About Barrio Nuevo

Barrio Nuevo is a community development nonprofit embedded in under-resourced neighborhoods in South Phoenix. Our passion is to equip, mentor, and mobilize kids, teens, and older generations to transform our community from marginalization to holistic health and joy. We inspire our at risk youth to become passionate about owning their life circumstances by developing as learners and leaders who make a difference in their families and communities. 

Is our work challenging? Sometimes, yes! But so worth it.

It can be exciting, messy, scary, and rewarding all at the same time to see incredible people with very little in natural resources develop life-skills, vision for their future, and become self-sustainable. It produces a domino effect that ripples into their family and community.

And you can help!

Our Story

I grew up with a dad that was career Air Force who flew B -52’s during the Vietnam War. I had the privilege of living in many places during my childhood and teen years. I was fortunate to have a mom and dad who valued being life-long learners who had a passion to make a difference in the world around us. I attended Cal – Poly San Louis Obispo receiving a Bio-Chemistry degree, got married young, 20 years old, our first child, Heather was a premiere, who spent one year in a NICU. I also took advantage of an opportunity to learn how to do concrete work after college, then attend San Jose State University receiving a degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies. My wife and I both attended Westminster Seminary where I received a M.A.R. and also a M.Div. degree.

My journey to do ‘At Risk’ work began when I worked at a downtown Church in San Diego, First Presbyterian, where I oversaw a large youth group that had a passion for the neighborhood that saw us befriend Hispanic youth. It was during my five years there that I discovered my love for multi-culturalism and working in a diverse community. My wife and I have been part of planting 4 churches over 25 years that taught us so much about building community, planning, vision/mission casting and having a love for all kinds of people!

When we moved to Phoenix in 1994 to plant a church I also got involved with Habit for Humanity in the East Valley. I became a board member and transitioned into being President of this Affiliate. This gave me an opportunity to learn so much about doing nonprofit work in under resourced neighborhoods. We partnered with many different local churches and businesses that saw us build 35 homes over an eight-year period. It was over this tenure that my passion for work in a diverse neighborhood took center stage.

It was in 2006 that I birthed New City – Barrio Nuevo, now Barrio Nuevo Phoenix, after leaving the church I started. I had also been on the board of a nonprofit in Chandler, ICAN, where our church was started, that taught me even more about doing neighborhood work. We moved to South Phoenix to live in the community we had a passion to learn about and discover the pathway for seeing tough neighborhoods become healthy. We birthed our tutoring program through one of the Habitat Communities in South Phoenix, South Ranch. This began our journey living, playing, working and loving our neighbors on the South Side. Now 15 years later we are so fortunate to have ASU and GCU interns, 20 different partner groups, such as churches, local businesses and schools helping impact the lives of kids, teens, single moms and seniors.

Our passion is to see a kid or teen be given an opportunity to discover a passion for life, learning, leadership and impact their neighborhood.

New City – Barro Nuevo is part of the Presbyterian Church of America.

Our Values

  • Passion for life, learning and leadership!
  • Volunteerism and partnership.
  • Holistic approach to building and promoting the family unit in Phoenix.
  • Strategic nurturing of indigenous leadership for both youth and seniors. We don’t lead from the outside in, parachuting in with sophisticated answers and solutions. We develop leaders who already live, work, and play in the community.
  • Pursuing social justice and mercy in our service areas.
  • Promotion of self-responsibility, self-sustainability and healthy inter-dependence with family and peers.

Our Partners

We’re honored to partner with the following organizations to revitalize marginalized neighborhoods in South Phoenix.

Looking for a team building opportunity for your business? Come paint a house with Barrio Nuevo! We’ll organize the event and make it a meaningful experience for your organization. 

 

Churches

  • Shepherd of the Desert LC
  • Desert Foothills LC
  • Cross of Christ LC
  • Mt. View LC
  • New Valley PC
  • Covenant Pres
  • King of Kings
  • Fellowship of Grace PC
  • Grace Covenant PC
  • Grace PC
  • Journey of Faith
  • Metro CMA
  • Phoenix URC
  • St. George’s
  • Hope Community Church
  • Desert View Bible Church
  • Broadway Missionary Baptist Church
  • Reconciled Church
  • Ascension Church
  • South Scottsdale Presbyterian Church
  • Community House AZ

Businesses

  • Paint Supplies
  • AZ Rock Products
  • Stormwind
  • Jaburg Wilk
  • Roof King
  • M & M Containers

Schools

  • ASU
  • SCA
  • Scottsdale Prep
  • Chandler prep
  • Phoenix Christian Schools K-8 

Are you A College Student?

Intern with Barrio Nuevo and Earn College Credit!