In 2003, Chula Vista resident Rosa Maria Robles, 47, was in a car accident that left her having to have surgery and attend physical therapy to learn to walk again.
The event left her feeling traumatized. But in an effort to take her mind off her long recovery ahead and her fight with depression, Robles decided to get involved with Mana De San Diego.
The non-profit organization empowers Latinas ages 10-18 to pursue higher education through a youth mentorship program. The program addresses teen pregnancy prevention, substance abuse and the importance of healthy eating.
“They are the ones that need the most help, they have the high rates of pregnancy, so they drop out of high school, financial freedom is very difficult to attain after that. I want them to know that there is a path, and there is something to achieve,” Robles said.
For her role in developing youth outreach programs, Robles, will receive a Community Champions Award as one of San Diego’s unsung heroes.
The event is at 6 p.m on May 4, at the Town and Country Hotel in San Diego.
