Covina youth center reflects on slaying, legacy of namesake

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COVINA >> A nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping kids away from gangs, drugs and violence through sports, academic and life mentorship marked a bittersweet milestone on Thursday.
It was the 9th anniversary of the slaying of Manuel “Manny” Moreno, a 26-year-old graphic designer who was gunned down on Nov. 10, 2007, in his hometown of Covina. But out of his tragic death, Moreno’s family launched the Man-e Moreno Foundation in his memory.
The group started helping families individually, then obtained a “mobile teen center” in a trailer before ultimately achieving its goal of opening a permanent teen center, the 212 Academic and Athletic Training Center, at 542 N. 2nd Street in Covina in 2012.
More than 150 young people, from 8-year-olds to college students, as well as 25 adults, now attend the center to make use of state-of-the-art sports training facilities, an academic study hall and other resources.
Covina’s new Police Chief, John Curley, and other city officials were on hand to mark the anniversary.
“(We) marked the nine-year anniversary of Manny’s passing the only way we know how: to continue our healing and also continue our mission,” Man-e Moreno Foundation President Robert Moreno said.
He thanked the many “amazing people” in the community who have helped the Moreno family in their journey to seek justice, as well as to become part of the solution to senseless violence.
The Man-e Moreno Foundation presented Covina City Councilman John King, Covina police Sgt. Anthony Zavala, who is investigating Manny Moreno’s murder, and Covina Police Chief John Curley with certificated of appreciation. The Covina Police Department has been “beyond supportive” of the family in its endeavors, Robert Moreno said.
Looking forward, he said, “We have pledged to continue fighting for a cause as we develop the complete student athlete as well as encourage and challenge the youth in our community to live life with a purpose.”

PHOTO: Covina’s new Police Chief, John Curley, center, meets with members of The Man-E Moreno Foundation’s 212 Training Center as it commemorate the 9th anniversary of the slaying of Manuel “Manny” Moreno, a 26-year-old graphic designer who was gunned in 2007, in Covina on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. The 212 Training Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping kids away from gangs, drugs and violence through sports, academic and life mentoring. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, San Gabriel Valley Tribune/ SCNG)

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