Crossroads Youth Intervention Through Athletics

Mission: Crossroads was established by community members and officers in the Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) to provide at-risk and disadvantaged youth, who otherwise would not be able to afford the costs of joining a sports team, a chance to learn how to wrestle, free of charge. Crossroads is a non-profit organization established to mentor, counsel, and train disadvantaged at-risk youth.

Year Founded: 2011

Principals: John Paez, Founder and Officer Jessy Arana

Location: San Fernando, Pacoima, Sylmar, Sun Valley, Arleta and Panorama City

Number of Kids Served: 120 annually

Silver Bullet Grant: Wrestling Mat and Wrestling Equipment

Charity Group Comments: ““As the founder of Crossroads and an avid supporter of at-risk youth, I understand the importance of installing pride, dignity, and integrity in our youth. For the last 21 years, I have personally witnessed that sports can bring change in the lives of teenagers and young children. I can speak from experience, as I was born and raised in the city of Pacoima, CA and was labeled an “at-risk youth” myself.” John Paez