How a Boxing Gym Became a ‘Center for Peace’

A city worth fighting for

But turning at-risk youth into prize fighters isn't the point. Yarnall refers to HBC's work as "a ministry." Caitlin Cifuentes, HBC's 23-year-old manager, said the club's goal is helping "get kids off the streets."

Tabitha Cifuentes, HBC's assistant manager, said the gym is a haven: "Once you step in that door, you're family. Your problems stay out there when you're in here."

In the nearly two decades since Tony Cifuentes founded HBC, the organization has served more than 7,000 children, youth and their families. Most of the those who train at HBC are from the neighborhood. It's open to people of all ages; the youngest student is 5.

Tabitha Cifuentes grew up in San Bernardino and is committed to making it a better, safer place to live. "We've had some rough times here," she said, "but we're trying to make it better."

Manager Caitlin Cifuentes, is another native. "There's a lot of adversity growing up in a low-income household," she said. "I was fortunate to have enough growing up, but I went to school with people who really didn't have anything."

Many youth in the area "don't have the guidance they need," she said. "They may grow up without a father, without a mother. My role is to be a guide for them."

And for almost 20 years, HBC has "been a safe space for people to just be themselves."

Lessons in resilience

HBC focuses on building mental - as well as - physical toughness. Both are necessary in developing resilient adults. Coaches lead students in deep breathing, meditation, journaling and in openly discussing challenges they face at home and at school.

"In a chaotic world, it's hard to find peace sometimes," Yarnall said. "We strive for this to be a tabernacle, a center for peace."

The lessons - survival skills, really - taught at HBC are useful outside the gym. "Breathing exercises can be used anywhere to self-soothe," Tabitha Cifuentes said. "When our students get stressed, they know how to calm themselves."

Yarnall tells students that just coming to the gym isn't enough. They need to "practice on their own time, especially if they want to compete," he said.

Homework isn't limited to physical workouts. "We remind students about the importance of doing their homework and staying focused in school," Yarnall added. "Developing a strong work ethic and discipline will help them in the long run."

Putting the work in

Being awarded a Lowe's Hometowns grant nets nonprofits more than funding. They also get a workforce of Lowe's volunteers to augment their staff on "Red Vest Day." That's when dozens of Lowe's volunteers, led by Store Captain Miko Flores, installed a new space at HBC for yoga, tutoring sessions, study halls and other programming.

Flores used to be a fighter himself. "It's really cool that he has that background," Yarnall said, adding that "having Lowe's support is encouraging to our whole organization; it inspires us to keep going."

Even the young boxers played a role on the Red Vest Day. The group hosted a pop-up cabana, selling juices and snacks and learning entrepreneurship skills.

A proud past, a bright future

HBC's good work goes beyond the gym. Each year, the group holds a holiday toy drive. Last year's drive resulted in around 20,000 toys being distributed to nearly 5,000 families.

HBC has expansion plans for a 30-acre "Tabernacle ranch" on the north side of San Bernardino. Youth will learn about conservation and environmental stewardship. Archery, axe throwing and horseback riding will be offered, and a campfire will provide a gathering spot for participants each night.

HBC is a place of inclusivity - and of second chances. One recently hired youth advocate was incarcerated from the time he was 15 until he was released at 31. He's now 33, employed, has a car and is, Yarnall said, "a completely different person" from when he first came to HBC.

Remarkable transformations happen all the time at HBC.

Because along with jabs, hooks and bobbing and weaving, HBC teaches respect, discipline and hard work - plus a lesson you wouldn't expect to learn in the boxing ring. And that's, in Caitlin Fuentes' words, "Walk in love, carry peace and bless those who are less fortunate."

She often reminds students: "You can get through anything with faith and perseverance."

Visit Lowes.com/hometowns and follow #LowesHometowns on social media for more on this year's projects. To learn more about Lowe's commitment to communities, visit Lowes.com/OurCommunities .

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.