JOVEN (pronounced "hoven") stands for Juvenile Outreach and Vocational/Educational Network, and is the Spanish word for youth. Founded in 1992 in response to the growing presence of gangs that were having a negative impact on the children and families of our area, JOVEN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in San Antonio. Our mission is to develop character and resiliency in children by providing innovative, exciting programs and structured alternative activities that are designed to help them succeed. Our vision is to create a healthy community, in collaboration with others, where youth at risk and their families may experience healing and empowerment. Over the past 19 years, we have served more than 100,000 disadvantaged children and families in San Antonio with our array of educational, cultural, and fitness programs.