Phillip Rodriguez - CEO and Founder
Before God came into his heart, Phillip had no hope. For most of his life he just existed. He was consumed by gangs, drugs, prison and violence. In 2009, someone reached out to him and gave him hope in the form of God. Now he has been reaching out to young men, women, and their families who are lost and living in the life styles of gangs, drugs, violence, jails, and poverty, both physical and spiritual.
Phillip has been married for 19 years to Annette and has five children. He enjoys his job that allows him to help people and show them that there is hope for a better tomorrow.
Annette Rodriguez -Program Manager
Annette Rodriguez is happily married to Phillip Rodriguez and is a mother and grandmother. Annette has a passion for reaching out and helping those who struggle with substance abuse issues, are at-risk and involved in the destructive gang lifestyle. Annette has life experience and was able to find herself out of drugs and gangs through God and the help of others. She has been clean and sober since 2006 and has worked for the community. Annette is currently enrolled at San Jose City College to obtain her CAADAC and Criminal Justice degree. Annette has the passion and desire to give back what was given to her and is a strong believer of change.
Janelle Cordova - Administrative Assistant
“See you at the top” is just one of the many inspiring things Janelle says. When you’ve come from the places Janelle has come from, sometimes “the top” never feels tangible or even possible to attain. When you’re dealt a bad hand, it’s harder to push through life’s adversities. Especially in a society that judges you based on your past. Janelle has made it clear that your start doesn’t have to be your finish. Janelle is raising Kings and is a positive influencer not only to her community, but especially to the many young women who struggle with seeing past the pains of today. Janelle is that beacon of light that reminds us to “just keep it pushing.” Even the dimmest of lights can pierce through darkness. The top is where she’s headed for. There’s no turning back now, she has come too far!
Daniel Martinez - Youth Intervention Specialist
Daniel is from East San Jose and grew up just like the youth we service. He hung out with gangs, used and sold drugs, and was incarcerated many times.
Today he is a Man Of God with 14 years of sobriety and uses his personal testimony and struggles to reach and guide our youth to a better way of life. He has counseled men at The Salvation Army Adult Rehab Center and is also certified in Joven Noble.
Esperanza Cortez - Street Outreach Intervention Specialist / MAAC Case Manager
Esperanza believes it’s a blessing to make a difference by helping others in a positive way. She enjoys providing emotional support to our young people, helping them reach their goals, communicating with them and supporting them overcoming obstacles.
Esperanza had a troubled past with a history of violence, gangs and probation. As a result, she learned from her mistakes and chose to make better choices. She has turned her life around in a positive way and hopes to do the same for others. She is seeking to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need and give them hope for a bright and positive future and break the cycle of violence and abuse that is so common.
Henry Corona - Street Outreach / Intervention Specialist
Henry grew up in the South Bay in a single-parent home with three other siblings whose mom was always working. There was no male role model around which led him to make choices that changed his life. He found himself in the adult system, on drugs, half-way house and homeless. Now he is clean and sober as well as a God-fearing man. He has his kids back in his life and he’s able to be a productive citizen in life today.
Henry is passionate about giving back to the community that he felt he once terrorized. He is able to use his life experiences to reach out to youth and to be an effective mentor.
Hugo Miranda - Street Outreach / Intervention Specialist
Hugo has a natural way of connecting with the youth. His fathering presence mixed with his sarcastic humor seems to be the perfect concoction for the young ones today because it’s evident in the bonds that Hugo forms. Hugo is the epitome of the word LIMITLESS. He is constantly going the extra mile and is always pushing the envelope to make sure those around him are cared for and taken care of. Forget using words like “I can’t” or “impossible” around Hugo. Where there’s a will, there’s a way…and that way is through intentional advocacy and strong support from people like Hugo.
Selina Cassiano - Street Outreach / Intervention Specialist
Jacob Harvey - Street Outreach / Intervention Specialist
Mario Aguilar - School Base Lead / MAAC Case Manager
Mario grew up in a blended family home with seven siblings. He spent some time in the system and on welfare but was always taught the value of family. At a young age he did not value education until his late teens. In his early 20’s he started attending church and there he began to understand the value in helping others. In 2005, Mario received his Bachelor’s in Ministry.
Mario enjoys working with the youth because he can relate to them in different ways. He enjoys giving back to his community by guiding our young people just like he was.
Vania Lopez - School Base (High School)
Alyssa Leyvas - School Base (High School)
Cheri Rios - School Base (High School)
Jacob Villarruel - School Base (High School)
Elia Villarruel - School Base (High School)
Manny Gandarilla - Hospital Base Intervention Program Specialist
Jesse Alejos - School Base (Middle School)
Born and raised on the East Side of San Jose, California. Jesse experienced first hand what it meant to grow up on the “East side”. Growing up in a community impacted by gangs, drugs, and poverty, Jesse knew what it was like to be raised in that same environment. Thanks to his Strong hearted Mother, Supportive uncle, and a great village of family, friends and mentors, Jesse was able to grow up to be a respectable young Man, leader, mentor and friend, Despite the environment he was in. Jesse wants to pour into the youth of his city, and show them that no matter what, there is always hope in every situation. Jesse genuinely believes and has faith in the youth of today.
Sara Garcia - School Base (Middle School)
Jimmy Prado - SSA Case Manager (South County)
Jimmy Prado,is a Case Manager for New Hope For Youth. He has been working with at risk youth since 1999 and began his career, as a volunteer in Gilroy ca with the Restorative Justice Program when it first came out. After graduating from Gavilan College with an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, an opportunity came about to become employed working with at risk Youth in the South County area of Gilroy, Morgan Hill and San Martin. His passion is to continue to assist our Youth in preparing them for their futures, through Education, Life Skills and Positive Decision Making, that will assist them as they transition into adulthood
Latasha Lepisi - SSA Case Manager
Latasha grew up in the City of Compton, CA but has been living in San Jose for almost 10 years. Raised by a single mother who worked long hours, she found herself getting involved with drugs and alcohol. Christ came into her life and she was given a second chance. Latasha has always had a heart to work with the youth. Her passion is to help guide the younger generation to do better and to remind them that even though they may come from poverty, that is not their destiny. They were created on purpose for a purpose (Luke 2:49)