The original vision for this project, created by John Pentz, was to provide local children in need with a safe after-school space where they could learn, grow, and enjoy a better quality of life. The location was carefully chosen at the heart of the community, where there is a high concentration of low-income families, and within a 2-kilometer radius of 17 local schools—making it easily accessible to the children who need it most. This ensured the project would have the greatest possible impact.

The vision was always long-term: to build in phases, gradually adding facilities and programs. Thanks to the support of the community and the generosity of donors from Mexico, the United States, and Canada, that dream has become a reality. Today, the center is a safe haven where children can thrive.

The transformation began in 2017. What was once a two-hectare municipal trash site has been completely renewed. We removed 312 truckloads of waste, replaced the soil with 200 truckloads of clean earth, and installed a vapor barrier. Construction on the first building began in 2018, and by 2019, the vision took a major step forward with the completion of a 16,000-square-foot facility.

In 2020, during the unexpected challenge of the pandemic, we partnered with Alianza Comunitaria BCS to respond to urgent community needs. Our facility became a storage and distribution center for meals, allowing us to support thousands of families during that critical time.

This marked the first major step of the Community Youth Center in action—bringing our mission to life and proving that, together, we can create lasting change.

By 2021, the Youth Center officially opened its doors to the community, launching activities alongside the first resident organizations.

Thanks to the continued generosity of donors from Mexico, the United States, and Canada, we are building more than a center—we are creating a safe, supportive space where children can learn, grow, and dream without limits.