Final Choices Program March 2021

Friday, March 12, 2021

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm






























































VISION STATEMENT “Youth who attend this conference will leave with hope,
empowerment, knowledge, confidence, and a connection to a community that cares.”

In Memory of Pastor Woody








The CHOICES Conference Planning Committee

dedicates this year's conference to the memory of

Charles Lee Woody, Sr.

who passed away on May 23, 2020 at the

age of 65. Charles was a member of the planning

committee for several years and served as a board

member of the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce

Taskforce.



In 1988 Charles was ordinated as an associate

Pastor at Cornerstone Celebration Center
International Church and led his congregation as

head Pastor for over 14 years. Also known as

"Pastor Woody", or "Pastor Charles", he was active in

the greater Whittier community for many years.




Pastor Charles had a gift for connecting with young men, particularly with those who

had similar background to him. He brought positive energy, a sense of humor, and

deep faith to all with whom he worked. He was never shy about sharing his own

experiences so others could learn from his life lessons.

We are available to help!





Do you have issues logging in?


Link is not working?


Don't know where to find the link?










Contact


Carlos Ernandez


Phone number: 562-325-2791



Email: [email protected]

3:00 pm - 3:10 pm


Log in/Student Registration






3:10pm - 3:20 pm

Opening/Welcome Session






3:20pm - 4:00 pm

Keynote Speaker






4:00 pm - 4:45 pm

Breakout Session 1






4:45 pm - 4:50 pm


Passing Time & Raffle





4:50 pm - 5:35 pm

Break out Session 2






5:35 pm - 5:40 pm


Passing Time






5:40 pm - 6:00 pm

Closing (Raffles & Surveys)

2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE
2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE

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OPENING /WELCOME
OPENING /WELCOME


























ELVIA TORRES TERESA DREYFUSS

Chief Executive Officer Superintendent
Rio Hondo College
































DR
JERRY TELLO
President
Master of Ceremony
Hispanic Outreach Taskforce
Motivational Speaker

2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE
2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE

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KEYNOTEKEYNOTE




Born and raised on the south side of San Antonio, Texas,

Juarez faced situations and obstacles that could have
turned him into a negative statistic. But he found a way

to overcome those challenges. At the age of fourteen,
Juarez was a high school drop-out and one of the

hundreds of homeless youth on the streets of San
Antonio. He carried with him only a duffle bag of

personal items that he called a home. He moved from
house to house to survive. Despite all that was working
against him, he knew there was more to life which is why

ROY JUAREZ, JR. he never lost sight of his dreams.


Founder IMPACTtruth, Inc.



Juarez has made a successful career lecturing to thousands, both nationally and
internationally. Once a homeless teenager, Juarez fought the battle to leave the streets only

to return to them after becoming a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University. In May 2012
Juarez completed his first national tour; The Homeless by Choice Tour. What began as a 6-

month journey, driving from Los Angeles, CA to Jacksonville, FL became a two-and-a-half-
year journey. Juarez circled the entire country with a goal to inspire America’s youths to

never give up on life, their dreams, and understand the value of a higher education. Juarez
spoke “pro-bono” to over 500 educational facilities, shelters, organizations, and companies.

With no grants or sponsors to help fund his tour, Juarez decided to live homeless once again
but time he was “Homeless by Choice”! As he couch-surfed” the country he was able to share
his message with over 100,000 individuals.


Today, Juarez has shared his message with over 450,000 and serves as a role model for

individuals through his work as an advocate for youths and higher education. His life
experience inspires them to forgive, chase their dreams, and be the change they wish to see!





Welcome to the 2021 Choices Conference! Our first ever in the virtual space.

We are glad you are here! More than ever, your time with each other and with our

team is important to us. The last year has been odd, confusing and even angering for

many. When things get tough, it’s time to dig deep and learn how to do more than just
survive; it’s time to learn how to be even better than expected. Today you will have an

opportunity to learn, to think, and to remember.


You will get some really good and important information about learning, about school,
and about making a difference in your own life so that you can make a difference in

other people’s lives. Please, listen, ask questions, and ask more questions because here
is something that we know: we know that if YOU want to go to college, if YOU want to

learn skills that will get you the career you dream of, YOU can do that. We know that,
and we want you to know that too!


We encourage everyone to think about what life has been like and what life will be like

when we make choices to be our best, to do our best and to help others be their best.
This day is all about making your “tomorrow” better.



We also want you to remember something very important today and each day: no
matter where you find yourself, the very next step you take, the very next choice is

what helps to create your future. Your next step is your choice. We all can choose to
do, say, or be something that brings us closer to a dream, that creates good for

ourselves and others, that helps bring peace, or we can choose to do, say or be
something that is destructive. The key is this: we have CHOICES.


Welcome to you all! We are excited to support you in your choices.


Dr. David Gonzalez, Jr., President

Hispanic Outreach Taskforce
Associate Professor, Brandman University





2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE
2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE

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BREAKOUT
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MARIJUANA , VAPING AND YOUR HEALTH :


WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Presenter : Arles A. Benavides, MPA,
CCPS/ICPS, Program Coordinator, SPIRITT Family Services


Vaping which includes the electronic vaping of tobacco,
marijuana/cannabis, and other flavored products has become an
epidemic among youth. Prior to the COVID Pandemic, the U.S Surgeon
General had declared vaping a national epidemic, as of January 2020 there were 2711 reported
cases of electronic vaping associate pulmonary injury (VAPI) hospitalizations and 60 deaths in
the U.S. (NEJM, March 5, 2020). In addition, 84% of the cases were reported to have vaped
marijuana or cannabis. The vaping and marijuana/cannabis industries have targeted youth and
young adults with their addictive and dangerous products. We will discuss the facts about
vaping and marijuana/cannabis use, the methods that the industry uses to target youth, how
these products affect your health, your brain, education, coordination, ability to play sports, and
how they can affect your chances for the future. Get the facts and make informed decisions for
your health and your future.











PERSONAL FINANCE $$$

Presenter: Joseph Anthony Perez
Business Development Supervisor, Credit Union of Southern California


High school is a prime time for young adults to learn about finances and
plan for their future. Attendees will learn about credit (how to use it
wisely), tools to develop a positive credit history and score, create and
manage their own budget, and ways to track spending.

2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE
2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE

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“IT STARTS WITH ME .”

Glenn R. Heap, MS, LMFT
Community Liaison/Therapist Student Health & Psychological Services,
Rio Hondo College



The overall goal of the presentation is to help the participants learn that
the meaning and joy we get from life starts with our ability to love
ourselves, instead of beating ourselves down and comparing ourselves to
others. We’ll learn about self-care, gently holding ourselves accountable,
and fostering hope, that as we do the little things, we can eventually reach
our goals. Through some funny memes, inspirational stories, a short
video, instruction on breathing and mindfulness, the attendees will share
in the chat, through Kahoot! and even on Zoom how they can learn to free
themselves from depression and anxiety, and practice resilience.









COLLEGE READINESS : THROUGH THE EYES OF

THREE FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS

Presenters: Frankee Chavoya, Oscar Duran & Anthony Espinoza
Success Coaches, Rio Hondo College



Learn about the different systems of higher education and student
support services by listening to the paths taken by three first-generation
college graduates. You will learn about the challenges and success they
experienced as the pursued their goal of a college education. All three
graduates will share personal experiences that include transferring from a
community college to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor's degree
and pursuing a graduate degree. Join them to learn key tips that will make
your pathway to a college education easier.



2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE
2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE

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BREAKOUT
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MARIJUANA , VAPING AND YOUR HEALTH :


WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW


Arles A. Benavides grew up as a first -generation student in Unincorporated South Whittier
He attended Rio Hondo College and transferred to UCSD. He graduated from Thurgood
Marshall College at the University of California at San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in
International Relations/Political Science, and a minor in Law & Society. He is currently the
program coordinator for the Comprehensive Prevention Services program at SPIRITT and
has over seven years of experience in substance abuse prevention. He has a master’s degree in
Public Administration from the California State University at Northridge.



Arles A. Benavides, MPA,
CCPS/ICPS,
Program Coordinator
SPIRITT Family Services








PERSONAL FINANCE $$$





Joseph Anthony Perez the Business Development Supervisor has now been with the Credit
Union of Southern California for the past 10 years. Joseph is a graduate from California
Polytechnical University of Pomona, receiving a B.S. in Business Administration with a
concentration in Technology Operations Management. In his current role at the Credit
Union of Southern California he works with many local organizations in providing financial
education to employees, students and community members.


Fun Fact: Joseph started at Cal Poly Pomona in the Pre-Vet program


Joseph Anthony Perez
Business Development
Supervisor,
Credit Union of Southern
California

2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE
2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE





BREAKOUT
BREAKOUT




COLLEGE READINESS :

THROUGH THE EYES OF THREE FIRST -GENERATION STUDENTS


Francisco Chavoya, better known as Frankee, is a first-generation Mexican American
student who grew up in the East Los Angeles area. Frankee attended East Los Angeles
College (ELAC), making him the first in his family to attend college. He obtained two A.A.
degrees and transferred to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CPP) where he
earned a B.S. in Communication in Public Relations. After graduating from CPP he
attended the University of Southern California's (USC) Rossier School of Educational and
received his Masters in Educational Counseling. He aspires to become an academic
counselor to encourage and guide students throughout their educational career.
Frankee Chavoya, M.S.
Student Success Coach
Rio Hondo College

Oscar Duran is a first-generation student from Fallbrook, Ca (San Diego County). He
identifies as Chicano/Latino and is the son of Mexican immigrants, as well as
the eldest of three brothers. Oscar began his higher education journey in
Palomar Community College where he obtained an A.A. and transferred to San Diego State
University in the fall of 2015. At SDSU, he completed a B.A. in Social Science of Education
and graduated with honors in the fall of 2018. Currently, Oscar is pursuing an M.S. in
Counseling, with a focus on Student Development in Higher Education, from California
State University, Long Beach. Oscar will graduate this spring and aspires to work as a
counselor at a community college, supporting underrepresented communities in higher
Oscar Duran education.
Student Success Coach
Rio Hondo College

Anthony M. Espinoza (he/him/his) is a multiracial, first-generation, graduate student who
was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. After graduating from Rosemead High
School, he began his higher education journey at Rio Hondo College . In 2014, after earning
his A.A. at Rio Hondo, then transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he
earned his B.A. Currently, Anthony is a pursuing his M.S. at California State University,
Long Beach in Counseling, with an option in Student Development in Higher Education and
is set to graduate in May of 2021. As a product of the community college system, he hopes to
pay it forward and share his knowledge and lived experiences with students who are
considering community college as their starting point.
Anthony Espinoza
Student Success Coach
Rio Hondo College

2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE
2021 CHOICES CONFERENCE

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BREAKOUT
BREAKOUT



" IT STARTS WITH ME "




Glenn Heap was raised all over the country, in Connecticut, Arizona, Illinois and Northern
California before living in Peru as a young man. His degrees in Psychology and Marriage
and Family Therapy are from Sonoma State and Cal State LA. His teaching
credentials are from San Francisco State and Cal State Dominguez Hills. He’s worked as a
Group Home Counselor, a Social Worker for the Department of Children and Family
Services, as a teacher in elementary, middle, high school and college and as a therapist, both
in private practice and at Rio Hondo College. He and his wife Angelica Portillo are the
parents of three children. He loves pizza, good movies, 90’s hip hop and sports. He’s excited to
Glenn R. Heap, MS, LMFT be presenting in this conference.
Community Liaison/Therapist
Student Health & Psychological
Services,
Rio Hondo College

Mental Health/Health/Community Support







SPIRITT Family Services The Heart of Our Community
https://www.spiritt.org
With nearly 8,000 individuals served each year, SPIRITT’s strength-
based family-centered approach is designed to increase an
individual and family’s protective factors. SPIRITT Family Services
staff provides innovated, culturally-sensitive, evidence-based and
compassionate solutions to children, youth, adults and families.



Shield for Families
https://www.shieldsforfamilies.org/youth-mental-health-services/
SHIELDS’ Youth Mental Health programs provide counseling and therapy
services for youth and adolescents experiencing mental health disorders.


Jovenes
https://jovenesinc.org/
A home and family for those without, Jovenes helps youth, ages 18-25,
end their cycle of homelessness. Located in Boyle Heights and serving
communities throughout Southeast LA County, Jovenes works deeply
with our youth focusing on not only their needs for housing, but also
healthcare, education, employment and trauma recovery.



Safe and Confidential Teen Health Services
https://www.altamed.org/teens
The AltaMed Teen Center is a safe and welcoming space for all teens
and young adults, ages 12-19. Our health educators are available to
answer your questions about sexual health or to just talk about your
day. No matter what, we are here to provide you with accurate and
non-judgmental information so you can make healthier choices and
grow strong.


The Family Urgent Response System (FURS) is a Free 24/7/365
Hotline for current or former foster youth and their caregivers to call
and get immediate help for any big or small issues you may be having.
FURS is scheduled to launch March 2021!!
www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/foster-care/furs

Mental Health/Health/Community Support



Crisis Text Line
www.crisistextline.org
To get help or information on mental health services, call our 24/7
Access Helpline: 1 - 8 0 0 - 8 5 4 - 7 7 7 1 C R I S I S T E X T L I N E Text
“LA” to 741741

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people
between 10 to 24. Sometimes your struggle can be underestimated
because of your age. But we hear you, and help is available. 1-800-
273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/youth/


Helpline Youth Counseling (HYC)
https://www.hycinc.org/
HYC helps build individual, family, and community health, well-
being, prosperity, and equity. They are currently providing Grief &
loss workshops first Monday of the month 10am-11:30am. For more
information please contact (562) 341-1638.
https://www.hycinc.org/



Teen & Youth Help Hotline | Teenage Advice, Crisis & Depression Helpline
teenlineonline.org
TEEN LINE is a non-profit, community based organization that provides
emotional support to youth. It is our mission to provide peer based education
and support before problems become a crisis, using a national hotline,
community outreach and online support.

Compadres for Tabacco Free Los Angeles County
To empower the Latinx community towards improving their health by
utilizing resources and sharing information to create thriving smoke-free and
tobacco-free schools, clinics, and neighborhoods. Los Angeles County,
Division of Student Support Services, Contact , Ricardo Nevarez | Program
Activities Specialist, [email protected], 562) 922-6938


Penny Lane Centers
https://www.pennylane.org/pennylane/transitional-age-youth-tay-drop-
in-center/
Our mission is to assist and foster success for those who are LGBTQ identified
or questioning, foster youth, and/or experiencing homelessness between the
ages of 16-25 by creating a safe space for youth to achieve and prosper.

Mental Health/Health/Community Support





DMH Services for Transition Age Youth
https://dmh.lacounty.gov/our-services/transition-age-youth/
TAY programs focus on a number of priority populations to receive these
services, along with a specific emphasis on outreaching and engaging TAY
who are currently unserved and underserved.


Feeling stressed by COVID‐19?
https://www.calhope.org/Pages/default.aspx
Help is just a phone call away! CalHOPE Warm Line: (833) 317-HOPE

(4673) Are you frustrated? Stressed? Worried? Then call to talk with
people like yourself and get emotional support and coping tricks. We can
connect you with resources to help during these uncertain times.









Immigration Support Services







Los Angeles Office County of Education
Immigrant Relations (lacoe.edu)
For more information please contact Carolina Sheinfeld, Immigrant
Relations Coordinator, or call (562) 419-5275.




LAC4YOU | Los Angeles County | Office of Immigrant Affairs
(lacounty.gov)
The Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs works to advance
the wellbeing of immigrants who live, work and do business in the
county. The office connects immigrants with the services they need.

Education/Employment





Hispanic Outreach Taskforce (HOT) nonprofit 501 c (3) organization
https://www.hotoutreach.org/
HOT’s mission is to improve the quality of life for residents in the
community through programs that promote education, health,
economic development, financial literacy and the cultural arts. These
programs are held throughout the year allowing residents to acquire
the tools they need to improve the quality of their life.


Rio Hondo College
https://www.riohondo.edu/get-started/
Rio Hondo offers many strong career-technical programs, such as
nursing, fire and police academies, automotive and alternative fuels,
a full transfer curriculum, and basic skills courses and services. The
College also offers a rich complement of community service
programs on campus and at satellite locations.


Rio Hondo College, Career Technical Programs
Videos and Virtual Tours
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs prepare students by
providing them with the entry or advanced level knowledge and
skills critical for successful employment. Career programs offer an
alternative route to acquiring career skills and to furthering an
educational experience.


Rio Hondo America's Job Center

https://www.sassfa.org/youth/
Youth@Work services are targeted to priority youth populations
with the highest need, including: school dropouts, foster, probation,
homeless, Transitional Age Youth (TAY), and CalWORKs youth.



The Youth Employment Opportunity Program (YEOP)
https://edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/Youth_Employment_Opportunity_Pr
ogram.htm
YEOP provides special services to youth between the ages of 15 and 25 to assist
them in achieving their educational and vocational goals.

EVENT COMMITTEE


Arles Benavides, Russell Castańeda-Calleros, Jazmin Chavez,

Martha Carreon, Evelyn Casimiro, Maria Duarte Lemus, Grace
Galvan, Dr. David Gonzalez, Francisco Meza, John Salgado, Edna
Tristan, Claudia Romo, Jess Montes, Rafael Ramirez, Daisy Rios,
Norma Yoguez and Ana Xulu.


VOLUNTEERS



SPIRITT Family Services
Rio Hondo College students

Hispanic Outreach Taskforce


CONTRIBUTORS

SPIRITT Family Services
SPA 7 Child Abuse Council

Rio Hondo College

Hispanic Outreach Taskforce
Prevention & Aftercare

Whittier Union School District

El Rancho Unified School District
El Monte Union High School District

South El Monte High School

VISION STATEMENT “Youth who attend this conference will leave with hope,
empowerment, knowledge, confidence, and a connection to a community that cares.”