Jovenes, Inc. was founded in 1989 by Father Richard Estrada, CMF in direct response to the number of at-risk and homeless youth in LA between the ages of 18-24 who were in dire need of supportive services. Jovenes, Inc. was created to give the youth a roof over their heads, nutritious meals, workshops geared towards integrating youth into society, arts programming, referrals, encouragement and support. Jovenes connected these young people with medical, legal and immigration services. An outgrowth of these activities, Jovenes, Inc., was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1991.

Since that time, Jovenes, Inc. has grown into a full-fledged community-based organization, providing Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing to over 120 youth and additional services to thousands of individuals during the last fiscal year. Each year, Jovenes, Inc. has provided critical services to over 1,000 people in our core service areas of downtown Los Angeles, East and Northeast Los Angeles and Boyle Heights. We provide opportunities to youth regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.

Fr. Estrada & Youth

Our future lies in expanding our housing programs for homeless youth and continuing to develop collaborations with our partners to better serve our community.