Parents on a Mission

Parents on a Mission is on fire in California and the State of Colorado! Or, as I like to say, “the POM virus is spreading and infecting families everywhere!”

Over the past few months we have had the opportunity to train more POM leaders. Recently we conducted our first Bi-lingual POM training in Santa Ana, CA and are excited to hear the results as we continue to increase our services to the Spanish speaking community.

In addition, we trained more POM Leaders in Denver, Pueblo, & Aurora, Colorado serving “reentry” youth & families as they prepare to re-connect with loved ones being released from incarceration. But, the virus isn’t only spreading out in the community, but is spreading within the prison as well.

I had the opportunity to visit FIVE State Prisons in Colorado to speak with incarcerated mothers and fathers who are either currently participating in POM classes or have enrolled to participate in their respective facilities. With this strategy incarcerated families are better prepared for family reunification when both parents–those in the neighborhoods and those incarcerated–are learning the same the principles on parent leadership.

The Latino Coalition continues to support the work of local faith & community based nonprofits serving families living in marginalized communities. As we seek and anticipate more Federal , State, and Corporate funding we look forward to providing additional resources, funding and leadership that gives more “voice” and influence to these hard working organizations making a difference and lasting, positive transformation.

The Lerdo Facility in Bakersfield, CA just continues to blossom with testimony after testimony of changed lives through our POM curriculum. Above is one of our recent graduates, Osvaldo Lozano, just released from Lerdo. Below is the story as related to me via our Garden Pathways POM teacher Dyann:

Richard:

“Also you will find a picture of Osvaldo Lozano who completed POM while at Lerdo. He said we could share his story with you . He is doing well , working , just purchased his own vehicle and wife is expecting their first baby son end of the month. He shared with Fanny and I how much POM impacted his life and showed him a deeper appreciation of what it entails to become a father. He has been very involved throughout pregnancy and can’t wait to be in the delivery room to see his son born.  Just thought to share how POM changes lives. He also said he would be willing to share his testimony with you. Attached you can see pictures of Osvaldo (at his sons baby shower), vocational training and he giving back through community service. If you would like I can make arrangements to get you a POM Lerdo picture as well.  Enjoy!!!”

WOW!! It just doesn’t get any better than that! My hat’s off to the POM leaders from Garden Pathways, Dyann & Fanny. Garden Pathways is a great nonprofit organization, under the leadership of Karen Goh & Juan Avila, serving Kern County youth & families. Below are more pictures of Osvaldo with other recent Lerdo POM graduates (The lovely lady in green is Fanny, one of our POM instructors).