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LAYC has been creating comprehensive programming based on youth needs for over 30 years, but sometimes it is the youth themselves who define and inspire staff to develop a program. Take, for example, LAYC's Teen Center Weight Room, a sparsely used space with random mismatched equipment, until three young men wandered into LAYC looking for something to do.

Says Teen Center staff member Franklin Peralta, an avid fitness buff, "I noticed these three guys coming to use the weight room every day, so I started talking to them about proper equipment usage. Once I saw how committed they were, we worked together to form a training program, which included scheduled workouts focusing on muscle group development and long-term health habits." Still going strong three years later, the program now has a daily attendance of 10 young men and women, the maximum capacity for the weight room, who are dedicated to fitness.

Founding members Robinson (Tito) Escalante, Jefferson Cardova, and Joan Mesa are the driving force behind the program. "It is about more than just working out for them," says Peralta. "They have a bond, and it has inspired me and all of the youth who now attend the program these three young men created."

LAYC ‘s Youth Spotlight welcomes you to read a three part series about each of these young men-each has chosen a very different future, but all share a unique bond built on the program that now thrives based on their example.

Franklin Peralta and Tito Escalante.

Meet Tito: For Tito Escalante, scheduling is everything. Between classes at Prince Georges Community College, where he is a Criminal Justice Major, his part-time job, studying for the entrance test for the Prince George's County Police Force, and family commitments, there isn't time for much else. But Tito says, " I will always make time to be at LAYC and in the weight room. My time there is incredibly important."

Tito arrives three times a week to LAYC promptly at 4 o'clock and heads to the Drop-In Center. In that tiny weight room, Tito has been able to accomplish things he never thought possible. "I found something that got me off the streets and taught me not just about weight -lifting but life lessons. I have learned so much from Franklin, he is a big brother to me, always encouraging me to get out there and do- and to never wait- and that's why I make my schedule work."

"It's about the guys too," Tito adds. "We are there for each other and motivate each other. In the weight room, we talk about school, our careers, and our futures. Any disagreements or arguments outside the weight room, they just don't matter. We get to lead by example for the younger youth who want to work out, too."

Seconds Peralta, "Tito's a role model to other youth and to me. His commitment, energy, and dedication inspire me. His peers know that if Tito can balance his hectic schedule and accomplish his goal of becoming a police officer, so can they."

Stay tuned for part two about the Weight Room 3!

The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) is proud to announce that it will be entering into an investment agreement with Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP) as a sub-grantee for the youthCONNECT initiative. This initiative has been funded in part by the Social Innovation Fund of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Promotor Pathway is the key component of LAYC's participation in youthCONNECT.