PROGRAMS: CON LOS PADRES: VOICES

I am a sixteen year old student at San Gabriel High School and plan to attend college when I graduate.

I am involved in a program called El Joven Noble, which teaches young men, such as myself, to become responsible young men - men of PALABRA. In the program I have learned many valuable lessons that help me really think about my actions and the consequences that come along with those actions - especially when it comes to pregnancy, STD's, and the effects of drugs and alcohol.

What has made this program even more important to me is I have been given the opportunity to become a part of the inspirational staff here.

As a co-facilitator of the El Joven Noble Leadership Program, I am part of a team that works to educate my friends, my peers, and the community about the ongoing issues we face every day as we work to become responsible men - men of PALABRA.

The program has opened many doors for me, as I'm sure it has for others.

--Robert Ahumada

My name is Caesar Castro and I am a proud nineteen year-old father of two boys.

As a young father living in East LA, I have taken responsibility for my children and their mother. Our lives as young parents are sometime rough and growing up without a father of my own has really challenged my parenting skills- since I really didn't know how to be a father. Fortunately, there are programs like Con Los Padres to help guide and teach fathers like me.

The program has given me opportunities I never would have received had I not become involved. For example, I recently was invited to go on a weeklong trip to Atlanta where I represented the agency at a program that talked about developing life and leadership skills. I am also a peer educator with a powerful project called Circulo de Salud, which helps other young men, just like me, become healthier individuals - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. If we develop healthier young men and women, then we will develop healthier communities.

--Ceasar Castro

• Sixteen year-old Abel's first memory is one of sitting in the backseat of his father's car being chased by police because father had just robbed a liquor store.



• Mark still has vivid memories of his father, who lived away from him and his family, beating and sexually assaulting his mother. He has been told that his birth is a result of one of these frequent assaults.



• Manny says that he doesn't know where his father is, having been abandoned by him before he was born. He is determined never do that to his 2-year-old daughter.

These are some of the stories and experiences of the young men who come to the Con Los Padres program to learn how to become responsible fathers and men.

When I stop and to listen to the lives of these young men, I realized how truly blessed I was to have my dad in my life - even though he was taken away before I was ready. A truck driver, my dad worked hard to provide for us and make sure his five kids had the things we needed - and sometimes things we just wanted. After a horrible bout with lung and brain cancer, he passed away a few years ago. I was hurt and angry with the Creator for taking him. But many new fathers today will never have the time I had with my dad, and many never know their fathers at all.

I have good memories of my father and I know his example helped me become a good father to my two daughters. But if your only memories of your father are ones where he puts your life in danger while robbing a liquor store, or where you see him abusing your mother, how do you learn how to become a noble man and a good father?

As a Con Los Padres staff member, a father of two daughters, and a man lucky enough to have a good father in his life for 47 years, it is my job--and the job of all hombres in the community-- to come forward to teach and guide our children--so they will know how to become good parents.

--Bobby Lee Verdugo