Last year, Joseph’s family of five moved from our Villaggio on Route 66 community to their own home in Rancho Cucamonga – an incredible achievement that brought the 14-year-old an entirely new life experience – complete with a backyard and even a pool.
But despite the new amenities, something was missing.
So, he came back.
Today, Joseph volunteers at the very after-school program that shaped his childhood, offering guidance to the next generation of kids growing up at Villaggio.
“The after-school program was where I found myself and could truly express who I was,” Joseph said. “They were some of the best years of my life. I have so many memories here that it’s hard to just leave it completely. It’s part of me now.”
Joseph joined the after-school program when he was just 7.
From weekend morning soccer games to afternoons filled with laughter and learning, for six years Joseph was surrounded by friends and mentors who helped shape his journey. The after-school program also offered peace of mind for his parents, knowing he was growing up in a community that cared.
Through homework help, enrichment activities and strong mentorship, the Building Bright Futures program is designed to empower young people to thrive – academically, socially and emotionally. It is an essential element of Hope through Housing’s mission to break the generational cycle of poverty.
Joseph said those early years remain some of his most cherished memories.
“What I miss the most is being able to go outside and just be with my friends,” he said. “I was always with people, so I never felt lonely.”
Now a high school freshman, Joseph is maintaining a 4.0 GPA, serving as class president and even working on his first book. He dreams of becoming a doctor, specializing in mental health. It is a path inspired by a career day with Celine, a member of the Women of Hope, who shared her journey in healthcare.
“That conversation made me realize that guiding people through their hardest moments is a privilege. I want to be able to do that, not just for people I know, but for anyone who needs it,” Joseph said.
He credits much of his success and motivation to the people at Hope through Housing – especially service coordinator Stephanie Joseph.
“Joseph was always a leader. Even as a young child, he had a maturity about him – always helping the younger kids, always asking questions,” Stephanie said. “To see him come back and give back, it’s inspiring. He’s become exactly the kind of role model we hoped to nurture.”
As he continues to volunteer, Joseph hopes to instill values of patience and respect in the children he now mentors.
“Volunteering gives me a sense of fulfillment,” he said. “It’s what keeps me going – and I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it weren’t for the after-school program.”