People Who Care Children Asso. PROGRAM

About

Founded in 2001, in Pittsburg California, PWC began with an emphasis on mentorship and job-training. CEO and founder, Veronica Pope, recognized that her community needed a safe alternative for young people experiencing growing failure, truancy, suspension, and drop-out rates. Aiming to interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline, she partnered with local businesses and schools to open a community carwash program. The Hip Hop Carwash (HHCW) gave adolescents real-world experience operating a “business” and a weekend safe-haven. Student referrals from Pittsburg Unified Schools, local law enforcement, and the juvenile probation department increased with the program’s notoriety. 

We are committed to providing clients with the education and training needed to help them realize positive change in their lives. We believe it is necessary to meet young people where they are, to strive to know them as individuals,  in order to facilitate meaningful growth. This happens at PWC through a combination of mentorship, counseling,  comprehensive learning experiences, and authentic opportunities to give back to their community.