They have faced and overcome many trial and tribulations in their young lives. Three of our Local Conservation Corps’ (LCC) Corpsmembers are inspiring the nation by sharing their success stories with StoryCorps – an oral history project that captures the stories of every day Americans and preserves them in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

Equipped with a portable recording studio, StoryCorps staff conducted 40-minute interviews with LCC Corpsmembers Sineth Mor, Alejandro Lopez, and Alvaro Fuentes. Each young man took a trip down memory lane as they shared how they got involved with gangs, eventually got out, and have since beat the odds. “I can honestly say that I am blessed to be where I am today. If you had asked me five years ago what my future would be like, I would have probably answered, in prison,” says Alejandro Lopez. “LCC has helped me take a turn for the best. I now have a job, a life free of gangs, and most importantly, a bright future!”

Sineth, Alejandro, and Alvaro have earned their high school diploma, received AmeriCorps Education Award Scholarships which they used to attend Fresno City College, and have become great leaders in our community.