechao was struck and killed by a stray bullet fired from a gun of a teenage gang member.

In response to these crimes, the community banded together to launch programs to keep youth safe. Twenty years later, people on the frontlines say that although there is much more to do, progress has been made with programs like ProYouth. In 1998, ProYouth launched an after-school program called HEART (Health, Enrichment, Achievement, Recreation, Teamwork) aimed to help keep children safe and lessen their risk of gang violence. The program provides help with homework, counseling, creativity, and relationship building on school campuses.

One of the key components of ProYouth’s success has been its commitment to collaboration. By partnering with local schools, businesses, and community organizations, ProYouth has been able to leverage resources and expertise to enhance its programs. This approach has helped ProYouth expand its reach and provide a wider range of services to more children and families. With the community’s continuous support over the years, ProYouth has grown from providing after-school services to 220 children in three schools, to serving more than 20,000 children in over 60 schools, in twelve districts in two counties. They serve over 800,000 fresh meals annually, and manage a multi-million dollar budget, with an amazing staff of over 500 people.

One of the most anticipated winter events on ProYouth’s calendar is the annual Color Run, a vibrant and joyful celebration that brings the community together in support of the organization’s mission. Participants of all ages gather for a fun-filled day of running, walking, and being doused in colorful powder at various checkpoints along the route. The event promotes physical activity, healthy living, and community engagement while raising critical funds to support ProYouth’s programs.

Dr. Marie Pinto and staff work each day with the intention of providing the highest quality program possible for the community’s children. Their goal is to provide a place where children can be safe, and continue to learn and grow—a place where they can engage in physical exercise, be treated to a healthy snack, be mentored by a caring adult, and simply be a kid in a safe and nurturing place. And all of this is provided to families at no cost to them.

Over the past three decades, ProYouth has made a significant impact on the lives of countless young people in Visalia. Until the goal of a gang-free community is reached, ProYouth commits to standing side-by-side with law enforcement, the school districts, local government, community leaders, families and children to someday make it a reality.

proyouthexpandedlearning.org

@proyouth 2009 W. Feemster, Visalia 559-754-4184