Osvaldo “Ozzie” Cruz

For the past twelve years, Mr. Cruz’s primary focus has been working with at risk youth within the greater Los Angeles area through community based programs, school evidence based programs and detention centers. Mr. Cruz currently holds the position of Prevention Specialist at El Sereno Healthy Start within Los Angeles Unified School District, where he works with at risk boys and young men.

Mr. Cruz is a member of The National Compadres Network, a not-for-profit organization that responds to local and national requests to address the growing needs of the Latino community, with a primary focus on providing services to Latino males.

Because of his own personal past experiences as a teen father and a troubled youth, Mr. Cruz understands the great need for services and the importance of community based programs. It is through his involvement in curriculum development and implementation that he continues to provide the necessary resources and support to improve the quality of life of young men, fathers and their families.

Mr. Cruz has been featured in several local and national publications highlighting his work promoting positive male involvement and youth empowerment.

In 2002, Tenet California paid a special tribute to Mr. Cruz in a program titled “Honoring Struggle and Courage.” The purpose of the program was to honor Latino heroes who are “transforming the face of the Southland through remarkable and inspiring stories of dedication, courage and accomplishment.”