In communities across Ventura County, a quiet but powerful movement is reshaping the lives of young people who have been touched by gang culture, incarceration and the heavy weight of trauma. It’s called M.A.N.D.O.—Mentors. Against. Negative. Decisions. Outreach.—a nonprofit founded by Marcos Aviles, a man who knows firsthand what it means to walk through darkness and choose a different path.
Born in Torrance and raised in Newbury Park, Aviles grew up following in the footsteps of an older sibling who was deeply entrenched in gang life. By 15, he was incarcerated, spending four years in juvenile detention and the California Youth Authority. Those years, he says, were defining.
“I realized I didn’t want to set that kind of example for my children,” Aviles reflects. “I wanted to walk a better path. I wanted to be someone they could look up to.”
That turning point became the foundation of MANDO—a program built not from theory, but from lived experience, hard lessons and a deep understanding of the youth he now serves.
“At MANDO, we believe every young person deserves a strong support system,” Aviles says. “Because it can make all the difference.”
Today, MANDO supports youth at risk of incarceration, youth currently behind jail walls and youth who have already been released and are trying to rebuild their lives. Over time, the program has expanded to include young people of all ages who simply need guidance, structure and someone in their corner.
Through partnerships with schools, law enforcement, juvenile correction and community members, MANDO offers case management, art therapy, boxing, parenting classes and long‑term mentorship.
“Our services are intended to be long‑term,” Aviles explains. “We want youth to always feel like they have someone available to support them.”
Connecting Through Clippers and Conversation
One of those mentors is Daniel Ramirez—known in the community as “Danny Boy.” A licensed barber and owner of his own shop, Ramirez brings a unique approach to mentorship through a program he created called Catchin Fadez.
“Catching a fade normally means fighting somebody for what you stand for,” Ramirez says. “We wanted to turn that phrase around—from a negative to a positive.”
Once a month, Ramirez and fellow barbers offer free haircuts to youth in the program. But the service is far more than a fresh cut.
“When you look good, you feel good,” he says. “This program helps build confidence and self‑esteem. It gives these young men a sense of pride, care and empowerment in a safe and welcoming environment.”
While the clippers buzz, conversations flow—about life, choices, fears, goals and the future. Ramirez sees these moments as opportunities to connect with young men who often feel unseen or unheard.
“I’m a mentor to youth who have been previously incarcerated or are struggling mentally on the streets with substance abuse, violence and gang‑related activities,” he explains. “We train the kids to stand and fight for the positive things in life.”
For Ramirez, the work is deeply personal.
“The MANDO movement is so important because it provides a bridge and a connection to the up‑and‑coming generation that is seeking help,” he says. “We’re relentless in our fight to lead our youth to be successful in their own unique ways.”
He hopes readers understand the heart behind the mission.
“We’re extremely passionate and understanding of what we’re doing,” he says. “We will not stop our efforts in leading our youth to be better.”
And he offers an invitation: “If you’d like to get involved or donate time or finances, don’t hesitate. The youth will be forever grateful for your help and love toward their success and story.”
A Sheriff’s Perspective: Why MANDO Matters
Ventura County Sheriff’s Sergeant Dillan Alvarez has watched Aviles’ transformation for years—from an active gang member to a community leader. Their relationship began through Alvarez’s work in law enforcement, where he invited Aviles to speak at community events about the dangers of gang culture.
“After those events, Marcos decided to form a nonprofit to further his mission,” Alvarez says. “I connected him with individuals familiar with the nonprofit-creation process, and he successfully built MANDO into what it is today.”
Alvarez now serves as a MANDO board member, attends teen group meetings and helps connect Aviles with community partners.
He believes MANDO fills a critical gap in the system.
“MANDO is vital because the generational cycle of gang culture has persisted for too long,” Alvarez explains. “There’s a shortage of positive role models in gang communities capable of effectively reaching active gang members the way MANDO does.”
Traditional law enforcement, he notes, often focuses on incarceration without ongoing rehabilitation.
“MANDO and Marcos serve as a comprehensive support system,” he says. “They engage in street‑level prevention, work with incarcerated youth behind jail walls and provide mentorship upon release.”
This continuity—before, during and after incarceration—is what sets MANDO apart.
“MANDO fills the critical gaps in time and resources that face law enforcement,” Alvarez says. “It makes gang prevention a true community effort.”
He has seen the program’s impact firsthand.
“We’ve partnered with numerous local businesses and organizations throughout Ventura County to make a difference,” he says. “With continued community support, we’re confident MANDO will continue to positively impact Ventura County.”
Programs That Change Lives
MANDO’s offerings are designed to support the whole person—emotionally, mentally, physically and socially.
- Case Management: Personalized guidance to help youth and families navigate challenges, connect with resources and build stability.
- Art Therapy: A creative space to process trauma and build self‑awareness.
- Boxing: A structured outlet that promotes discipline, confidence and emotional regulation.
- Parenting Classes: Led by a Triple P certified instructor, these classes help caregivers strengthen family relationships and create supportive home environments.
Each program is built on consistency, compassion and connection.
A Movement Rooted in Love and Relentless Support
For Aviles, Ramirez, Alvarez and the many partners who support MANDO, the mission is clear: to guide youth toward better choices, better futures and better lives.
“Our efforts are extremely personal to us,” Ramirez says. “We want our youth to become better brothers, sisters, cousins, friends—and one day, mentors.”
Aviles echoes that sentiment.
“I channel the experiences of those I knew in the system—friends who can no longer be saved—to mentor youth,” he says. “My mission is to help them rebuild their lives, believe in themselves and unlock their potential for good.”
MANDO is more than a program. It’s a movement—one built on redemption, resilience and the belief that every young person deserves a chance to rewrite their story.
For more information, visit mandoydg.org.