Sin Fronteras Youth Group

Nilka Melendez, Director, Youth and Family Services (Most often referred to as Miss Nilka, or “La Miss)

Every Wednesday afternoon during the school year, the halls of Hope are full of life and laughter, as close to one hundred high schoolers gather for the weekly meeting of Hope CommUnity Center’s youth group, known as Sin Fronteras (Without Borders).

The program is directed by Nilka Melendez, Director of Youth Services, assisted by a number of staff and AmeriCorps members who help facilitate the weekly meetings and the many other activities and service projects of Sin Fronteras.

The Sin Fronteras program gives the teenagers a variety of opportunities to learn about self and others, make meaningful connections, and become leaders in the community…all while having a lot of fun!

The youth of Sin Fronteras also serve as a source of inspiration to everyone here at Hope. Mostly from immigrant families, these young people show such heart and determination as they find their way in a culture that is not always welcoming.

Many Sin Fronteras members and alumni have served by telling their stories to meetings of Hope staff, AmeriCorps, and service learning immersion groups, and they never fail to give their listeners a new, deeper understanding of the immigrant experience.

For more information about youth programs at Hope, contact Nilka Melendez at [email protected] or 407-880-4673, ext. 241.