“GYA is Important Because it Works!”

(Pictured left to right: Frank Quintero and Jess Duran)

GYA was founded 32 years ago by community members who saw the need for an important change for the young members in the community. GYA sat down with one of the founders, Jess Duran, to talk about the origins and the future of the organization.

GYA: Mr. Duran, how was GYA founded?

J.D. When I was the Assistant Director of Community Development and Housing, a group of prominent community business leaders who were part of a committee at the Chamber of Commerce did a survey with youth in Glendale. They asked them what was the biggest need they had to address whatever idle time they had as teenagers. You know, if they had too much time and nothing to do, they would be very likely to begin to get into trouble. And so, the feedback they got was that most of the youth said it would be great if they could get jobs. At that time, you had to wait until you were 18 years old to be able to get employed. This committee of businessmen (one of the members were Frank Quintero, Jack Quinn, Cindy Chong-the manager of the Glendale Galleria and others) approached the City Manager, Dave Ramsey requesting to see how we could fulfill this need in our community for our youth. By the City Manager’s assignment, I met with the group, and we decided to develop a youth program. One of the first things that we did was to form a nonprofit which became GYA. We also decided that the organization will be a collaboration between the nonprofit and the City of Glendale. It will be comprised of the community, businesspeople, board members and the city employees as well, because the city was prominent in implementing the functions. This made GYA a unique organization.

GYA: How were you recruiting participants for GYA programs? What was the reaction of the community?

J.D. I remember the reaction was very positive. It was always a very popular program with the City Council because it was a major effort to help youth become employable, especially low-income youth who really needed the support. I know that the board and the committee members did a lot of outreach to their own organizations and their business friends to create jobs where the youth could be placed. However, most of the referrals came from the school district.

GYA: Why do you think GYA is still important?

J.D. It is important because it works, and it works just as effectively and just as far reach as it was 32 years ago! The issues and the needs of our youth have not gone away. They may, in fact, be greater now. We’re hearing very recently about affordability crisis in the United States, and I think this will contribute to trying to address that for some families. Also, there is a broader definition of youth with disabilities these days, and GYA provides extra help with life skills training job readiness, preparing them to look and act like they can be effective members of the workforce. This is something that very few nonprofits can do.

It still amazes me how committed the board of directors are! You can hear it in their voices; you can see it in their actions. That tells me that GYA is still needed because the committee wants it and they’re going to make it needed for as long as they can.

Meet the New Caretaker of Casa Adobe de San Rafael-a GYA Success Story!

Thomas Hernandez has one of the most inspiring journeys at GYA.

Thomas started his path with GYA through the Los Angeles County-funded Youth at Work program, while also studying to become a plumber. During the program, his strong work ethic quickly stood out, and his supervisor Alfred Garciga, encouraged him to apply for the Youth Apprentice position with the City of Glendale.

After completing his grant-funded hours, Thomas was hired by the City and went on to serve as a supervisor for GYA’s original Summer Brush program. In recognition of his dedication and leadership, Thomas was named one of seven Employee of the Year awardees at GYA 32^nd Luncheon and Award Ceremony in October 2025.

But an even greater opportunity was still ahead.

When the Caretaker position at Casa Adobe de San Rafael with the Community Services & Parks Department became available, it proved to be a perfect fit. As Thomas was preparing to age out of the foster care system without permanent housing, the role offered both stability and a path forward. With high recommendations for his work ethic in the GYA program, Thomas secured the job!  

Congratulations, Thomas! We can’t wait to see what heights you are going to achieve and make everyone at GYA proud!