The Lalo Gunther Story
Lalo joined a gang as a teenager. He was arrested, served time in the California Youth Authority, and now is a college graduate, a husband, homeowner, and incredible public speaker. To view his short after story, click here. Lalo and Dara are now expecting their first baby who is expected to be a girl. 

The Lt. Sion Brannan Story Part II Part III
Sion joined a gang during his teen years. He was shot in the stomach and almost died when he was 19 years old. He left the gang scene, began college, graduated from CalPoly, became a high school teacher, and after 9/11 decide to serve his country as an Officer/Airborne Ranger in the U.S. Army.

The Jose Orozco Story
Jose lost both parents when he was barely a teen. After dropping out of high school, he was mentored while working at a Jack in the Box. He obtained his GED, graduated college, and is now in his last year of law school. He was recently elected as President of the student bar.

The Agustin Pena Story
From being an at-risk teenager, Agustin began to dream about becoming a school teacher and ultimately an attorney. He is in his last year of SDSU, is a substitute teacher in San Diego's Juvenile Hall, and has plans of attending law school next year. In 2007, Agustin lost his 14 year old brother who was shot in a random act of violence.

The Jennifer Van Luyn Story
Jennifer was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Most would be angry and give up. Jennifer decided she wanted to be an example to her two children, and went to college and graduated with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. She still is battling for her life and encourages those around her all the while.

The Jose Antonio Story
Jose Antonio had no family, and after coming to the U.S. illegally, was sent back to Mexico. He lived on the streets for many years eating out of trash cans, using heroin, and resorting to crime and prostitution. He has now been drug free for over two years, and is working and a productive member of his community.

The Tsitsi Mutseta Story
Tsitsi was brought to the united states via human trafficking. She was held for three years, and finally was able to break away. She now attends college at SDSU and leads a fight with her newfound friend Jennifer to fight AIDS in Africa through their non profit organization. 

The Shawn (Platter) Shuman Story
Shawn was victimized by a police officer when she was young teenager. Under the guise of babysitting, the police officer had sex with her and threatened her. She shares her story for the first time. Shawn is now married and in the process of writing a book about her story.

The Mario & Karina Torres Story
Mario and Karina Torres have a remarkable story. Karina was molested by her school music teacher who was prosecuted. Mario stood by her, and they later married and now have a little girl. They have a heart for others and love to be an encouragement to those around them.

The Ericka Cordero Story
Ericka Cordero courageously shares her story of being victimized for most of her life, and how she has been able to overcome and persevere in her life. She now counsels young people encouraging them to change their life and make good decisions.

Jeanette's Story
Jeanette enduring the murder of her mother when she was only ten years old. Unfortunately, the suspect in the case was her step father. Jeanette shares her story candidly.

Luis and Lucia Castillo
Luis and Lucia Castillo work hard for their family and do everything to raise their two children, one more on the way, the best way they know how. They desire to do for their children what they wished they would have had. Luis did not have a positive father role model, and seeks to be that for his children.They have a heart for others and love to be an encouragement to those around them.

Joel and Kyla Festerly Story
Joel and Kyla Festerly have an incredible story of natural childbirth. Joel was born at home with natural childbirth while Kyla was born in the hospital. They now teach natural childbirth classes. They have a heart for others and love to be an encouragement to those around them.

Sgt. Garry Gison
Garry Gison not only serves our country in the U.S. Army, he also is a mentor in the community. He is called upon by many probation officers to assess and help young people to strategize for their future.

State Parole PAC Meeting
California State Department of Corrections holds PAC meetings upon releasing groups of inmates back into the communities. PowerMentor has assisted in helping the inmates to re-integrate back into society having a positive impact and reducing their changes of returning back to prison.

Antigua 2008 Anti-Gang Project Part I Antigua 2008 Anti-Gang Project Part II
Lalo Gunther and Kevin LaChapelle spent time in Antigua to assist in formulating a comprehensive anti-gang project to address their increase in gang crimes. They will be returning to Antigua in March or April 2009 to continue assisting the people of Antigua in their efforts. 

Launching of the PowerMentor Mobile Outreach Center
PowerMentor's Mobile Outreach Team is a critical part of assisting communities with taking ownership of the gang violence problems. Our trailer has many capabilities and empowers us to be a force multiplier.

PowerMentor to Speak at Collision Conference
David Lira leads a group called Collision which helps young people understand the importance of critical thinking skills and the consequences for their actions and decisions.

Colorado Mentor Training
PowerMentor provides training to communities to set up mentorship programs and increase the effectiveness of current programs.

Year of the Youth Conference and Video
PowerMentor was privileged to assist SDOP with their annual Year of the Youth conference.

Javier Quiroz Anti-Violence Rally
PowerMentor's co-founder Agustin Pena lost his little 14 year old brother Javier to a random act of violence in 2007. Our Mobile Outreach Team was initiated in response to Javier's murder.

Yosemite 2007
Yosemite 2006

Cedar Creek Falls
PowerMentor sponsors trips to Yosemite and Cedar Creek to be a catalyst for mentees and their mentors or parents to develop stronger relationships and strategize for their lives.