(October 14, 2006) Boyle Heights - Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) receives the first-ever Community Excellence Award from Jovenes, Inc. for her work in securing $300,000 in federal funds for computers for the non-profit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness among at-risk Latino youth. Founded in 1989, the group serves youth in Boyle Heights, Pico-Union/Westlake, Echo Park, South Central, East Los Angeles, Long Beach and Hollywood. The award presentation coincided with the group's Oktoberfest Street festival which celebrated the organization's 15th anniversary of helping homeless youth transition into adulthood. Each year, Jovenes, Inc. provides hundreds of youth with transitional housing and shelter, as well as counseling, life-skills training, employment preparation, and opportunities to continue their education and advance in life. Currently, Jovenes, Inc. serves about 1,000 youth during the course of the entire year, with a population of 50 being served at any one time. Pictured in the photo from left to right: Jonie Gonzalez; Congresswoman Roybal-Allard who represents Boyle Heights; Densi Garcia (both Gonzalez and Garcia completed the Jovenes, Inc. course and are now gainfully employed); Father Richard Estrada, the organization's founder; the legendary Dolores Huerta of the United Farmworkers Union; and LAUSD Board of Education Member Monica Garcia.