They call themselves the braves, the conquerors, the champions, and the advocates. These names, used to identify different age groups of the youth at Pomona Hope, hint at the kind of neighborhood where they live.

“It’s a tough area,” shared Executive Director Emily Budiyanto. “It’s known for prostitution, drug use, high crime, and low-incomes.”

Pomona Hope serves up to 65 local youth in south Pomona every afternoon.

Not only is it an afterschool program, but it’s a haven of safety and support for kids who are fortunate enough to be in the program. In this neighborhood, where drive-by shooting are all too common, the organization was created to be an answer to crime and injustice.

It started in a garage 14 years ago, and today occupies an almost centuryold building on the property of the First Presbyterian Church.

Each day, 14 classrooms are filled with students, helping them to complete homework, enhancing reading skills, and providing fitness and art activities. Budiyanto says that, ultimately, the goal is to empower youth to create their own change, overcome life obstacles, and accomplish greater things.

Pomona Hope is one of 44 organizations recently selected to receive a grant from Inland Empire United Way. Atotal of $555,000 is being distributed to local nonprofit organizations as the result of thousands of local individuals who contribute to United Way’s Community Impact Fund.

Nonprofits from throughout the region were invited to submit detailed applications documenting their organizational history and mission, past successes, and proposed use of funding.

Applications were reviewed and scored by a team of local volunteers to ensure that only those nonprofits making the greatest impact would receive support.

Each selected organization has a demonstrated track record for impacting lives aligned with one of United Way’s three community impact goals – helping youth from low-income families to be healthier, to graduate from high school prepared for college or career, and to move from poverty to selfsufficiency.

At Pomona Hope, it’s apparent that they are shaping a better future for the next generation. To view the entire list of grantees and to learn how you can help, visit www. IEUW.org/news.