My City Youth Center - Growing on The Vine

In this episode of Growing on The Vine, Chris Ryan interviews Kim Rodriguez, Executive Director of My City Youth Center in Hemet, California. The conversation explores the center's mission to serve at-risk and underserved youth in one of Hemet’s roughest neighborhoods. Originally established by a local pastor over a decade ago, My City Youth Center provides after-school programs, life skills education, and essential services like meals and tutoring—all free of charge.

Kim highlights the center’s intentional faith-based foundation, their Young Parent Program (serving teen and young moms ages 13–25 with education, resources, and a merit-based “baby bucks” store), and a food distribution program that feeds over 350 families weekly. She also underscores the profound impact of community volunteers, local churches, and donated resources.

The center, while rooted in faith, offers practical support including parenting classes, resume help, and life skills mentoring. Kim stresses that while financial donations are needed, volunteers are their greatest ongoing need. The center is always open to tours and looking for those ready to support through service or giving.