JDAI Newsmakers
Juan Sanchez Honored By Mexican Government
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| Juan Sanchez |
Dr. Juan Sanchez, founder and chief executive officer of Southwest Key Programs, was awarded the “Premio Ohtli” by the Mexican Consulate in Austin, Texas. The award came at a reception celebrating 16 de Septiembre, the date of Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810.
“He has empowered youth and their families, he has helped elevate their quality of life,” the consulate said in a statement. “He has given them hope and the ability to achieve what they would like while tending to one of the most complex and difficult problems that Mexican citizens face in this country: the juvenile justice system.”
The Ohtli award – derived from the Nahuatl language word for “opening doors” – is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed by the Mexican government to non-Mexican citizens. It recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in improving the quality of life for Mexican citizens living outside Mexico.
Sanchez founded Southwest Key Programs in 1987, with a commitment to providing critically needed social and juvenile justice services by a staff of culturally competent professionals.
The organization currently operates 55 juvenile justice and family programs, shelters, alternative schools and community initiatives in Texas, California, New York, Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin and Louisiana. It servers over 6,000 youth daily.
“I want to share this honor with my staff and family, who make Southwest Key the success that it is, but especially with my mother, who instilled in me the drive to excel as a citizen of our great country and to respect and treasure my Mexican culture and values,” Sanchez said.
After receiving a doctorate degree from the Harvard University School of Education, Sanchez returned to his hometown of Brownsville, Texas, to direct La Esperanza Home, a residential treatment center for youth.
He became an expert on the juvenile justice system and its limitations in dealing with youth. He also became aware of the scarcity of Latinos and African Americans in positive-role-model and policy-making positions.
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