Roberto ‘Tito’ Alvarez is Honored as a Welcoming Star!

Redwood City Together is thrilled to announce Roberto ‘Tito’ Alvarez as our first Individual Welcoming Star!

Tito was born and raised in Redwood City, attending Garfield Community School and Sequoia High School. He is the founder of Chase Love, an initiative centered around homeless outreach. Tito’s position as Youth Programs Coordinator at Pal Center allows him to lead the Purposeful Action Creation and Engagement (PACE) Plan and the Youth Enrichment, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment, and Employment (YEEE) Program. Over eight weeks, the YEEE program supported youth career training programs in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks and provided resources such as job readiness training and internships with partner organizations and businesses. Through this work, Tito has impacted the lives of more than 400+ youth by creating activities and activating spaces in which the youth can engage and feel heard, respected, and valued.

Pal Center’s Iliana Garcia believes that Tito’s work within the organization will have long-term impacts for the community. She noted, “Tito is excited to change the trajectory of youth in our community to ensure that every youth has the opportunity and access to programs and activities that ignite their passions and purpose through meaningful mentorship. He aspires to see generations to come feel empowered to take on their dreams in whatever space they choose.”

Community members can support the work of Tito at Pal Center by donating to Pal Center, getting involved with events, or referring a youth to their program by emailing tito@redwoodcitypal.org. Follow Chase Love on Instagram here.

Welcoming Redwood City is the welcoming initiative of Redwood City Together that builds empathy, understanding, and supportive action to bridge social divides such as race, class, and immigration status. To honor local pioneers and programs which build an inclusive community, Redwood City Together gives two annual Welcoming Stars awards.

Do you know a program or practice that is doing an outstanding job of creating a welcoming environment for everyone in Redwood City or North Fair Oaks? Nominate a Welcoming Star here! Click here to get to know our previous Welcoming Star recipients.