Building Stronger Communities, Together

“When Johnny originally asked me to write about what ODAT means to me, it made me remember what I was like when I first joined. Like many teens in a less-than-perfect neighborhood, I needed guidance. ODAT helped by teaching me the importance of education and being a role model for my sisters and other young Latinos.

Through ODAT, I joined organizations like Future Leaders of America (FLA), learned leadership skills, and pursued higher education. Today, I hold a B.S. in Biochemistry and work in research and development. I’m very grateful for the lessons I learned from ODAT.”

“When I was first asked to join ODAT, I didn’t take it seriously. I was angry at the world, failing in school, getting into trouble, and drinking to cope. The One Day At a Time program showed me that life was full of endless possibilities. A visit to Tracy State Prison was a reality check.

Over time my grades improved, I changed my circle, and rebuilt my faith. I graduated high school with honors, went to college, got married, and now have two children. I’m pursuing a Bachelor’s in Holistic Health and work as a dental receptionist. From this youth program, I learned that life will always have ups and downs, but our reactions and choices define us.”

“My name is Andreina Bojorquez. I met Johnny at Hillview Junior High, and since then I started the program that changed my future — One Day At a Time. Before joining, I was getting suspended, in fights, involved with gangs, and putting my parents through situations they didn’t deserve. After ODAT, my life and my parents’ lives changed completely.

I finished high school, I’m in college working on my Associate’s degree, and will transfer to a university to receive my Bachelor’s. One Day At a Time helps teens become successful and secure in themselves. Lives have changed — mine included.”

“What is a family? A family is unity among loved ones and sharing compassion with one another, letting them know that if they ever need something, we’ll be there. Here at ODAT, we show that type of love — a love unbearable. To us, it’s our second family that will never let you down, no matter what.

I was a kid struggling to find my inner self, angry at how life was going. I had a GPA of 1.5, started using drugs, and didn’t think about how I was hurting myself. Until my sister introduced me to Johnny Rodriguez, founder of ODAT. I thought it would be another ‘help yourself but don’t really care about you’ group — but I was proven wrong. Everyone was respectful, nice, and friendly, giving a stranger like me a hug saying, “You’re not alone.”

I now have a GPA of 3.2 and have successfully found who I am. My plans for the near future are to graduate college and go to medical school to become a pediatrician. If I, Victor Alexander Garcia Compean, was able to change, I know many others like me are able to do the same.”

“I do not view ODAT as a group — I see ODAT as a familia, a family that helps each other through daily struggles. We focus on the positives in life and what can be done to improve ourselves and our environment. The closest friends I have are people I met through ODAT.

Since I made the decision to be a part of this familia, my life has changed completely. I used to close myself off from showing emotion to feel protected, but ODAT helped me overcome that stage. I learned to believe in myself. If I had never been pushed, I would never have completed the art piece I donated to the program. I needed esa mano firme — that firm hand — to accomplish everything I have in my short life.”

“Having grown up involved in gang activity, all my adventures revolved around negative things. After being expelled from school for the second time, I felt like a failure and as if the whole world were coming down on me. ODAT was my getaway place that provided me with comfort. When I was in group meetings and on field trips, all my troubles didn’t matter.

ODAT was a stepping stone in my life, and I owe a lot to this program. If it weren’t for this, I don’t know where I would be right now. At 21, I recently graduated with my Associate’s degree and am continuing my education at CSU East Bay to earn a Bachelor’s in Sociology. I’m working hard to improve my life mentally, spiritually, and physically. I empower my brain with knowledge, take care of my health, and volunteer in local youth groups.”

“ODAT is more than a group of kids who get together and just talk about anything and everything. ODAT to me is something that has switched around and improved my views on so many aspects of life. I think differently, see things differently, and have a better attitude that keeps me well-grounded. ODAT doesn’t just key in on changing you — although that usually is the case and it’s always for the better.

ODAT is about understanding and motivation for us young adults and teens. It even has a strong involvement in multiple communities. It’s not just about the people who are in it — ODAT reaches out to others. I can go on all day about ODAT because it works in so many different ways. I love ODAT and everything about it.”

“ODAT to me means an opportunity — either to open your mind and think outside of the box or to have a second chance where people will trust you and respect you no matter what has happened outside of the organization. Everyone is equal and has a voice to speak their minds and talk about their culture, experiences, and beliefs. ODAT has affected me tremendously. They have given me the opportunity to reach goals I had given up on. They never gave up on me and pushed me to strive for greatness instead of settling. They made me think outside of my little bubble and see the bigger picture.

A quote I have always loved goes, “History repeats itself, opportunities don’t.” This relates to ODAT because I come from a family involved in gangs, and history repeated itself in the way of me being involved too — but ODAT gave me the opportunity to move past that and stay in school. Even after I graduated, I kept coming to ODAT, and it gave me the opportunity in the form of a volunteer position at The Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland. Who would have thought — me, a Mexican-American from California, only the second person in my family with a high school diploma, working across the world in another country!

ODAT is an opportunity for youth to express themselves in a safe environment and talk to others from different ethnic groups and cultures. The part I love most is the history behind the organization and the respect people have for it. They’re there to listen to those who feel silenced and to show you a path you may not have seen on your own.”

“ODAT means a safe haven, empowerment, and most importantly family. I have met so many wonderful people through this program that have helped me grow into who I am today. Before entering this program I had gone through a life-altering event where I was lost and wasn’t going down the right path. I wasn’t doing the best in school, my attitude was very rude, defensive, and I was a pretty reserved individual. As I went through the program, it gave me the opportunity to have a voice. This program has helped me become more open-minded, overcome personal obstacles, and become a leader within my community and home. One Day At a Time is extremely important to exist due to the impact I have personally seen in myself and other outstanding individuals I have met through the program. This program isn’t for everybody, but those who go through it learn life skills they wouldn’t learn anywhere else.”

“To me ODAT means a lot. It means I can be honest, open up to people, to be able to share my feelings and opinions without being judged. ODAT has become a family. I’ve been in it since my freshman year — I loved it, I came my sophomore year, now I’m in junior year and I’m so excited to still be a part of ODAT once more. The field trips are super fun. I gain knowledge, meet amazing people, and get to know different perspectives. ODAT has helped me become more social. I’m not scared to talk to people anymore, and I feel comfortable sharing anything on my mind. It is important for ODAT to exist because it really helps young people with their problems, gives you a hand, and helps you get out of the box. ODAT makes you happy! What I like most about ODAT is that I can be my own person. We all express what we feel and feel comfortable with life. It makes you realize there is more to life. I like that it makes me happy, I can share with my friends, have amazing times, and create a bigger bond.”

“To me ODAT is a program where I feel I can help people and make an impact in some way. I honestly love helping people. It makes my heart happy knowing I made somebody happy. I also love listening and seeing other people’s perspectives on things. ODAT has helped me be more open in speaking out about what I think or feel. I now feel that it IS okay to say what you think or feel even if everyone doesn’t agree or it’s not correct. ODAT is important to exist because it is honestly such a great program. I love how we go around doing different events to help out communities or people in need. I’ve always wanted to be a part of something like this and I’m glad I found the perfect program. Also everyone I’ve met so far, all the staff members are knowledgeable and I’ve learned so much. They’re amazing, kind-hearted people that are giving back and it’s awesome! The thing I love the most about ODAT is going on the field trips, especially Día de los Niños. I absolutely loved seeing all the kids with big smiles on their faces. It made me happy seeing them happy. My favorite thing is knowing and seeing that what you do makes an impact, whether little or big, on someone’s life.”

“Being part of ODAT (One Day At a Time) has been one of the most important things I’ve experienced. When I joined, I didn’t fully know what to expect, but right away it felt different. ODAT became a space where I could be myself, speak honestly, and feel completely safe. I felt like I didn’t have to hide from anything or from the way I felt for the first time in a long time.
The activities we did were more than just fun or educational — they carried a real meaning. So many made me think deeply and reflect on my own life in ways I hadn’t before, and some were emotional in ways I didn’t see coming. In those moments I learned things I needed to value about myself, trust, and life — and how strong I truly am. Having a mentor and peers who truly cared about me made it easier to open up. I felt supported in many different ways I hadn’t felt before.
ODAT gave me space to heal and grow at my own pace. One of the biggest things I’ve taken away is that it’s okay to challenge yourself for the better, build new friendships, and never be scared to try new things. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and now I’m more open, confident, and willing to connect with others. I only wish I had joined earlier, not in my senior year. That made me realize how much ODAT would’ve helped me even sooner.
ODAT’s values of respect, trust, understanding, and growth are not just words — they are lived out in every interaction. I’m so grateful to have been part of something that gave me hope, built my confidence, and reminded me of my worth. ODAT didn’t just help me find my voice — it helped me believe in it.”

“ODAT – One Day At A Time (‘Un Día A La Vez’) Youth Empowerment.
ODAT isn’t just a program — it’s a movement and a family. Whether you’re facing challenges with relationships, family dynamics, legal issues, or unexpected life events that leave you feeling stuck or ready to give up — ODAT is here for you.
At ODAT, you’ll find more than support. You’ll discover trust, respect, and equity. This is a space where you’re not judged, but understood — a place where dedicated mentors walk with you, not ahead of you, guiding, uplifting, and helping you grow at your own pace.
ODAT offers real opportunities for personal growth and empowerment through education, mentorship, and community. If you’ve ever felt lost, ODAT helps you find your strength, your voice, and your self-worth.
Because one fall doesn’t mean it’s over.
Because every day is a new chance to rise.
Because One Day At A Time is more than a name — it’s a way of life.
ODAT is not just a nonprofit. Es familia. It’s FAMILY.”

“This is a testimony by Jayden Rashad Harvey. First off, I want to thank the One Day At a Time community for all the blessings it brought to me. All the help that was given to me — it really helped me change as a human being. When I first joined the group, it was very different. Me being the only African American kind of threw it off. Over time my perspectives started to change in the most positive way, and thanks to everyone in the group, nobody made me feel left out. I was loved and liked by many in the group.

People used to say things like, ‘Why are you in a group full of Chicanos?’ and I wouldn’t really have an answer. I would just say, ‘I don’t know,’ and keep it moving. But it got to a certain point where I didn’t care where I was at — I decided to stay. One Day At a Time means a lot to me. I love helping people. I love helping the community and being there for everybody in the group.

I hope One Day At a Time can expand all around Contra Costa County because the group means a lot to me and many others. Johnny Rodriguez — thank you for everything, and thank you to the rest of the staff. You gave me the idea to one day help people and do what’s right. ODAT gave me the idea to help people who need healing or saving in general. This group played a wonderful role in my timeline and will never be forgotten.”

“If I could describe ODAT in one word, it would be loving. This program is unlike any other. From the moment I walked in, I felt seen and heard — something I hadn’t truly experienced in a long time. In ODAT, I wasn’t just a member, I was a person with a story, and people actually listened.

I remember the first day of group — I was nervous, unsure if I belonged. But Johnny Rodriguez looked me in the eye, smiled, and said, ‘We’re glad you’re here.’ That simple moment stuck with me. Over time, those who were part of ODAT became family. The staff and members genuinely care — not just about school grades or attendance, but about me as a whole person. ODAT gave me tools, support, and constant encouragement to do better for myself. They reminded me that it’s okay to fall, as long as you get back up — and that I didn’t have to do it alone.

ODAT has truly changed me for the better. I’ve learned how to trust again, how to speak up for myself, and how to believe in my own worth. This community gave me the strength to keep moving forward, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”