Rafael Sarango

Experience

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  Renzulli Learning

  Jul 2007 - Jul 2012

  Professional Development Consultant

  I planned and executed schoolwide (in person and online) trainings on the Renzulli model of education, one that focuses on inclusivity and accessibility for G&T students. I trained teachers, administrators, and technical staff on best practices in math and science, as well as on supportive software. Each training, many of which involved out-of-state travel, was tailored to the school’s specific cultural environment and the idiosyncrasies of their diverse communities. While each was unique, I provided the same level of constructive and supportive communication, encouraging the most positive educational outcomes possible. Show less

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  The Salvation Army

  Jul 2010 - Jun 2019

  In this position, which was developed for me during my stint as interim Housing Programs Lead Case Manager, I built numerous youth programs informed by community collaboration and intensive, intentional research on youth homelessness. Through the programs, I served over 3,000 youth in homelessness with a holistic approach integrating services around housing, employment, education, wellbeing, and the activation of youth voice models. Some key achievements include:● Developing the Youth Adult Resource Center (YARC) program with the help of the Salvation Army’s program management team. I created all hiring and onboarding materials, policies, and service models; I hired over 40 specialized program staff and oversaw their training and professional development; I raised and managed funding of over $2 million, sourced primarily from philanthropic donors and federal grants; I collaborated with 14 different organizations to assist youth out of homelessness, and I designed the program to prioritize youth voice participation with opportunities for feedback and support. ● Seeing YARC through from start-up to model program. As part of this process, I presented the YARC model at various conferences, leading to its recognition by county, city, state, and national awards, including The Salvation Army National Excellence Program in April 2019. Show less While the research for Salvation Army’s youth programs was being conducted, I served as the Housing Programs Lead Case Manager, working with numerous community leaders and managing over 10 case managers to increase protective factors against poverty and housing instability, such as income, education, and health. Some key achievements include:● Securing innovative and essential funding in order to develop permanent housing solutions for youth, families, singles, and veterans. These sources include HUD’s Permanent Support Housing and Rapid Re-Housing grants, as well as various pass-through grants. ● Partnering with the Housing Coalition to build supportive housing options for vulnerable communities. Through this partnership and others (including with Harris Health and WFS Income Now efforts), I was able to participate in community-wide initiatives aimed at closing the youth homelessness gap.• Housing vulnerable populations: Effectively managed over 10+ housing case managers to house youth, singles, and vets. Worked to develop screening and manage grants supporting diversion of families from imminent homelessness. Funding included HUD (PSH and RRH) grants and pass through grants.• Collaborations: Worked with community leaders supporting efforts to increase protective factors against poverty and housing instability, like income, education, health, and housing stability. These collaborations included partners like Harris Health and WFS Income Now efforts. Show less

  • Youth Programs Manager

    Aug 2012 - Jun 2019

  • Housing Programs Lead Case Manager

    Jul 2010 - Aug 2012
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  Consult MGR LLC

  Jul 2019 - Jul 2022

  Co Managing Partner

  I am a lead program development and evaluation consultant for Houston-area nonprofits that aim to educate and provide social services for at-risk youth. My roles within various organizations include advising on grant writing and compliance, providing audit support, and training staff on Trauma Informed Care and other best practices.

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  Center for Urban Tranformation

  May 2021 - Jul 2021

  Interim Executive Director

  Serving in the capacity of Executive Director for community development nonprofit organization in the 5th Ward. The role is support and create opportunities for Fifth Ward families to overcome the adverse effects of racism, poverty and other inequities by implementing programs that encourage growing prospects for survival and success.

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  CENTER FOR URBAN TRANSFORMATION

  Jul 2021 - Jul 2022

  Executive Director

  In service to develop the Board of Directors, genuinely engaging the community, elevating their voice. Serving in promoting incubating innovative ideas, overseeing programs with emphasis in overcoming effects of systemic racism and oppression for urban communities, in particular the 5th Ward. A hopeful and loving approach to support youth, including justice involved and opportunity youth, holistically. Bringing best practices of trauma informed community and low barrier access to self determined stability and dignity of life. Show less

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  Lili'uokalani Trust

  Jul 2022 - Feb 2023

  Executive Director, Liliúokalani Center
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  Liliʻuokalani Trust

  Feb 2023 - Nov 2023

  Managing Director

  Managing youth services and programs state wide for LT.

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  Freelance

  Jan 2024 - now

  Nonprofit Consultant