Meet the Coaches

“Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.”

Russell Degnan – C.E.O

“The only person you should strive to be better than, is the person you were yesterday” ~Matty Mullins

Russell Degnan is a passionate change maker who has followed in the footsteps of his father (Bill Degnan), the founder of Operation New Hope.

1996 he began his career journey as a group counselor assigned to ONH’s contract with Riverside County’s Diversion and Los Angeles County Juvenile Parole. Assuming the Executive Director role in 2009 his goal was to elevate ONH from a successful “mom and pop” non-profit in to a thriving key-stakeholder in the communities they served.

2009 he set out a vision to establish a Youth Opportunity Center for the disadvantaged youth ONH served. The goal was to increase the success rate of those classified as “dropouts” throughout San Bernardino County by providing our Evidence Based Practice of case management, educational opportunities, leadership development, and career pathway programs. With these supportive services, he was confident that ONH would assist San Bernardino County in achieving more success with the TAY youth (Foster Youth, Teen Parents, Homeless, Mental Health, and those experiencing the Judicial System).

2010, He would lead the formation of a successful collaboration to create two Youth Opportunity Centers to provide meaningful life skill resources for disadvantaged youth. As a result, ONH has been able to stimulate, sustain and engage “dropout” youth into comprehensive services in San Bernardino County.

Since the opening of the Youth Opportunity Centers; 3135 students have successfully completed ONH’s Career Pathway Program, 411 have graduated with an accredited high school diploma, with 83% entering in to employment, and or enrolled in to higher education or a technical schools.

Ultimately Russell’s passion is to provide underserved youth who have been expected to be the failures in society a place where they experience genuine love, hope, and opportunities to succeed in life. Weekly you will find him in the community encouraging youth to handle their business, actively engaging community leaders, and or developing community partnerships to help empower his beloved students he has devoted his entire life to serve. Mr. Degnan is one of the most loyal and sincere voices for our under-served youth.

Robert Sega aka “Coach”

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandi

Adrianna Jaimes – Youth Reinvestment Manager

“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” – Kobe Bryant

I have been youth developer for 4 years. What I enjoy most about teaching our Youth Reinvestment Program is seeing my students on a beautiful Saturday morning. My students come ready to participate and become leaders of our community. We grow and learn how to be aware of emotions and learn how to positively respond to our emotions.

One of my favorite piece of working with our youth is assisting and mentoring them as they Build a Roadmap to Success. A Roadmap to Success has a huge impact on my students because they are finding their strengths, passions, and planning how they will achieve their own success.

Working with youth has impacted my life in a beautiful way; not only am I teaching the youth, but the youth are teaching and showing me that when life knocks you down you will always stay on top. I enjoy bringing awareness to the students their gifts and talents that they didn’t realize were inside of them. The youth of San Bernardino are STRONG, BEAUTIFUL & GIFTED. This is one of my favorite quotes from one of my students, “If life doesn’t go your way, then make it.” – Seth

I am a dog mom to a beautiful dog named Stella. I like to travel and learn new experiences. One of my favorite hobbies is to joke around and always lighten up the mood wherever I am at. I enjoy finding new foods and restaurants to try. I’ve always shown leadership in my life because I wanted to make sure I had an impact on whoever came in my life. One of my biggest blessings is my FAMILY, they have always showed me support and always told me to reach for the stars and never give up on myself. PERIOD!!!

Summerly Sanchez – Prison to Employment Manager

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~Romans 12:2

I was born and raised in San Bernardino, CA. I am a wife and mother of 3 beautiful children. My husband and I started Etrnl Life church out of Operation New Hope in 2019. My family and I enjoy doing art and music together. We also enjoy outdoors and trying new restaurants and food. We do our best to share the love of God with everyone we encounter. My whole life revolves around my family.

After building a great relationship with both Russell and Claudia I became staff at Operation New Hope in 2020. I have my B.A. in Visual Communications and I utilize my education in all areas of business. I enjoy using my gifts and talents to help those around me. I do my best to uplift others and encourage them to grow as an individual. Life is rough and everyone can use some encouragement.

Growing up in the area I am familiar with the needs of the community. I have a heart for all people and enjoy meeting people where they are at and accepting them for who they are. I have compassion and drive to see the best out of situations and people and to always encourage growth in their lives. My life is a living testimony for overcoming common obstacles in our community.

Operation New Hope is a comfortable place to be uncomfortable for EVERYONE. Growth begins where comfort ends!

Jerry Sifontes – Community Service Manager

Aryana De La Torre – H.E.A.L. Manager

“When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist” ~ Dom Helder Camara

I am a 2019/2020 alumni of the Youth Reinvestment Program. I have seen firsthand how influential this curriculum and staff can be. Provided the opportunity to showcase my leadership qualities and passion to give back to the community I was granted the opportunity to be an interictal staff member of our Healthy Eats and Love Food program.

As a practicing Catholic, this line of work is a constant blessing, which affords me many opportunities to serve God, my community, and affirm my faith. I value the power of knowledge and I am passionate about politics and being active change maker in the social justice movement.

I am from Boyle Heights and I am a faithful Dodger Fan. I love various types of music some of my favorites are rock, classical, reggaetón, and rap. On my free time you find me reading and visiting museums.

Meet the Staff

Meet the Coaches

“Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.”