The Montebello Community Gang Diversion Task Force is a cooperative effort with the City of Montebello, the Montebello Unified School District, and other interested groups and individuals. For the past 25 years, the Montebello Community Gang Diversion Task Force, and its Youth Enhancement Support Project (Y.E.S.), have provided more than $600,000 in support to youth programs within the boundaries
of the Montebello Unified School District which includes: Montebello, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Rosemead, Pico Rivera, Monterey Park and parts of unincorporated East L.A. We began with a Scholarship Program for high school students who aspired to higher education and today we continue to provide financial support for disadvantaged youth, so that they can participate in positive programs like Police and Fire Explorers, sports programs and special school activities where the required fees might otherwise prevent them from participating. The Gang Diversion Task Force provides important support to the Associated Student Body Fund of Vail High Continuation School, which serves at-risk youth who are returning to school in order to earn their high school diplomas. Many student activities including graduation ceremonies, the prom, etc. are aided by Gang Diversion Task Force funds to allow all of the students to participate regardless of their personal financial situation. Other Gang Diversion Task Force ongoing programs include providing support for the Cub Scout Troops at Greenwood School and providing financial support for local youth sports groups including Montebello Indians' football and AYSO soccer teams. Our newest Gang Diversion Task Force sponsored program is the Montebello Music Academy, which provides free music lessons to young people with the musical instruments provided for use in the classes. At the conclusion of the lessons the musical instruments are available for the students to purchase at special low prices. It's important to note that the Montebello Gang Diversion Task Force is an all-volunteer organization and has no paid staff. All of the funds raised, except for the basic overhead, go directly to the programs that benefit our local youth. On behalf of the Gang Diversion Task Force members, I extend my most sincere thanks for your support of the Gang Diversion Task Force and your dedication to the youth of our community. "Bill" Molinari Gang Diversion Task Force Chairman
