Bringing Hope to Merced's Gang Youth Through Caring Relationships, Job Training, and Job Placement

Our Mission: New Hope Merced is a Christian, faith based, organization dedicated to transforming the lives of gang youth through a saving relationship with our Lord, mentoring, and employment.  We are working closely with Hope Now for Youth in Fresno, which has helped over 1,500 gang youth leave the gang life behind since its founding in 1993.  Over 85% of Hope Now's youth have become successful employees and resonsible members of the community.  Less than 8% have ever re-entered the criminal justice system.  Hope Now for Youth was also the inspiration for New Hope Madera, which has been "on the streets" for over a year now. Current Support: We are supported by Mayor Ellie Wooten and the Merced City Council, local businesses, community leaders, and churches.  Several local businesses are ready to hire our youth as soon as we are ready to place them.

New Hope Merced opened its doors on March 1, 2008 at the Creekside Evangelical Church in Merced and is now working with Merced Area Gang youth.

If you are a member of a Merced Area Gang    and would like to become part of New Hope Merced contact       Sam Rangel       Phone:  209-947-7771       E-mail:  execdir@newhopemerced.org

KEY FEATURES OF NEW HOPE 1.  A caring relationship with a mentor who helps with counseling, training, and follow-up. 2.  Systematic training in job skills and fundamentals of being a successful employee. 3.  A serices of classes to help overcome anger, addictions, and other issues. 4.  On-the-job follow-up and support to help build skills and responsiblity. 5.  Recognition, respect, and honor for the youth who become successful employees. 6.  Scholarhips and support to acquire additional training and skills.

A JOB PROVIDES: - The only alternative to the streets for getting money. - Personal dignity through earning 'clean' money. - Positive role models. -Constructive use of idle time - A safe environment - Positive Recognition -Hope for a future - Entrance into the American mainstream

Dessert Banquet: New Hope Merced held its first dessert banquet on May 2, 2008. The first 2 participants in New Hope Merced graduated from the program during the banquet.  Excellent presentations were made by many including by staff from Hope Now in Fresno.

If you are interested in providing financial support to New Hope Merced please send checks payable to 'New Hope Merced' at P.O. Box 3996, Merced, CA  95344. New Hope Merced is a tax exempt non-profit organization under section 501(3)(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Service and under Code Section 23701d of the California State Franchise Tax Code. We appreciate your prayers and financial support.