New initiative launches to support and mentor youth in Imperial County

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - A new community organization is launching in the Imperial Valley with a clear mission: To fill development gaps and help local families and youth thrive.

The Protect Children Imperial County Coalition aims to unite parents, law enforcement, and local professionals to build a stronger support system for the region's next generation.

According to coalition founder Rosa Diaz, the initiative stems directly from systemic challenges that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns left many children isolated, out of school, and drifting without clear guidance.

"Parents had to work, no fault of them, but [kids] were being left alone," Diaz said. "I thought there has to be a program that's going to keep them involved and keep them thinking about the future."

To address these needs, the coalition's roadmap includes but is not limited to:

• Hands-on parent coaching and caregiver support groups.
• Teen pregnancy resources and mentorship for young parents.
• Financial assistance to help low-income families afford youth sports and local activities.

Organizers emphasize that keeping youth active and engaged prevents them from falling into unsafe situations. Without reliable mentors, goals, or hobbies, idle teenagers can easily succumb to negative community influences.

"When a kid doesn't think about tomorrow, everything is about today," Diaz explained. "They're not gonna be kids forever...they're gonna be adults. What can we do to help them and guide them to get there?"

The coalition relies heavily on experienced local voices to power its youth mentorship framework. Giovanni Castellon, a father and coalition mentor, brings 15 years of law enforcement experience to the organization. He has seen the rise of local juvenile crime firsthand.

"The ones that are out running around at one in the morning, committing crime...those are the ones that we wanna help," Castellon said.

For Castellon, the mission hits close to home. Growing up in Brawley, he witnessed the long-term impact of poor decision-making on his peers. He wants a different trajectory for his own children and the youth of Imperial County.

"I just don't want to see my kids go down a path that will not benefit them in the end," Castellon said. "I know people that I grew up with that are not around anymore because of certain decisions that they made."

Ultimately, leadership hopes this expanding network of mentors and resources will guide the valley's youth away from crime and toward becoming the county's next generation of leaders.

The Protect Children Imperial County Coalition is officially open to new members, community partners, and financial sponsors.

Residents interested in joining or supporting the initiative can email protectchildrenic@gmail.com.