Heart for Youth was founded in New Zealand in 2012 by Ross and Susan McCook with a simple but powerful belief: one caring mentor can change the course of a young person's life. Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, churches, and community organizations, they have helped equip leaders to build strong mentoring cultures and create life-changing opportunities for young people across New Zealand. Ross has also been a trusted mentor to our founder, Holly Hernandez, helping shape the vision and heart behind Heart for Youth USA.
Inspired by that vision, Holly founded Heart for Youth USA in 2018 after seeing firsthand the need for more caring, consistent adults in the lives of young people. What began with one mentor and one young person has grown, one relationship at a time, into a thriving community of mentors, families, volunteers, donors, and partners who share one common belief: every young person deserves someone in their corner.
Our greatest success isn't measured by numbers—it's found in the stories of young people discovering hope, families finding support, and mentors faithfully walking alongside them. One mentor. One young person. One relationship at a time. That's how lives—and communities—are transformed.
Accept. Connect. Equip. Encourage
To empower at-promise youth to reach their full potential by connecting them with mentors who provide ongoing guidance and encouragement.
To help our youth become confident, self-assured, and grounded in a culture that supports and helps each other — through guidance from adult mentors who introduce them to positive experiences they can learn and grow from.
Support Our Mission Become a Mentor
CFO and Director of Mentors
I am a married mom of two grown kids, and I’ve been a mom, coach, and mentor to many more. I love the spirit and grit of teens and young adults. I’m excited to be part of this program and to reach kids who need someone to coach and mentor them. My work experience includes about 25 years in high-tech and serving on the board of several nonprofits working with kids.
Executive Director
When I was young, I had several caring adults who mentored me through the ups and downs of teenage life. I have always felt passionate about loving and caring for young people — especially those who are vulnerable — creating meaningful experiences for them, and encouraging them to reach their full potential. I earned my Master’s in Social Work and have dreamed of starting a nonprofit for many years. My past work at San Jose Job Corps, CityTeam Ministries, and Silicon Valley Children’s Fund has solidified that working with youth is where I want to be.
Board Chairman
I grew up in Santa Clara and was blessed to have multiple adult mentors throughout my formative years. At university I was offered the opportunity to mentor youth, and my life was forever changed. We live in one of the most prosperous counties in the world, filled with talented people from all over — and I believe so many professionals here want to give back to their local community. I joined Heart for Youth to help connect at-risk youth with life-changing mentors.
Secretary and Board Member
I am a married mother of two grown children, and I currently work at a junior high / high school here in the Bay Area. Having seen firsthand what a mentor can do for a youth’s life, I knew this program could benefit so many at-promise youth. I am excited to be part of this team, all dedicated to making a difference for the youth in our community.
Board Member
I am a married father of two grown daughters and have worked in technology marketing for the past 30 years. I am frustrated at how poorly our government support systems work, and I joined the board to help make a difference for kids who most need a different approach to achieve their full potential.
Email
info@heartforyouthusa.org
Phone
(408) 813-2459
Address
3054 Aspen Dr
Santa Clara, CA 95051
