Ready for a Fresh Start?
Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE) supports San Fernando Valley residents with overcoming systemic barriers and taking the next step forward. Whether you are looking for education, job training, mental health support, housing, or help navigating life’s challenges — we are here to walk with you into the next chapter.
OUR MISSION + VISION
MISSION: ACE’s mission is to empower San Fernando Valley residents by providing education, workforce development, housing support, behavioral health, violence intervention/prevention, and advocacy — to build resilience, achieve stability, and strengthen communities.
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VISION: We aspire to transform the San Fernando Valley into a region where everyone is equipped to overcome systemic challenges and empowered to create a future of health, wellness, stability, and long-lasting community support.
WE BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES.
Since its founding in 2013, ACE has helped thousands overcome challenges by addressing the critical issues affecting low-income communities.
By providing holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive support, ACE directly addresses the interwoven barriers individuals and families face. Each of our programs exists to dismantle the cycle of insecurity brick by brick. Our ecosystem model ensures that participants are not just supported in moments of crisis, but empowered to build sustainable pathways forward — breaking cycles for good and cultivating change that lasts generations.
We believe in second chances. We believe in actionable hope. And we believe that when people are equipped with the right tools, positive role models, and accessible opportunities, they can transform their lives and their community
as a whole.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
RUTH YOUTHBUILD
RUTH YouthBuild is a leadership development program offering a high school education, job training, and industry-recognized certifications, empowering participants with personal growth and career readiness.​
COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION
ACE’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Program connects resources directly to the communities and individuals most affected by violence. CVI provides crisis response, mediation, and support services to individuals ages 15-25 to build safer, more resilient neighborhoods.
REENTRY ACTION FOR YOUTH (RAY)
Reentry Action for Youth (RAY) is a program that supports justice-involved youth ages 12–25 in their reintegration journey. RAY mentors draw on their own lived experience to provide personalized mentorship, court accompaniment, education and employment support, and resource navigation.
SECTOR
Our SECTOR program, which stands for Skills and Experiences for the Careers of Tomorrow, provides reentry services, education, workforce development, support services, and job placement for individuals impacted by the justice system.​
THE HOUSE OF RUTH
House of RUTH is a transitional reentry program for adults rebuilding after incarceration. The House of RUTH provides stable housing, personal and professional development services, mentorship, and workforce support to empower a successful reentry into the community.​
DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
ACE’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Program connects resources directly to the communities and individuals most affected by violence. CVI provides crisis response, mediation, and support services to individuals ages 15-25 to build safer, more resilient neighborhoods.
THE WORKSOURCE CENTER
Our YEZ program supports youth ages
10-15 with mentorship and community activities. Participants develop social and emotional skills to face challenges and reduce gang involvement.​
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT ZONE (YEZ)
Youth Empowerment Zone (YEZ) is a program for youth between the ages of 10-15 that is designed to reduce anti-social tendencies, impulse risk-taking, negative peer influence, delinquency, and substance use through positive youth development and holistic
family support.
JCOD CARE MANAGEMENT (JCM)
JCM is an intensive, person-centered care management program for justice-involved individuals. Every eligible participant receives a dedicated care manager to navigate resources, help improve the management of behavioral and physical health conditions, support successful reentry, and reduce recidivism.
“ACE has impacted my life by helping me be open to the things I didn't know I needed to work on myself, as well as teaching me not only work ethics but how to handle day to day stress and coping skills. ACE is very helpful because it widened my career path options as well. I would recommend ACE because it has what most of the youth needs, but other places don't offer.”
Miguel Milanés