Our Team
Lorraine Garcia, Executive Director
Lorraine Garcia is the Executive Director of the Hollenbeck Police Activities League, where she leads efforts to expand opportunities for youth and families in Boyle Heights and across Los Angeles. With more than 30 years in nonprofit management, Lorraine, in partnership with the HPAL board of directors and the Los Angeles Police Department, has expanded programs for underserved communities, including HPAL’s YOU Matter Diversion Program, which helps young people get back on track and supports parents in advocating for their families. She also oversees HPAL’s educational, leadership, career guidance, and sports programs. Lorraine is committed to sustainable development and to building partnerships that make a real difference. When she’s not working, Lorraine enjoys spending time with her daughter and rooting for L.A.’s professional sports teams!
Donald Levier, HPAL Associate Director; Police Officer III, LAPD Hollenbeck Division
Donald Levier Jr. (DJ) is the Associate Director at HPAL and serves as a Police Officer with the LAPD Hollenbeck Division. For nearly 13 years, he has worked alongside HPAL’s civilian staff to lead and support youth programs, including PAL-UP Career Guidance, Life Camera Action, YOU Matter Diversion, and Sports4Kids. Outside of work, DJ is a huge San Francisco 49ers football fan and values spending time with his wife and two children.
Hank Castillo, Director of Development
Hank has served as Director of Development since 2020, bringing more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and strategic growth. Alongside the HPAL executive director, he develops and implements strategies to support and sustain Hollenbeck PAL. Outside of his work, Hank volunteers with Lincoln Heights Dollars for Scholars, a scholarship program that raises scholarship funds to support graduating high school seniors and undergraduates in the Lincoln Heights community.
Patricia Alarcon, Director of Government Relations
Patricia Alarcón serves as the Director of Government Relations for the LAPD Hollenbeck Police Activities League (HPAL). Drawing on her extensive experience, she leads strategic partnerships, government relations, community engagement, and resource development initiatives that strengthen programs serving youth and families throughout Los Angeles. Patricia has built collaborative partnerships with government agencies, corporations, foundations, and community organizations to expand opportunities and create lasting impact. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships that connect people, organizations, businesses, and resources to strengthen communities and create pathways to success.
Catherine De La Torre, Sr. Behavioral Case Manager, YOU Matter Diversion Program
Catherine, a first-generation Latina from Los Angeles and Cal State Long Beach grad, leads the YOU-Matter Diversion Program at HPAL. With five years in case management and program administration, she works closely with staff to support youth and families, helping them grow and connect. Raised by immigrant parents, Catherine became her family’s translator and handled her own college financial aid, learning to navigate systems not built for her. She credits mentors who believed in her for shaping her values and fueling her dedication to her community and her role at HPAL.
Hilda Colato, Behavioral Case Manager YOU Matter Diversion Program
Hilda always wanted to help others, but it was social work that showed her how to make a real difference. After interning with HPAL in 2021 and earning her social work degree from Cal State Long Beach, she became a Behavioral Case Manager in the YOU Matter Diversion Program. As a first-generation Salvadoran American, Hilda understands what it’s like to feel overlooked, which is why she’s dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces for youth and families. “Helping young people find their voice isn’t just my job—it’s what I needed when I was younger,” she says.
Rebeca Meza, Former Intern, YOU Matter Diversion Program Bachelor's in Social Work, 2026, California State University, Long Beach
As a social work intern, Sahid says he is grateful for the opportunity to learn from the youth and families he supports in the YOU Matter Diversion Program. Each day brings new experiences—connecting with people facing unique challenges, offering support, and partnering with other local organizations to advance YOU Matter. Sahid strives to approach his work with empathy and respect, always seeking to understand and assist. “These experiences have deepened my commitment to advocacy and personal growth and have inspired me to keep learning, listening, and making a difference wherever I can.”
Sahid Llarena, Former Intern, YOU Matter Diversion-Prevention Program Bachelor's in Social Work, 2026, California State University, Long Beach
As a social work intern, Sahid says he is grateful for the opportunity to learn from the youth and families he supports in the YOU Matter Diversion Program. Each day brings new experiences—connecting with people facing unique challenges, offering support, and partnering with other local organizations to advance YOU Matter. Sahid strives to approach his work with empathy and respect, always seeking to understand and assist. “These experiences have deepened my commitment to advocacy and personal growth and have inspired me to keep learning, listening, and making a difference wherever I can.”