Vocational Arts Programming and
Re-entry services
for Incarcerated and System-Impacted Youth
“Enlightened with Passion and Creativity”
A quote shared with Friends, Family, and Neighbors by J.R., one of the young people we serve.
These words remind us that the young people in our programs are not simply recipients of services—they are contributors to the community we are building. Their ideas, creativity, experiences, and aspirations continue to shape who we are and how we grow.
Our Services
-
Creative and workforce development programs designed for system-impacted and incarcerated youth. Participants gain hands-on experience in photography, muralism, podcasting, illustration, and visual arts while developing technical skills, creative confidence, teamwork, and pathways to education and employment.
-
We help youth build and maintain meaningful connections to their communities before and after release by linking them with community-based organizations, mentors, educational opportunities, and workforce programs. Through an established network of community partners, we support young people in finding a sense of belonging, purpose, and stability as they transition back into their communities.
-
We support youth in identifying career goals and connecting to employment opportunities through our network of community partners, workforce programs, and employers. By helping young people build professional skills, create portfolios, and access meaningful work experiences, we aim to support successful community reintegration and professional achievement.
Healing through the Arts
Cultivating healing through creativity, learning, and connection. By engaging in the arts, developing new skills, and building supportive relationships, youth strengthen their confidence and deepen their sense of belonging. Empowering youth to contribute positively to their communities and build futures grounded in purpose and self-determination.
“Being locked up is hard sometimes but people like you can make it better.”
— Former Student at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall
Youth Perspectives
“I learned my voice can be heard through art not just my voice.”
— Former Student at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall 2023-2024
“I feel more motivated to come to class…Art should be a class period.”
— Former Student at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall (2023) /
Current Student at SYTF (2026)
“[I would like to learn] how to make money and become successful in life .”
— Former Student at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall 2023-2024
Our work
A glimpse into the artwork, ideas, and creativity of the young people we work alongside—and the collaboration, connection, and community built throughout the creative process.
Support our Mission
There are many ways to support the young people in our community. Your contributions help us provide high-quality art materials, sustain meaningful arts programming, celebrate youth with special meals during the holidays, and offer books, puzzles, and other enrichment resources that create positive opportunities for learning, creativity, reflection, and connection.
Whether you contribute financially or purchase an item from their wishlist, your generosity helps us create spaces where young people feel valued and supported, develop new skills, explore their creativity, and imagine new possibilities for their futures.
Honoring Lives That Touched Our Community
We honor the artists whose creativity, vision, and dedication enriched our community. Though they are no longer with us, their work continues to inspire connection, advocacy, and hope.
Chilito Simon
Carlos Rojas
Rosendo Rodriguez
Geovanny Ramos
Connect with Us
