These days, the youthful energy at Puente’s Pescadero office is tangible. Three college-aged students recently took over some of the most important public-serving roles at Puente. But they are not newcomers – they are already among the most seasoned staff members on the Puente team. Monica Amezcua, Laura Rodriguez and Omar Ortega were all in their mid-teens when they started work with Puente’s Youth Employment Program. Over the years, they held all the typical jobs: office administration, working as counselors with Puente’s summer camp programs. Some got internships with companies like Symantec, where they earned wages and learned new skills, courtesy of Puente and the San Mateo County Workforce Investment Board.  Slowly, they began taking on more responsibilities. Amezcua, now 23, began assisting Lorena Vargas de Mendez, Puente’s former Safety Net Services Manager. Rodriguez, who is 20, started assisting Executive Director Kerry Lobel with various projects. And Ortega, 20, used to organize Puente’s summer program at YMCA Camp Jones Gulch. Today, the two women share responsibility for health care enrollments (for both adults and children); all safety net services including financial assistance; Puente’s student backpack distribution program; handing out car seats; and organizing holiday gift card enrollment and distribution for 147 South Coast children and 63 families. They also oversee transportation for the men who attend La Sala and keep attendance. … Continue reading New Generation Takes the Reins at Puente