Daily Inspiration: Meet Robert Moreno

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Moreno.

Robert Moreno is the President and founder of the Man-e Moreno Foundation and has become a very influential voice to the local youth in our communities. Moreno connects with the youth using his innovative and very diverse methods of encouragement. Moreno challenges the youth to find their God given purpose, along with using the tool of education and sports to help them make it past any and all barriers. Some Critics say that this generation is lost and unreachable, but Moreno holds onto the principles and values instilled in him by his father and other mentors placed in his life. The Man-e Moreno Foundation was started just six months after Moreno lost his 26 years old brother Manny Moreno to a random violent crime on November 10, 2007 in the city of Covina. Moreno and family along with a team have dedicated their lives to helping families that find themselves in the similar situation.

In 2009 Moreno announced to his staff and supporters that there was more to the foundation. The Diversity Unified Project was launched late 2009 which was a mobile Teen Center. This project consisted of positive entertainment, constructive mentoring and a study lab. Moreno believes these tools will help the youth in our communities achieve the goals that were set out before them. In 2012 Moreno and his team were very excited to open their doors to their very own 4,000 sq ft facility and launched The 212 Academic and Athletic Training Center, the foundation now has their programs as well as added sports training to their operation. The Man-e Moreno Foundation has received multiple awards and recognition from local and state officials, but Moreno and his staff believe their reward is an educated generation walking around with purpose in return, we will see healthier communities.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The journey has not been easy however by the grace of God, we have seen his promises fulfilled. Pre COVID, we were servicing close to 200 youth. Now with restrictions as well as two shutdowns, we are limited to operation of 25 percent. We believe it’s important for our youth (ages 8-18) to have social as well as an active lifestyle. Some are sports driven and some just need to have activity added to their daily routine. We are determined to see the youth in our communities continue to strive to be better despite a pandemic. We are very grateful to have great parents that want to see the same for their children.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Developing the complete student athlete has always been our focus as well as seeing youth active. We are not a gym we are a training facility. We often say you a student athlete not an athlete student so if your studies aren’t in order, you will never see the field, court, and or track. For the youth that don’t play sports them having a sense of belonging, we find it important that they have a place with positive encouragement while being instilled with principles and values so they can become a well-rounded person in the community.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I grew up in Covina and to see the same city I lost my brother in is the same city that has supported our endeavors. Starting with our Police Department to our City Council has been amazing and for that, we as an organization and family we will be forever grateful. If we can reach one that one will reach ten. “Together We Can Make A Difference”

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.man-efoundation.org
• Instagram: @212trainingcenter
• Facebook: @212trainingcenter

Image Credits:
All photos provided by Brianna Moreno 212 Academic and Athletic Training Center Powered by the Man-e Moreno Foundation media team.