Rene "Groovy" Ruvalcaba
Youth Coordinator

Many of the most inspiring examples of mentoring involve mentees who have become mentors. For 12 years Rene “Groovy” Ruvalcaba has been Tony LoRe’s mentee. As an integral employee of Youth Mentoring Connection, Groovy now provides mentoring, guidance and support for hundreds of young people. His own experience as a mentee has given him that special gift which helps his many mentees open up. He’s often their gateway to a more trusting relationship with the world.

They know he walked the same road, and they see how his journey has transformed him.

He has become their ever humble, always loving and wise guide. He is a model of what our kids can be. He’s there for family, friends and kids. He faces the danger of the streets, and he faces the danger of feeling. He’s not afraid to love. He’s not afraid to cry. Every day Groovy demonstrates the power of showing up no matter what.

After the riots at several local schools, Groovy hit the streets with a message of peace. He extended himself and his home with the young men most in need of support during this difficult time, and he freely passed on the peace and power he has found within himself. He has driven into a gang situation to rescue one of our kids who didn’t want to do a mission. Groovy is 24/7. He talks the talk. He walks the walk. He takes the calls. And he hears the tears in a way few of us can.

Groovy shows us how to show up when our children call on us. Through Groovy we see all that we can truly be. More importantly, his kids see what they can be as well.

“Groovy,…thank you for keeping me out of trouble on the street… You helped me get out of trouble and the problems I had.”
- Jose

“Groovy you inspire me to hopefully be a mentor myself one day. Now you have a friend and a mentee for life.”
- Your B Dog, Peter

“Groovy…thank you for taking me to Spot Graphics and helping me work closer to my goals. You told me what was right and what was not…”
- Love, Jeiser

“Groovy is the only person who has ever believed in me. He taught me how to be a man. He taught me how to love.”
- Cisco