CHAMPIONS IN SERVICE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AND GREATER LOS ANGELES

The fiscal year 2023-24 was filled with many challenges as CIS endeavored to continue providing intensive integrative case management services, motivations, and hope, to primarily the northeast San Fernando Valley. Though the report will indicate we have had a number of accomplishments, the most important aspect of our work was creating hope in our community impacted by violence, the realities of poverty, drug addiction, and gang violence. The following represents a synopsis of the activities through the various services that CIS provides:Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) - Now in our 15th year of providing services.Gang intervention services to the San Fernando Valley, in particular Foothill and Mission Police Divisions respectively. Our fourteen Community Intervention Workers and five case managers succeeded in providing over 200 clients with the following services: one on one mentoring, court advocacy, education advocacy and support including food and hygiene products, providing resources to keep clients housed, unemployment through finding job opportunities and paying utilities bills, and providing safe passages to and from schools. Through the GRYD Program, CIS was able to provide 10 community events to promote peace in the community and deter violent activity.California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Project is a comprehensive gang violence reduction program in the Northeast San Fernando Valley. Our six Community Intervention Workers and three Case Managers serviced 158 participants. The project targets at-risk youth and young adults aged 16 and over, providing them with essential support services to help them break free from gang involvement and build positive futures. The key activities include: 1) Community Intervention/ Intensive Case Management. 2) Interrupted Cycles of Violence, and 3) Proactive Peacekeeping Events. We have completed 5 community events to support our community and promote peace efforts. Reentry Integrative Case Management Services (R.I.C.M.S.)The RICMS program, serving approximately 200 clients, demonstrates the significant impact Champions In Service has on the reentry population, providing essential support for their successful integration into society. The array of services offered by case managers covers a wide range of needs, from obtaining personal identification to accessing mental health services and securing stable housing. By addressing these critical aspects of reentry, the program is not only helping individuals meet immediate needs but also laying the foundation for their long-term success and well-being. CIS continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Juvenile Justice Diversion Program (JJDP)The JJDP program served 85 youth, working to reduce their involvement in the justice system through a comprehensive, trauma-informed strategy. We empower clients to overcome challenges, build essential life skills, heal from past trauma, and become advocates for their own growth and resilience. Through individualized care plans, mentorship, skill-building workshops, and therapeutic services, JJDP has successfully helped many participants re-engage with education, secure employment opportunities, and strengthen family and community relationships. Restorative Enhanced Diversion for Youth (REDY)REDY proudly serves 20 youth through a transformative, strengths-based program designed to reduce justice system involvement and foster lasting change. We empower our clients to confront and overcome personal challenges, heal from past adversity, and cultivate the skills and confidence needed for lifelong success. Through individualized support, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities, REDY equips young people with the tools to thrive, lead, and shape a positive future for themselves and their communities. Care First- Community Investment (CFCI)The CFCI program integrates conventional crisis intervention techniques with a faith-based approach to provide holistic support for individuals navigating personal challenges. By combining practical strategies with spiritual guidance, the program helps clients build a strong foundation rooted in faith, hope, and resilience. Designed to meet both emotional and spiritual needs, CFCI empowers participants to overcome crisis situations while deepening their spiritual well-being. To date, the program has successfully served 60 clients and is currently providing ongoing support to individuals seeking personalized care that reflects their unique circumstances and faith journey.UPI- LA PeacemakersLA Peacemakers is dedicated to fostering safer communities by actively engaging in violence interruption and prevention strategies, aiming to reduce conflict and promote peace. While addressing the root causes of violence through targeted intervention efforts, engaging with individuals and groups at risk. In addition to these immediate actions, LA Peacemakers support long-term peace initiatives that strengthen relationships and foster cooperation among community members. By focusing on both prevention and intervention, they play a crucial role in sustaining peace and creating a safer, more resilient community.Nature and Family Wellness (NAFW) Program aims to improve the emotional well-being of parents and families by providing nature-based parenting and family support groups. These weekly support groups will focus on exercise, nutrition, nature, and mental wellness while providing socialization and family bonding opportunities. Accessibility plays a prominent role in seeking services. Therefore, transportation and childcare will be offered to reduce barriers for interested families. The nature-based component of the program also increases opportunities for families to practice wellness methods in groups to be utilized on their own, such as in parks or their homes. Additionally, monthly field trips will provide exposure to natural spaces that families may not usually have access to. Our community will receive education and methods to increase wellness in an inviting, community-based environment through participation. Tattoo Removal ProgramThe Champions In Service Tattoo Removal program is a valuable service, offering a fresh start to individuals looking to move forward from their past. Removing tattoos can have a significant impact on someone's life, especially when it comes to pursuing job opportunities that may have been hindered by visible tattoos. CIS provides this service at no cost to its participants, making it accessible to those who may not otherwise have the means to undergo tattoo removal. The fact that over 200 clients were served in 2023-2024 speaks volumes about the program's effectiveness and the level of need for such services in the San Fernando Valley.Mental Health ProgramThe Champions In Service Mental Health Clinic is a vital resource for the community, especially for those facing significant challenges. Within the 23/24 year, the clinic has received 200 referrals and enrolled 80 clients. Mental health support is crucial for individuals navigating daily life, and having a safe space to discuss issues and receive support can make a profound difference in their well-being. ADDITIONAL SERVICES:CIS has been providing gang intervention services for the San Fernando Valley for 35yrs. Gang Intervention specialists are first responders to gang violence in the San Fernando Valley and created and adhere to the yellow tape protocol. We focus on families and the community by building strong relationships with community stakeholders, and community partners. We also oversee Summer Night Lights at 6 local parks and recreation centers: San Fernando Gardens, Humphrey Park, Sun Valley Park, Valley Plaza, Sepulveda Park, and Delano Park.Law Enforcement Trainings - Under the leadership of CIS Executive Director, BlinkyRodriguez, CIS continued their orientation at the police academy for a wide spectrum of law enforcement personnel, including, but not limited to, senior staff, captains, gang detectives, beat police officers, Mayors Office staff, and new LAPD recruits. The focus of the training sessions were topics such as, what is intervention, what is it that we do and do not do, and roundtable discussions on gang intervention. San Fernando Valley Coalition on Gangs - Under the leadership of Bobby Arias,President of CIS, CIS has facilitated the San Fernando Valley Coalition on Gangs, aunique partnership between law enforcement, public sector service agencies, non-profit service agencies, and private entities, to call the question on education, service delivery, and youth violence in the San Fernando Valley.Eagle Rock School: Eagle Rock School located in Estes Park, Colorado Partnership - Now in our 17th year of continued collaboration Eagle Rock School and in partnership with the Honda Foundation has allowed CIS to continue to send inner city youth from the San Fernando Valley to gain success in life skills, adaptable tools, education