Gorre said that the organization is trying to attract more Santa Paula youth into its programs, which have now been expanded to youths 18 and older.“We’re making a strong effort to recruit a certain number of Santa Paulans, snare them into building their own community and themselves in the process,” Gorre noted.Councilman John Procter had contacted OCC after the “phenomenal job they did with (Santa Paula) Relay for Life, Efren had them out there working like a drill sergeant. You should be incredibly proud of what you have done.”“If we work in the community we have to do it well, our standards are very unforgiving,” Gorre said. “The best part is that almost any kid,” can do well with encouragement and structure.Gorre added that the organization is hoping to generate local leadership for the area for a Santa Paula City Corps can be created. “We don’t use boundaries when it comes to exposing young people to service,” and have utilized locations throughout the county for OCC projects. “Ultimately, this is about participation, about letting kids appreciate how it feels to make a contribution.”If a youth is not connected with they “Lose in a sense that connection with community,” said Mayor Gabino Aguirre. “Youngsters need more role models involved in the community as well.”
Oxnard City Corps: Unique youth program could branch into SP
September 15, 2004
Santa Paula News
When the City of Oxnard experienced an upsurge in youth violence in the mid-1990s an experiment was launched that is now known as Oxnard City Corps (OCC).
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesWhen the City of Oxnard experienced an upsurge in youth violence in the mid-1990s an experiment was launched that is now known as Oxnard City Corps (OCC).The Santa Paula City Council learned of the program at the Sept. 7 meeting from OCC Executive Director Efren Gorre, who made a presentation assisted by a team from the youth organization.Gorre noted that OCC is “an interesting example of what happens when you give young people support,” to build community as well as themselves.City Corps members have been pivotal in helping in a myriad of ways from helping to clean storm channels to testing waterways under the direction of a Surfriders’ environmental group leader. Members have also worked with Food Share, assisted Interface at its annual volunteer party and at Oxnard’s Strawberry Festival.OCC youth helped set up, tear down and cleanup from the Salsa Festival and have worked on Oxnard roads as well as adopted a portion of a highway for cleanup.Five OCC leaders are given the opportunity to develop as individuals and sharpen their leadership skills by attending a special camp each year.OCC participants noted through a Power Point presentation that the organization offers the opportunity to learn real skills while helping others.
