A Los Angeles native raised in the Echo Park-Westlake area, Alexis Cabrera works as a Community Intervention Worker with Heluna Health’s Youth Development Services (YDS) serving the very neighborhood that helped shape him. Though his journey with YDS began by chance, Alexis has now been with the program for six years and is deeply committed to his work. “It’s not just a 9-5 job for me,” he says. “It’s a calling.”
YDS works in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD), established in July of 2007, and is part of a network of programs that spans 23 zones across the City of Los Angeles. Heluna Health’s YDS program has offices in Hollywood and Rampart, providing gang intervention and prevention services to community members in those areas. YDS uses an evidence-based case management model that provides wraparound services, including job training, gang tattoo removal, community engagement events, specialized workshops, and referrals to other social services.
“At its core, YDS focuses on personal transformation through mentorship, strong relationships and community-based support,” says Johanna Britto, YDS Project Supervisor. “Our goal is to guide youth toward healing, personal growth, and long-term success by fostering resilience and connecting them to meaningful opportunities and resources, and by showing them love and understanding when they walk through our doors.”
Along with his passion, Alexis brings a unique perspective on the circumstances of the young people he works with at YDS. “I was that kid hanging out on the streets, doing things I wasn’t supposed to be doing,” he shares. “If somebody were to come up to me at age 16 and try to offer me resources, I probably wouldn’t have been so thrilled. But now, having that experience, it gives me a better understanding of how to approach the kids and how to support them.”
“Alexis is often the first point of contact with the youth we serve,” shares Britto. His ability to engage with young people in their own environment helps establish trust early on, which is critical for the long-term success of our program. In building those relationships, Alexis sets the foundation for deeper connection, healing, and growth.”
Alexis and the YDS staff work hard to tailor their programming to the specific community members they are serving at that particular time. “Everything we do is intentional,” says Cabrera. “So, we’re not just doing random workshops; they have a purpose.” Topics for these sessions range from financial literacy to healthy relationships and maintaining personal hygiene.
In addition to scheduled workshops, the staff are always ready to adapt and meet the young people where they are. “Every day is different,” says Cabrera. “Sometimes you’re out in the field, sometimes people drop in. You really just have to be flexible and address the issues at hand. For me, it’s fun and it makes the days interesting.”
YDS is a vital pillar within the community, providing essential resources to young people and their families — resources they might not otherwise have access to. More than just a program, YDS creates a safe and welcoming space where young people are valued and empowered.
“For many of our young adults, they’re dealing with a lot and they’re putting on a mask when they leave the house every day,” shares Cabrera. “They might be seen as difficult, or loud, but when they get here, they can take off that mask and just be themselves, and connect with us and receive the support they need.”
“The work can be challenging sometimes, but knowing that I’m coming in everyday and making an impact for the community that I grew up in, it feels good.”
