There's a reason Genevieve Hernandez is happy the John A. Valenzuela Youth Center is in her neighborhood.
Her daughter was picked on and had few friends. No parent wants to see their child miserable and Hernandez knew it was time for a change. She brought her daughter to the youth center. Now everyone knows and interacts with her. She is finally happy.
This Center has been dedicated to the betterment of the youth in South Tucson. Located on 6th Avenue, the center was built in 1994, a year after Officer John Valenzuela was killed in the line of duty. Valenzuela had a strong connection with children as both a school resource officer and basketball coach, according to Director Gloria Hamelitz from the Youth Center.
"He died with only $27 left in his wallet because he spent everything on the children," Hamelitz said.
Today, the Youth Center memorializes Valenzuela and carries out his goals of helping youth. The Center is funded about $150,000 a year for more than 150 children. Funds come from the City of South Tucson, which gets the money from the Pima County Parks and Recreation Department, Hamelitz said.
"We're really lucky and grateful the funding has remained consistent over the years," she said.
The funding might be the same, but Center administrators still struggle because vendors and other expenses have increased.
The staff is proud they can provide children with a safe place to be and keep them off the streets. Multiple programs are offered during the day, in the evening and during summer. Program Coordinator Jessica Alderete stresses that all the programs are free with a wide variety to choose from.
"The key is homework help that is offered in the night program Monday through Thursday for three hours," Alderete said.
The sports league is another popular program offered to the children. It was formed with other partners in South Tucson and all games are held at the Children's Home.
"This is the best option for parents who can't afford registration fees or equipment," Hamelitz said.
The league includes basketball, baseball, football and track and field. Several volunteers coach the teams and the physical education instructor from the Children's Home referee's the games, Hamelitz said.
Aside from recreation, the Youth Center offers a program called Tween's and Teen's in the evening for gang and drug prevention.
"Between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. is when children get into trouble and try drugs," Hamelitz said.
The Youth Center offers an afterschool program for kindergarten through fifth grade during that time period for exactly that reason.
During this time, children can participate in dance, arts and crafts and even recreational activities such as pool or ping-pong.
"We'll do whatever it takes for these kids to succeed and lead them on the right path," Alderete said.
The South Tucson community doesn't view this place as a Youth Center. They see it as a second home.
"Here, everyone knows my children, who I am, and we love it," Hernandez said. "It's a very positive experience that helps reinforce what I've taught my kids at home."
It's not all fun and games at the Youth Center. The staff encourages annual neighborhood cleaning projects and fundraisers to help give back to the community. There is a youth to youth group that travels to other schools and performs skits and games to educate families and other kids on drug-free life styles.
Hamelitz hopes to sustain funding and expand hours in the future. She wants to stay open on the weekends and extend hours in the summer.
"I really want to focus on gearing these kids' minds on college," Hamelitz said. "I want to teach them that college isn't something we dream about, it's something we expect."
