Who We Are
Stars is a community that affirms, equips and emboldens young people to pursue a life of purpose, service and meaning.
Vision
A thriving, interdependent community where lives are transformed.
Isaiah 65:17-25
Values
Dignity, Mutuality, Interdependence, Reinvestment, Advocacy, Cultural humility, Christ-centered
The staff of Stars
Amy Cardenas
College Success Program Manager
Beth Winton
Director of Engagement
Camilla Flores Hernandez
Stars 45 Program Leader
Carl Clark
Social Justice Americorps VISTA
Chip Williams
Director of Mentoring Initiatives
Christian Sanchez
Middle School Stars Program Manager
Curt Gibson
Associate Director
Diana Bravo
Stars K23 Program Manager
Diana Tobar
Digital and Social Media Americorps VISTA
Donna Whitman
Special Projects Coordinator
Eric Johnson
Associate Director
Eric Watts
Stars 45 Program Manager
Janet Wilson
Mentor Coach
Jasmin Peña
College Success Program Coordinator
Karyn Farrar-Perkins
Director of Education Initiatives
Keanu Monterroso
Director of Operations
Lidia Gallegos
Mentoring Administrative Coordinator
Michelle Klop
Development Coordinator
Miriam Tellez
Volunteer Coordinator
Nancy Stiles
Executive Director
Perla Moreno
Wellness Coordinator
Sabrina Cardenas
Stars K23 Program Leader
Whitney Martinez
Administrative & Development Coordinator
Our History
Since the founding on March 1, 2001, LACF has been dedicated to providing a wide variety of programs for youth and families from vulnerable communities in Pasadena. STARS, an after-school program for elementary students started by a community member in 1996, was put under the auspices of LACF so that it could expand and develop. LACF was able to expand the STARS program that first year through a grant from the James Irvine Foundation and in partnership with CORAL (Communities Organizing Resources to Advance Learning). Since our beginning, LACF has seen steady growth:
2002:
Started Mentoring and Homeless Outreach programs. Since its inception, 100% of the students who have participated in our Mentoring Program have graduated from high school. More than 80% have gone on to attend a community college or four-year university.
2005:
Launched Teen MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) component of Mentoring.
2008:
Added Youth Violence Intervention component to Mentoring to reach out to gang-involved youth in the area.
2009:
Started the Middle and High School component of STARS and initiated Adopt-A-School at Blair School to bring volunteers and resources to the school.
2010:
Launched the Summer SKILLZ Credit Reclamation program in collaboration with Pasadena Unified School District, Flintridge Center, and other Pasadena-area organizations. This program serves more than 100 students.
2011:
Completed an extensive strategic plan, including redesigning the Elementary STARS program and creating a Family Engagement position.
2012:
Began implementing the new Elementary STARS program and Family Engagement Specialist position.
2014:
Opened a second STARS elementary site called North STARS in partnership with Because You Matter (a non-profit started by Montrose Church).
Divided middle school and high school into two distinct programs to meet each age group’s needs. HS program focuses on college readiness.