Manuel Manny Gutierrez
Director of Program Strategy @Project Youth Oc
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WORK HISTORY
Director of Program Strategy @Project Youth Oc
Santa Ana, CA, US
At Project Youth OC, I lead all program departments: juvenile diversion, college & career access, and parent & family enrichment. These programs are designed to provide individualized case management, comprehensive support, and guidance to at-risk youth in Orange County to overcome obstacles they may face along their journey, guiding them to lifelong success.Our flagship juvenile diversion program, SHORTSTOP, offers an alternative to prosecution for first-time, minor offenses and provides youth offenders a chance to receive diversion services instead of facing formal legal consequences. We emphasize personal accountability and offer intensive legal education and individualized case management services, helping these young individuals break the cycle of repeat offenses. Inspired by the success of our SHORTSTOP model, STOP SHORT of Addiction provides individualized case management and group substance abuse prevention and treatment for youth who have encountered drug or alcohol-related charges within the criminal justice system. By addressing the root causes of substance abuse and offering a supportive environment, we strive to empower these young individuals to overcome their challenges and build a brighter future.
EDUCATION
UC Irvine
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Social Ecology
UC Irvine
Minor of Applied Science, Urban Studies/Affairs
ABOUT MANUEL MANNY GUTIERREZ
I help design and lead programs that give young people and families real second chances.I’m the Director of Program Strategy at Project Youth OC, where I oversee youth development and family-centered programs across Orange County. My work focuses on early intervention, supporting youth involved in or at risk of entering the juvenile justice system, navigating substance use challenges, or facing barriers to education and long-term opportunity.I work closely with program teams to build services that actually function in real-world settings, including juvenile diversion, prevention and intervention, college and career success, and parent and family enrichment. Much of my role is about translating big ideas into day-to-day practice, supporting staff, strengthening partnerships with courts, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, and ensuring programs are sustainable, accountable, and effective.I’m driven by the belief that timing matters. When young people and families get the right support early, outcomes change. I care deeply about building programs and organizations that are thoughtful, grounded, and built to last.Always open to connecting with others who care about youth development, systems change, and doing work that actually makes a difference.
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