ORIGINS OF SBX
This is our story........
1995
This organization was first organized under the guidance of Mr. Earl Tillman at Rialto High School in September 1995, with Mr. Kevin Clinscales serving as the student leader. The aim was to create a leadership development program focused on self-discipline, self-confidence, and self-reliance, all while cultivating a commitment to family, community, and society. The program began as a step team where young men worked together to perfect precision stepping routines, fostering teamwork and mutual support. After-school practices were supervised by Mr. Ernest Rhone IV, and as more young men observed the rehearsals, the program grew to include additional components such as homework assistance, career discussions, and the pursuit of common goals.
In 1997, under Mr. Rhone’s leadership and with Mr. Corey A. Jackson as the student leader, the organization was officially recognized. A core group of leaders shaped its structure, operations, and administration, and what started as "Beta Club" evolved into Sigma Beta and finally Sigma Beta Xi. The name change marked a pivotal moment when the organization, recognizing its growing diversity and unified mission, chose to forge its own path, embracing a future built on unity and inclusiveness.
Looking back to 1997, the seeds of what would become SBX Youth and Family Services were planted at Rialto High School with the formation of the Sigma Beta Xi organization. The organization aimed to foster leadership qualities in students by instilling values such as sacrifice, trust, and understanding. Starting with just eight members, the organization quickly expanded, welcoming students from all walks of life. Early morning meetings, some as early as 6:30 AM, were a testament to the commitment and self-sacrifice required of its members. "We did it on purpose to learn sacrifice," Corey Jackson, then a 17-year-old senior, explained.
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In 1998, a group of ladies from Rialto High School approached Mr. Rhone, the advisor of Sigma Beta Xi, to create a sister organization, Phi Beta. The first meeting took place on Monday, October 12, 1998, in Mr. Rhone's classroom, with Ms. Graciela Arroyo chosen as Chairperson. Later on, Ms. Graciela Arroyo was elected president. Eventually a committee of three was formed to search for a staff advisor resulting in Mrs. Elizabeth Mariana as Phi Beta Advisor. In 1999, both organizations united to form Future Professional Leaders (FPL), marking the beginning of a movement dedicated to empowering young leaders.
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FPL was more than just a student organization; it was a movement that blurred the lines between leadership and service. The students actively sought out opportunities to make a difference, taking charge and addressing challenges head-on. "We take charge," said founding member Darrell Peeden. "We don't wait around for the adults to tell us what to do. We attack the problem because we're going to be the future leaders." This ethos of taking initiative and serving the community became the foundation of the organization and set the stage for the future. The early work and empowerment experienced by these high school students provided the fuel to propel the organization forward, establishing a legacy of service and sacrifice. This spirit of youth empowerment continues to light the path ahead, inspiring future generations to lead with the same passion and dedication.
Listen Up
Sophomore Pablo Aguilar is reviewing important points with the other members of the club while Corey Jackson and Lloyd Sheppard are making sure he goes through all the issues.
Getting Pointers
Senior Lloyd Sheppard gets advice from Mr. Rhone just before the Sigma Beta meeting starts.
Follow the Leader...
Daniel Peeden, Pablo Aguilar, Cergio Salinas are following Mr. Rhone to their weekly morning meeting. These dedicated members report to school early in the morning for their meeting.
Home Sweet Home
Sigma Beta brothers meet in E-207 every Thursday at 7:30 am. This is where they make important decisions and where they spend quality time as brothers.
Sigma Beta
Top row: Rudy Delgado, Joshua Flores, Willies Thrower, Louis Torres, Cergio Salinas, Victor Torres, Edgar Ramos, Daniel Peeden, Willie Mason, Darrell Peeden, Alan Turner, Cheasopha Bunchamroeun, Johnathon Cotham, Edward Zaremba, Paul Flores, Ray Delgado, Johnathon Billenger. Middle row: Jason Mikell, Marky-Warren Ipac, Jason Parnell, Jacob Horn, Lloyd Sheppard, Corey Jackson, Chris Razo, Armando Enriquez, Tyrone Fletcher, Jason Tindungun, Kevin Moore. Bottom row: Richard Gonzalez, Albert Stovall, Jorge Sanchez, Pablo Aguilar, Mark Guerero, Victor Martinez. Not pictured: Oscar Ramos, Brandon Meek, Brandon Trujillo, Terrance Ragland, Basil Ward, Andre Hopkins.
What's Next?
Senior Darrell Peeden is carefully revising the Sigma Beta schedule for upcoming events while sophomore Terrance Ragland is listening to the meeting that is being held.
Phi-Beta
Back row: Jennifer Santillo, Denise Naranjo, Darlene Oriz, Kristie Cortez, Yoanna Aguila Socho, Alma Ramirez, Tracy Fletcher. Middle row: Stephanie McCormick, Graciela Arroyo, Zoila Vasquez, Lizette Navarrete, Lizette Ruiz, Heather Vansant, Berenice Flores, Michele Cruz. First row: Diana Martinez, Yeime Baez, Gaby Monarrey, Lourie Tindungun.
Listen Up Girls
Graciela Arroyo is the President of Phi Beta and is in charge of running the meetings and making sure everything goes well.
Last Second Minutes
Senior Stephanie McCormick, is wrapping up the meeting as she gives last pieces of vital information.
Pass the Papers
Junior Tracy Fletcher passes the notice around during a Phi Beta meeting. Tracy tries hard to succeed in all her classes, and enjoys being a Phi Beta sister.
Gotta Check the Schedule
Junior Yeime Baez listens to upcoming events and checks her schedule while Yoanna Aguilasocho (right) and Darlene Ortiz (left) sit and listen
Demerits
Sophomore Alma Ramirez gives a report to the new Phi Beta sisters. The report is about demerits and how to avoid getting them.
1999
As high school seniors in 1999 and 2000, we were filled with hope, ambition, and focus. We often gathered, fueled by the question, "What if?" What if we could continue this organization beyond high school? What if we could take our 55 members and expand beyond the confines of Rialto High School, maximizing our impact? These questions drove us to envision a future where the values and mission of the Future Professional Leaders (FPL) organization could thrive indefinitely.
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We imagined a future where we could establish a 501(c)(3) charitable entity to serve the community and change the world. We asked ourselves how we could sustain our mission and ensure its growth. The answer lay in creating businesses—run by us, for us—that would not only provide invaluable experience but also generate the profits needed to fund our organization’s goals. We believed in the power of a positive feedback loop, an environment where positive change could flourish continuously.
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Our blueprint was born from these dreams. It focused on three pillars: the FPL organization, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, and Xi Corp. (community, charitable, and social enterprises). This framework aimed to expand our reach and impact, ensuring that future generations of youth would benefit from the same opportunities and empowerment that had shaped our lives. We envisioned an organization built on service and sacrifice, a legacy that would continue to grow, driven by the very youth it aimed to support. This vision, conceived in our high school classrooms, set the foundation for a thriving, dynamic community dedicated to changing the world.
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2000
In the year 2000, the founding members of SBX Youth and Family Services, including our first President Corey Jackson, alongside key leaders Lloyd Sheppard, Darrell Peeden, and Daniel Peeden, reached a significant milestone as they graduated from Rialto High School. This moment marked not just a personal achievement for these young leaders but also a pivotal point in the life of the organization.
As the first President and core leadership team transitioned out of high school, their focus shifted to fulfilling the obligations they had set forth in their blueprint for SBX. They were driven by the vision of expanding the impact of the organization, ensuring that the principles of sacrifice, trust, and service would continue to empower future generations.
The graduation of these founding members symbolized the passing of the torch, a commitment to growing SBX beyond its initial boundaries, and a dedication to creating lasting change in the community.
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Armed with hope, ambition, and a clear vision, Corey Jackson, Lloyd Sheppard, Darrell Peeden, Daniel Peeden, and their fellow graduates embraced their new roles with the same passion that had driven them in high school. They set out to build on the foundation they had laid, turning their youthful dreams into a reality. The blueprint FPL had crafted became their guiding light, shaping the path forward as they worked tirelessly to expand SBX's reach and influence.
2001
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Fresh out of high school and brimming with determination, Corey Jackson, Darrell Peeden, Daniel Peeden, and Lloyd Sheppard embarked on a new journey to fulfill the vision laid out in the blueprint developed with the Future Professional Leaders organization and its members. The resources available to new graduates were limited, especially compared to today's technology. Myspace wasn't developed yet, the internet was still in its infancy, and access to computers was scarce. However, their passion for community service and youth empowerment propelled them forward.
Using the knowledge they had acquired and gathering more information through libraries and the early internet, they meticulously prepared the paperwork necessary to establish a nonprofit organization. On February 3, 2001, they filed for nonprofit status, naming the organization Project Community Uplift. This marked a significant milestone, as they transitioned from high school students to founders of a formal entity dedicated to carrying out their charitable work.
As the organization began to take shape, the founders and members remained committed to their mission, continuously seeking ways to expand their impact and improve their services. By 2005, it became clear that a name change was needed to better reflect their identity and mission. On April 12, 2005, they decided to amend the name from Project Community Uplift to Sigma Beta Xi, Inc. Just ten days later, on April 22, 2005, the organization officially became Sigma Beta Xi, Inc., or SBX Youth and Family Services as we know it today.
This transformation marked a new chapter in the organization's history, solidifying its foundation and setting the stage for future growth. The dedication and resourcefulness of Corey, Darrell, Daniel, and Lloyd in those early years, along with the vision of the organization's members, laid the groundwork for an enduring legacy of service and empowerment, inspiring countless youth to take charge and create positive change in their communities.
Darrell Peeden, Jason Mikell, Mr. Ernest Rhone IV, and Daniel Peeden looking at a industrial suite for an office suite in Rialto, CA for the organization in 2009.
2015
In 2015, SBX Youth and Family Services received the Nonprofit Excellence Award from 211 Community Connect, a recognition that marked a significant milestone in our journey. Since the inception of our organization, we, as youth, had dreamt of forming a charitable entity to carry out the work we planned in high school. This dream was truly ambitious; coming from families without substantial resources, the idea of forming a nonprofit was completely foreign to us. We had no idea how to establish a legal entity, let alone run a corporation.
However, we had the training and confidence gained from being part of the Future Professional Leaders organization. Our mentor and advisor, Mr. Rhone, instilled in us the values of resourcefulness and self-assurance. As the nonprofit worked to establish its youth development service model, brothers and sisters came together to initiate a mentoring program in the Moreno Valley Unified School District, beginning with Vista Heights Middle School. A successful meeting with Mr. Mayo, a school counselor, paved the way for the program's launch, which prioritized parent engagement and weekly meetings with youth, laying the foundation for SBX's impactful youth development work in MVUSD. Key members of FPL played major roles in the success of the nonprofit during those early years. Brother Corey Jackson, Brother, Board Member Kevin Moore, Sister, Board Member, Co-CEO Berenice Zuniga, Brother Eddie Olmedo, Brother Paul Solarzano, Brother Jeffery Bunkley, Brother Miguel Jimenez, Brother Philbert Thomas, Brother Jonathan Gil, Brother Giordan Porter, Brother Christian Rivera, Brother Sergio Ruiz, and Brother David Villa were instrumental in carrying out the service model of the nonprofit to ensure its success. Their sacrifice is another testament to the dedication each of them has to youth empowerment and the success of the work we were set out to accomplish, proving that the FPL community, developed as youth, are willing and ready to serve.
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Receiving the Nonprofit Excellence Award many years later was a testament to our perseverance and dedication. This recognition not only validated our efforts but also provided us with the confidence to continue our mission of empowering youth and serving the community. It symbolized the realization of a dream that had once seemed out of reach and affirmed the impact of our work. This award was not just a milestone for SBX; it was a beacon of hope, illuminating the path forward for future generations to carry on the legacy of service and empowerment.
2016
A Legacy of Sacrifice and Impact
The retirement of Mr. Ernest Rhone from Rialto High School marked the end of an era and the culmination of a career that many educators dream of—one filled with profound impact and unwavering dedication. His journey, however, was not without sacrifice.
Mr. Rhone's career was dedicated to mentoring and guiding countless students, instilling in them the values of self-discipline, self-confidence, and self-reliance. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, as he spent long hours after school supervising and supporting students. His efforts to help students realize their potential and commit to serving their families, communities, and society were monumental.
Despite retiring from his teaching position, Mr. Rhone's commitment to empowering youth has not wavered. Though he no longer walks the halls of Rialto High School, his presence is strongly felt at SBX Youth and Family Services headquarters. There, he continues to mentor and guide the same individuals he supported in 1999 and 2000, as well as new generations of youth. His legacy of sacrifice and impact remains a cornerstone of SBX, driving the organization's ongoing mission to empower and uplift young people.
Mr. Rhone's career exemplifies the profound influence a dedicated educator can have on their students' lives. His tireless dedication and unwavering support have laid the foundation for SBX's success, ensuring that his vision for youth empowerment continues to inspire and guide future generations.
2019
SBX Youth and Family Services, under the leadership of founder Corey Jackson, embarked on a mission to address issues affecting many students, particularly concerning the school-to-prison pipeline. Partnering with the ACLU, SBX aimed to tackle concerns related to Riverside County’s Youth Accountability Team (YAT) program. The collaboration focused on ensuring that students were treated fairly and that minor infractions did not lead to severe consequences.
Corey Jackson, through his work with SBX, noticed that several youths in their mentoring programs were affected by the YAT system. Motivated by a commitment to protecting their rights, SBX and the ACLU worked together to address these concerns. They discovered that many parents were unaware of the voluntary nature of the YAT program, which led to certain practices that could impact students' civil liberties.
The efforts culminated in a settlement in 2019, resulting in positive changes to the YAT program. Riverside County agreed to enhance community-based diversion programs, which aim to provide supportive interventions rather than punitive measures. This approach focuses on offering youth the resources they need to succeed without facing harsh penalties for minor infractions.
This achievement reflects SBX’s dedication to systemic change and advocacy for fair policies in education and juvenile justice. By promoting equity and support for all students, SBX continues to build on its legacy of empowering youth and fostering community resilience. This milestone underscores the organization's mission to uplift and support the next generation, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive in a fair and just environment.
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This pivotal moment in SBX’s history highlights their ongoing commitment to transforming systems that impact youth, reinforcing their mission to advocate for and empower the next generation.
2022
In another significant milestone for SBX Youth and Family Services, Corey Jackson, our founder and first President, was elected to the State Assembly to represent District 60. This achievement marked a proud moment for our organization, reflecting the leadership and community commitment that SBX instills in its members.
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With Corey's election to the State Assembly, he resigned his position as CEO of SBX to fully dedicate himself to his new role in public service. In response, the Board of Directors appointed Berenice Zuniga (Berenice Flores) and Darrell Peeden as Co-CEOs, ushering in a new chapter of leadership. Both Berenice and Darrell were former students at Rialto High School during 1999-2000 and integral members of the Future Professional Leaders organization.
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Berenice and Darrell's journey from high school students to co-leaders of SBX embodies the mission and vision of our organization. Their experiences and dedication have prepared them to guide SBX with the same passion and commitment to community service that Corey demonstrated. This transition marks not only a change in leadership but also a continuation of the values and principles that have always driven SBX forward.
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Under their leadership, SBX Youth and Family Services is poised to reach new heights, building on the strong foundation laid by Corey Jackson and the early members of the Future Professional Leaders. This transition ensures that SBX will continue to empower and uplift youth, fostering the next generation of leaders who will make a lasting impact on their communities.
2022
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In 2022, the Inland Empire Coalition for Youth Justice (IECYJ) was formed, and Jovaun Alexander was selected to administer this new nonprofit organization. This achievement is a direct result of SBX Youth and Family Services' unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, which lies at the very heart of our mission.
Jovaun Alexander’s journey with SBX began in middle school when he joined as a mentee. Through the support, guidance, and opportunities provided by SBX, Jovaun transitioned from a mentee to a brother within the organization, fully embracing its values and mission. His dedication and hard work were evident as he progressed through high school and into college.
Today, Jovaun is not only a college student but also the program administrator for IECYJ, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing like-minded youth together to shape the future of justice and equity in the Inland Empire. His role as an administrator exemplifies the empowerment SBX aims to provide: transforming mentees into leaders who create meaningful change in their communities.
The stories of Corey Jackson, Darrell Peeden, and Berenice Zuniga, who transitioned from mentees and members of the Future Professional Leaders to leaders and business operators within the SBX ecosystem, are mirrored in Jovaun's journey. His progression from a young mentee to a leader administering a new nonprofit organization is a testament to the lasting influence of SBX’s commitment to youth empowerment.
The story of Jovaun Alexander, alongside many others, illustrates the tangible outcomes of our empowerment mission. By providing guidance, opportunities, and support, SBX Youth and Family Services continues to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in their communities.
2022
SBX Youth and Family Services achieved a significant milestone with the launch of the Moreno Valley Youth Village, a permanent supportive housing project specifically designed for Transition Age Youth (TAY) aged 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness. This groundbreaking initiative represents our unwavering commitment to providing vulnerable youth with the stability, support, and opportunities they need to build a better future.
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Since its inception, SBX has continually encountered youth facing circumstances beyond their control that threaten to derail their lives. Among the most pressing of these issues is homelessness. Time and again, we have worked with mentees and youth members who lacked a safe place to call home. The scarcity of available resources became painfully clear, prompting us to take action. We realized that we could no longer rely on others to solve this problem; we needed to be the solution.
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In 2020, we began to seriously discuss how we could provide housing for homeless youth aged 18-24. This led to a series of conversations with Riverside County about developing a housing project specifically for these young people. After many discussions and securing an agreement with the County of Riverside and funding from the American Resue Plan Act, the Moreno Valley Youth Village was conceived. In 2022, we embarked on the journey to make this vision a reality.
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Today, we are proud to announce the completion of renovations on three 4-bedroom, 2-bath homes in Moreno Valley, CA. These homes are now ready to lease, providing a safe and supportive environment for 8-12 TAY youth, including unaccompanied mothers with one child. Situated on 4 acres of land, the Moreno Valley Youth Village offers ample space and the potential for future expansion as we raise the necessary funds to develop additional housing options.
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The Moreno Valley Youth Village is more than just a housing project; it is a comprehensive support system aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by homeless youth. By offering a safe and stable living environment, the Youth Village provides residents with access to essential services such as education, employment training, mental health support, and life skills development. These resources are crucial in helping youth transition successfully into independent adulthood.
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This milestone reflects the core values of SBX, emphasizing the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can thrive. By addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing targeted support, the Moreno Valley Youth Village aims to break the cycle of poverty and instability that many young people face.
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The launch of the Moreno Valley Youth Village is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, partners, and the community. It demonstrates the power of collective effort in driving meaningful change and underscores our mission to empower and uplift the most vulnerable members of our community. This project not only provides immediate relief for homeless youth but also lays the foundation for long-term success and self-sufficiency.
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As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the profound impact the Moreno Valley Youth Village will have on the lives of its residents. This initiative embodies the spirit of SBX Youth and Family Services, reinforcing our commitment to creating a brighter future for all young people. The Youth Village stands as a model of innovation and compassion, paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive community.
