In 1992 Nate and Jenny Bacon and other Catholic leaders in collaboration of the Pastor at Saint Peter's church, father Jack in San Francisco's Mission District established "Comunidad San Dimas".   A ministry to young Latinos caught in the worlds of gangs and drugs. The ministry began as a response to two young people killed near the parish in the same week gang violence.

At the same time, Latino youth at the youth guidance center now Juvenile Justice Center, were asking to have some kind of church service in Spanish.  Thus began a ministry at Juvenile Hall which continues to this day.

As our model worked very well with the Hispanic youth we adapted our services to both English and Spanish speaking youth. Our support to youth includes court hearings and after-care christian mentorship programs for youth released from jail that are in and out of probation. 

Youths at the San Francisco Juvenile facility proved to be the necessary bridge of trust and learning to connect with youth on our streets in San Francisco.  Over time it became apparent that there was a great need for appropriate placement for Latino youth, many of whom were undocumented.

As an outgrowth of our focus on providing a family and community alternative to the gangs.  InnerChange missionaries, and later volunteers, began opening our homes to youth who did not fit the proper profile for existing placement and who had special needs we were able to meet. 

Overtime this organically grew into a transitional home we call "Casa San Dimas".  Casa San Dimas can receive up to 4 young people, and survives on donations, and self-generated income.

In the 20th century we have been blessed with the opportunity to serve in other county Juvenile Facilities.

In 2004 we started our services at the San Leandro county Juvenile Justice Center providing our services 3 days a week.  We work jointly as Comunidad San Dimas under the Violence Prevention program of Catholic Charities of the East bay.

In 2006 we started our services at the San Mateo county Juvenile Youth Center.

All volunteers with Comunidad San Dimas giving their time at the Juvenile Justice Centers, serve under the auspices of the Archdiocese (Restorative Justice ministry) of San Francisco and in relation with the Probation Department volunteer programs of each Juvenile facility.

For more information contact Julio Escobar.