Fearless Heroine, Jovita Gonzalez

Jovita has lived in the Pico Aliso community for over 28 years. She is and has always been a strong advocate for her community.

“I’ve been here since the beginning. It’s amazing to see how this community has changed, but there’s still a long way to go. The recent violence reminds me of the old days of living in the old projects when we would find our youth dead in the stairwells and hallways every day. It was a war zone. If I didn’t die it’s because God hasn’t wanted me too.”

And even after witnessing much tragedy Jovita simply states, “But I am not afraid. I have never been.”

“I’ve seen a lot of shootings in this community. Recently, I was standing on my corner and heard some gun shots. Minutes later a gangster ran out from where the shots came from and sat right next to me. He asked ‘Aren’t you scared of me?’ I responded, ‘No, why should I be afraid of you?’ He shows me the gun tucked in his pants. I turn my head and say ‘And? I know how to use one too. I’m not afraid because I am not doing anything to you nor you to me’ He looks at me and says ‘Don’t say anything.’ I point around the neighborhood and say ‘You shouldn’t worry about me but there are plenty of others who are watching.”

“Coming to GHP has been a blessing. Can you believe I have my own place and my rent paid a month in advance? The support I have received from GHP and Proyecto has been incredible. That’s why I volunteer; I hope that I can give back the inspiration and hope that was given to me.”

With the city and the state cutting programs that support youth and their families, gang violence is one the many consequence this impoverished community faces. “It’s unfortunate to see the violence pick up. Parents need to educate their kids more, give them rules and monitor their friendships; if they don’t, it’s easy for these kids to spin out of control. Some parents unfortunately work too much and others have become blind and scared. I wish there was more help for parents. Programs like IMPACTO that help our youth and their parents, should expand to include more kids. It’s not enough, there aren’t enough resources.”

Jovita has served as a Safe Passage volunteer since its inception 24 years ago. She is a well known community leader who is actively involved in community meetings, events, and peace walks. “I have been to all [12 annual] Women’s Conferences!” Jovita states proudly.

“I am grateful for the work Proyecto does. I have seen the Women’s Conferences help many people. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and I’m old! I know how to take care of myself now. The conferences have helped me and the community tremendously. Every year I go to the clinics where I receive help and invite women to come because I know the workshops help!”

Jovita embodies the same spirit as many of the other courageous women who continue to protect and advocate for the safety of their families with an incredible fearlessness. To this day you can find Jovita in her green t-shirt standing on the corner watching over youth as they walk to and from school. “I like volunteering! I want to make the youth feel safe. I don’t have grandkids in Los Angeles so I feel like they’re mine. They hug me and say hello and I love them!”

- written by: Michelle Angeles, Development Associate