Puente de la Costa Sur

Our Belief

All individuals, families, and communities have dreams for the future. At Puente, we believe that self-sufficiency is essential for turning those dreams into reality. Every day, we walk side-by-side with our South Coast neighbors as they cross the bridge toward independence. By advocating for health, education, and community development, we elevate our communities to build confidence for themselves. Because when people have equitable access to the local resources that support their dreams, they're one step closer to realizing them. The South Coast is a study in contrasts. It is a region of great wealth side-by-side with extreme poverty. Gorgeous land where the shortage of affordable housing means two families often share a home to afford the rent, or a family of four crams into a small house with one bedroom, making their living room their second bedroom at night. 

OUR VALUES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES 

Build Equity From the individual needs we meet every day to the true liberation we long for in our community, we are working every day to build and increase equity for all who call this place home. 

Claim Justice For All We witness and name the injustices we see in our community and in our systems. We work with our participants so that they can live in dignity now, even as we keep our eye on the never-ending work to address systemic oppression. 

Be Transparent We strive for transparency in every relationship. We're clear about what we will and won't do, and what we expect of others, whether they are our partners, participants, or our community. We hold ourselves and our partners accountable and set boundaries. 

Elevate Trust We listen and relate to those we serve in the community, building deep trust as their companions walking side-by-side with them towards a self-sustaining, thriving future. Trust is the cornerstone of our work. 

Share Strength We are all part of a whole, but not each of us knows that we are in charge of our own power. Puente does our best to tap into that power both for an individual's dignity and for the benefit of the community we love.

Testimonials

“I received tutoring support when I struggled with math and science in high school and then my college English class. Puente ensured I got my college applications completed and supported me financially through and helped me resolve problems with financial aid. I would not be here at UCLA if it were not for the support of the Puente Team.” – Laura Gomez, Full-time student, University of California Los Angeles.

“The Puente youth program has exposed me to law and politics through an internship at the San Mateo County Elections Office which gave me the opportunity to network and expand my knowledge. For Puente, I am grateful.” -Jacqueline Nabor, Full-time student, California State University of Northridge.

“I think the biggest skill I gained is the polishing of my verbal and written communication skills. Communicating well is a strong attribute, and I am grateful to Puente for helping me understand that.” -Kris Serratos, Graduate of San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Mechatronics.

"There are many avenues to help college bound students financially but giving to Puente youth gives donors the best opportunities for successful outcomes." - Tom Barry and Brenda Christensen, Donors.