Alliance for Community Empowerment

Meet Jessica, one of our incredible staff members who graduated from RUTH YouthBuild and joined the ACE team to give back to the community that raised her. 💛 One of the most rewarding parts about working at ACE is witnessing our participants find their voice and step into their purpose. Since the moment Jessica walked into YouthBuild as a student, she was determined to grow beyond her comfort zone and reach her goal of not only graduating, but becoming a leader in her class. Jessica now works as one of our dedicated Safe Passage Workers, keeping students at Canoga Park High School safe by being a visible presence before and after school, monitoring school perimeters for safety concerns, de-escalating any conflicts, and serving as a positive role model for the youth. She’s a light to those who meet her and she embodies the ACE spirit through and through. Thank you Jessica for all that you do for our community!! We are so lucky to have you on the team. 🧡 If you’ve been looking for a sign to finish your high school education and go after your dreams in 2026, this is it. At RUTH YouthBuild, you’ll be seen as more than just a student, you’ll be supported as a whole individual with your own experiences, struggles, talents, and skills. Learn more and enroll for our next trimester at ace4change.org/youthbuild! 🎓 #youthbuild #sanfernandovalley #ruthyouthbuild #canogapark #safepassage

“My story isn’t just about freedom. It’s about responsibility, redemption, and using your second chance to help someone else find theirs.” Patrick Hernandez, a Community Organizer here at ACE, is living proof of what it means to believe in second chances. Join us this Giving Tuesday and help ensure more people like Patrick get the support, dignity, and opportunities they deserve. ♥️ We can’t thank you enough for championing our mission and continuing to pour love and support into the San Fernando Valley. Believing in second chances doesn’t just breathe life into an individual’s journey, it breathes life into an entire community. 🙏🏽🫂 Please spread the word and if you’re able, click above to donate today. Every single dollar makes a difference and supports our programs in our beloved 818!! #ace4change #sanfernandovalley #givingtuesday #secondchances #reentrymatters #reentryprograms #communitylove #communityviolenceintervention

A huge THANK YOU to @shiftourways for hosting our RUTH YouthBuild students yesterday! We had the best time learning about food sovereignty, regenerative agriculture, and all the incredible work their team is doing at their beautiful “backyard farms” located right in Reseda and Arleta! This field trip was a part of our Environmental Science and Green Careers class that we offer in partnership with @treepeople_org funded by @canaturalresourcesagency . 💚🌳 @shiftourways started out as a small mutual aid project back in 2020 and has since grown into a full backyard farm where they donate 100% of their harvest, four days a week, to community members who need it most. Everything they do is rooted in community care, intentionality, and a deep respect for the land that nurtures and nourishes us. Since launching, they’ve been able to: 🗑️ Divert 2,500 pounds of food waste 🥕 Grow & distribute 500 pounds of organic produce to the community 🍎 Hire 9 youth & community harvest interns Thank you again for showing us around the farm (and letting us feed your sweet chickens)!! We loved every second and can’t wait to be back. 🐓👩🏽‍🌾 #ruthyouthbuild #youthbuild #backyardfarming #greenliving #shiftourwayscollective

Students from our sites at Moreno Valley YouthBuild, Compton YouthBuild, LA CAUSA YouthBuild, and RUTH YouthBuild traveled to Sacramento on April 30th to take part in “Voices for Change: Sacramento Youth Activation and Listening Session,” a youth-centered event that brought together young people from across the Sacramento region to share their experiences, ideas, and solutions for building stronger and supportive communities. This event was intentionally designed to uplift youth who have historically been left out of conversations that shape policy and legislative change, especially historically marginalized youth who have had limited access to government decision-making spaces. At the event, our young people had an opportunity to connect with their peers, state and community leaders, educators, and Youth Empowerment Commission (YEC) representatives to discuss some of the most pressing topics effecting youth—such as education, mental health, housing, and well-being— to learn how their voices can help shape real change in their schools, neighborhoods, and across California. Thank you to @reachingatpromisestudents , COYN, @newwaystowork , and the California Youth Empowerment Commission @ca_yenetwork for inviting us to participate in this event! #youthbuild #voicesforchange #youthbuildcharter #youthleadership #sacramento

HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY to all our incredible educators at RUTH YouthBuild! 🧡🍎 We are so grateful to have such talented teachers who show up day after day with so much heart, dedication, and passion for teaching and mentoring our youth. Your hard work and thoughtfulness doesn’t go unnoticed! Mr. B, Mr. J, Mr. M, Miss Zoe, Miss Fefe, and Mr. Chris — THANK YOU for all that you do. RUTH YouthBuild would be nothing without the energy, patience, joy, jokes, and genuine care you bring to class. 🫶 #thankyouteachers #ruthyouthbuild #teacherappreciationday #teacherappreciationweek #sanfernandovalley

En mi barrio, hay arte. “In My Neighborhood — In My Varrio” brought Canoga Park together in the most beautiful way at the @dca_taxcotheatre on Owensmouth. Curated by the incredible Joe Tovar @joe__tovar in partnership with @ace4change and @mainstreetcanogapark - this night was a love letter to this community. Classic cars lined up out front. Spoken word filled the air with stories of joy and resilience. Chicano art, student work, and pieces from Joe and fellow artists covered the walls. And DJ Way Back Grooves wayyback_grooves spun the classics — Jackson 5 and beyond — on real records. 🎶 This is what culture looks like when a community tells its own story. Stay tuned for the next “In My neighborhood” art show and event coming back to 7242 Owensmouth Ave, Canoga Park at the @dca_taxcotheatre May 30th, 2026 4-8pm #InMyVarrio #InMyNeighborhood #CanogaPark #canogaparkart #artshow

Thank you to everyone who supported and attended our annual Second Chance Re-entry Empowerment Resource Fair this past weekend!! From the powerful testimonials we heard on stage to all the connections that were made, it was such a beautiful day. As Second Chance Month wraps up, we want to remind our community that there are so many resources to support you through your re-entry journey. Whether you’re looking for job training, mental heath support, housing, or essential needs — please reach out and ask for support! You never have to walk this journey alone. 🧡 #reentrymatters #reentryprograms #secondchances #canogapark #sanfernandovalley

What does freedom really mean? While incarcerated, Michael believed freedom meant being outside of prison. But when he came home, he still felt trapped. He realized prison is not just a place. It can also be a state of mind. In his Success Bell story, Michael shares how choosing vulnerability helped him move forward. He also offers advice for individuals who are currently incarcerated. Start working on yourself now. Stay open to change. And believe that a different future is possible. Freedom, for Michael, became more than release. It became healing, growth, and the opportunity to build a new path. Watch Michael’s full Success Bell story to hear how he redefined freedom.

IN THE HEART OF CANOGA PARK, TAXCO THEATRE’S 2ND ANNUAL “IN MY VARRIO I SEE” EXHIBITION BROUGHT TO LIFE CHICANO ART AND CULTURE The exhibition opened April 25, 2026, presented by ACE and Taxco Theatre, curated by Joe Tovar. @dca_taxcotheatre @ace4change @_salvoarte_ The exhibition featured local artists, spoken words, car clubs, and space for community building. The tunes took it Wayyback, back into time and connected the art, culture, and community. The Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE) provides resources to San Fernando Valley residents, including job training, education, housing, and mental health support to overcome systemic barriers. The organization assists individuals with navigating life challenges and transitioning to new opportunities. Following a $1.4 million renovation, the Taxco Theatre reopened on February 26, 2024, as a publicly-owned Department of Cultural Affairs facility. Located in Canoga Park, this renovated space serves as an “arts incubator” for local artists, nonprofits, community organizations, and students to develop and produce new music, dance, and theater works. @dca_performingarts #community #sanfernandovalley #canogapark

TODAY! TAXCO THEATRE AT 4PM! Brother Joe says BE THERE!! 🫡♥️🧡💫 We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the second annual In My Varrio I See exhibition, a showcase of local Chicano art and special spoken word performances from young poets from Canoga Park! It’s going to be an incredible night celebrating community expression and creativity. We hope to see you there!!! ♥️ 📍Taxco Theatre @dca_taxcotheatre 7242 Owensmouth Avenue, Canoga Park Doors open at 4PM | Spoken word begins at 6PM #inmyvarrio #sanfernandovalley #canogapark #communitylove #taxcotheatre

TOMORROW!!! 📣🗣️ Join us for our annual Second Chance Re-entry Empowerment Resource Fair this Saturday, April 25th from 10:00AM - 2:00PM right in Canoga Park! This is a *free* community event designed to support individuals impacted by the justice system or anyone who is experiencing a job loss or a difficult transition in life. If you’re looking to build the future you deserve, this event is for you. All attendees will have access to: 🔸Job training and employment resources 🔸Reentry and supportive services 🔸Educational opportunities 🔸Networking with community partners 🔸Opportunities to help kickstart their next chapter 🔸Food & refreshments No sign-up is needed—just show up and join us! We hope to see you there. 💪🏽 📍Saturday, April 25th | 10:00AM - 2:00PM 6925 Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park #sanfernandovalley #canogapark #reentrymatters #reentryprograms #secondchances

Meet Melissa Perez, one of the incredible poets who will be performing at the In My Varrio I See exhibition this Saturday, April 25th, at the Taxco Theatre!! Melissa is an amazing writer and spoken word artist who transforms her pain into power and who never shies away from vulnerability. Her poetry is visceral, honest, and beautifully visual, painting vivid mental images of her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 🧡 Please join us this Saturday at the @dca_taxcotheatre to witness Melissa’s poetry in person, along with three other talented young poets from Canoga Park. The night will be filled with stunning art curated by our beloved community member and ACE staff member @_salvoarte_ , music by DJ Wayyback, and light refreshments and snacks. Doors open at 4PM, and spoken word performances begin at 6PM! 🎤 Don’t miss out! Come celebrate the talent of Canoga Park and witness some real community love. We hope to see you there! #inmyvarrioisee #youngpoets #canogapark #sanfernandovalley #taxcotheatre