Boyle Heights Through Monse's Eyes

Monserrat Conde age 16 on left with Jazz Jimenez age 17. Monse has been with program for 9 years and Jazz has been here for 10.

Monserrat Conde, or “Monse”, has been with the IMPACTO program since she was 7 years old. Now 16, Monse is one of the most committed students at the program. She is a great advocate and is a huge influence to the students at IMPACTO.

“She is here everyday after school and in the summer she is here from 9am to 7pm helping out staff,” affirms Velvet Holguin, Elementary Coordinator.

The community has experienced a surge in violence this year. “I’ve been in Boyle Heights all my life. I’ve noticed the violence but I am used it. It’s all I’ve ever known. I don’t worry about my safety; but I am at IMPACTO when I’m not at school, so I don’t feel a threat. I feel at home at IMPACTO,” she explains.

“The violence has not been as bad as it was when I lived in the old projects. Although, they shot this guy in front of my house the other day. And two girls from my class got their gold earrings stolen while walking to school. Since the women from Camino Seguro (Safe Passage) have been coming out the gangsters have stopped coming around. They make a big difference. I think violence has increased because of the economy. There are less jobs for people and they need to make money, so they find other ways to do it.”

Monse goes on to explain, “I have also noticed a lot of drug sales in the community , especially at school. A lot of the kids at school are popping pills. Everyday after school a group of kids ride the metro to city walk and pop pills. They have tried to convince me to do it too, but I say no. I came to IMPACTO one day and was able to talk to the staff about drugs and they made me realize that it’s okay to not feel pressured. I can depend on them; that’s what I like most about IMPACTO, the relationship I have with staff. We aren’t just another number like at other programs. We are a family.”

Monse has experienced a lot of growth and is beginning to flourish as leader in her community. “IMPACTO has changed me a lot. I have a lot of negative things going on in my life and by spending time with staff I have been able to change my attitude and outlook. I am now doing good in school. If I wasn’t at IMPACTO I’d probably be out in the streets getting into trouble. My goal is to go to a 4 year university and study film or business. I don’t know exactly what career I want to pursue, but I know I want to be able to come back and give back to IMPACTO.” Monse hopes to study at Columbia University in New York City. “I want to get out of the neighborhood and explore. I think it will be good for me to get out of here for some time and grow.”

In the nine years Monse has been at IMPACTO, she has shown tremendous resiliency, strength and determination. She is one of nearly 200 students served at IMPACTO and represents the potential and hope every single one of our students possess. It is IMPACTO’s mission to foster those qualities and support youth and families to reach their highest potential.

-written by Michelle Angeles, Development Associate.

Art Piece Created by Monse Titled "MosAngeles" This photograph includes Monse on bottom left and Jazz on top right.