Who We Are
SFYO is more than an organization—we are a community of mentors, advocates, and caring adults who believe every young person deserves to be seen, supported, and given a real opportunity to succeed.
Through personalized mentorship, educational support, workforce development, life-skills training, leadership development, and community engagement, we help youth and young adults build confidence, discover their purpose, and create a more stable future.
Our work happens wherever young people need us—at schools, homes, courts, workplaces, and safe community spaces throughout the San Fernando Valley and neighboring communities. We meet youth where they are, build relationships rooted in trust, and walk alongside them as they move forward.
The People Behind the Mission
Our impact begins with people who genuinely care.
SFYO brings together educators, mentors, advocates, community leaders, and professionals with experience in youth development, education, workforce development, and family support. Many members of our team also understand hardship personally. They have overcome barriers, rebuilt their lives, pursued education, and returned to their communities ready to lead by example.
That lived experience helps us connect with young people honestly. Our mentors show youth that circumstances do not define their future, growth is always possible, and second chances matter.
To us, mentorship is more than a position—it is the responsibility to show up with compassion, consistency, and purpose. Skills can be taught, but genuine heart and care for others cannot.
Elizabeth Maya
Elizabeth Maya’s passion for serving youth was not created in a boardroom. It was shaped by personal loss, lived experience, resilience, and a deep belief that no young person should face life’s hardest moments alone.
Together with her husband, Elizabeth opened her home and heart to two teenagers in foster care. That experience gave her a firsthand understanding of the emotional, educational, and systemic barriers young people often face while searching for stability, guidance, and belonging. It also showed her the extraordinary strength that emerges when someone believes in a young person and refuses to give up.
The loss of her brothers to substance abuse gave that calling even greater urgency. Her grief became a mission to help young people feel seen, supported, and valued before their struggles become something they must carry alone.
SFYO grew from one powerful belief: one caring adult, one meaningful opportunity, and one safe support system can change the direction of a young person’s life.
Meet Our Founder
&
Executive Director
How We Support Every Youth
Our Impact Model shows how we walk alongside young people—from the moment they share their struggles to the point where they are stable, confident, and ready for their future.
01
Connection
Building trust through consistent presence and authentic community relationships.
02
Assessment
Identifying personal needs and challenges to create a tailored support roadmap.
03
Goal Setting
Defining three personal goals that become the foundation for the journey.
04
Mentorship
One-on-one guidance to walk alongside youth through growth and challenges.
05
Independence
Achieving stability and self-sufficiency through developed expertise and skills.
01
Mentorship
Guiding the Future. One-on-one guidance from experienced community leaders.
Our Strategic Program Areas
02
Education
Knowledge Empowers. Resources and tutoring to ensure youth excel academically.
Programs
03
Community
Connecting Hearts. Fostering belonging through local projects and volunteer work.
04
Carrer Prep
Building Careers. Practical tools and expertise needed for workforce success.
Our Vision
Our mission is to make sure no young person faces life’s challenges alone. We meet youth with compassion, believe in their potential, and connect them with the guidance, skills, and opportunities they need to heal, grow, and create a future beyond their circumstances.
Stay informed about our programs, success stories, and impact on our youth.
Our Mission
The San Fernando Youth Organization empowers underserved youth and young adults to break barriers, discover their potential, and build brighter futures through mentorship, education, workforce development, financial literacy, mental health support, and community engagement. We believe every young person deserves hope, opportunity, and the tools to thrive. Together, we inspire resilience, leadership, independence, and lasting positive change.