“Changing Minds One at a Time,” is a not-for-profit 501 (C) (3) organization dedicated to serving At-Risk youth within Tulare County. Our foundation was founded in 2014. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our youth to ensure a better future for them, their families, and our communities. Our organization’s priority is to provide youth with alternatives to increase positive behavior, learn appropriate social life skills and develop leadership skills. The goal is to steer them away from the temptation of gang involvement and the sense of camaraderie that contributes to such involvement, that results in criminal activities. These alternatives or strategies range from mentorship programs, recreational group activities, and participation in community-based events and projects. The goal is to teach the importance of discipline, self-esteem, confidence, teamwork, social skills, and improving one’s behavior. Additionally, during all activities, acceptance, tolerance, and the importance of building positive relationships despite differences, is stressed, and reinforced to help enhance the sense of connection to others.

We focus on serving youth who have been identified as “At-Risk” and/or from families that are low-income. Within Tulare County, many families are dependent on an agriculture related economy that when there is a disruption in production or harvest, the impact is immediate on these households. The loss of a day’s wage negatively affects the families’ income which makes criminal activity more alluring for the youth. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic with the many closures, the loss of their sense of connectiveness to their neighbors and community, allowed gangs to entice the youth with a sense of belonging that many were missing.

Changing Minds provides high quality integrated academic, behavioral, and social emotional learning activities to counter gang involvement of our youth. These activities promote the development of leadership and life skills in a safe and culturally appropriate setting that allows for socializing with other youth, families, and the community at large.

• Tulare County Board of Supervisors "Certificate of Recognition" - February 28, 2019

• California Legislature Assembly "Certificate of Recognition" "Seeds of Love" - February 28, 2019

• State of California Senate" Certificate of Recognition" - February 28, 2019

• U.S. House of Representatives "Certificate of Congressional Recognition" - May 10, 2019

• California Legislature Assembly "Certificate of Recognition" Cutler-Orosi Lions Club Community/Public Service Of The Year Award - May, 10, 2019

• Award of Appreciation - Community & Public Service - Outstanding and dedicated service to the Cutler-Orosi Community - Cutler - Orosi Lions Club 70th Annual Awards. May 10, 2019

• Tulare County Board of Supervisors - Certificate of Recognition - Community/Public Service Award 70th annual Community service awards May 10, 2019

The investment you make by enrolling or sponsoring a child into the program will make a huge impact on not only the child, but to thier families as well as the community. Our goal is to:

• Improve Self Awareness
• Improve Appropriate Social Behavior
• Build Confidence
• Learn Responsibility
• Learn Teamwork and Leadership skills
• Guide our youth toward continued education