It can be tough to find the right path in life, at any age.
At Teralta Park in City Heights, a group of adults, some overcoming their own challenges, are helping at-risk kids find a purpose in life.
Arthur Soriano and his wife Gabby started an organization called Youth Empowerment in December.
Their intent is to create a positive environment where at-risk kids stay away from drugs and alcohol, and where youth can see they don't need to join a gang to feel like they belong.
On Sundays, different generations take up a corner of the park to play dominos, basketball, volleyball and jump rope.
Once a month, the adults host a barbeque for the kids.
"Six months ago I would have still been running around the streets, getting into trouble, and most likely still using. Now, I'm like sober. I'm more positive," says 15 year-old Claudia Ruiz.
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Arthur Soriano says he looks for warning signs in the kids, and tries to show them the difference between good and bad.
"Surviving a troubled background myself as a kid and even as an adult, there's a way I can give back, connect with them," says Arthur Soriano.
Arthur and Gabby Soriano grew up in City Heights, and know many of the kids, their parents and the challenges they face.
The Sorianos have organized a few outings to help the youth develop a sense of community, including picking up trash and painting over graffiti at Teralta Park.
It's at the Sunday gatherings where the kids can also let their guard down and talk to an adult, who's not a family member or an authority figure.
18-year-old Tony Hernandez struggled when his parents divorced and his dad passed away.
Hernandez says he got involved criminal activity, and with the help of the Sunday gatherings, has been able to remove himself from negative influences.
"Everybody here has spoken to me, and given me words of advice to help me overcome much pain," says Hernandez.
He graduates from high school in June, and is now deciding between going to college or working full-time.
The informal gatherings also take the pressure off parents.
"I communicate with them more. I do recreational stuff, says Michelle Ruiz, a single mom to 5 children, including Claudia.
Six months after the first gathering in December, the crowd keeps getting bigger. Friendships from years ago are renewed, and new friendships are formed.
Many of the at-risk kids keep coming back, and some eventually bring along their friends, siblings and parents.
"They're here every Sunday. They like it. They come on their own," says Gabby Soriano.
"My ultimate goal is for these kids, that nobody believes in, that nobody has hope in, to graduate. Get jobs. Contribute back to the community," says Arthur Soriano.
