Guest Speaker: Vanessa Gonzales, Pasadena Health Department, and Darion Mauldin, the Fatherhood Program

This week, we were honored to welcome Vanessa Gonzales, a mental health specialist from the Pasadena Public Health Department, and Darion Mauldin, a coordinator with the Fatherhood Program at the Los Angeles Department of Health.

Ms. Gonzales spoke to our young men about the importance of mental health and encouraged them to treat it with the same care as physical health. She led them through meditation exercises, and they shared how the experience made them feel afterward.

Mr. Mauldin discussed how we often adopt traits from the people we surround ourselves with—such as parents, teachers, and mentors. He emphasized the importance of being aware of these influences so we can pass on positive values to our own children in the future.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this possible and continues to support us. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us. Thank you! 👍🏾