The Guardian Foundation’s story began in the early 2000s when Darnelle Mason worked as a San Bernardino Case Manager for severely mentally challenged youth, and subsequently as a San Bernardino Juvenile Probation Officer. While performing the duties of these two jobs, Darnelle witnessed young people in varying degrees of distress, destitution, neediness, and living with many hardships. As an employee, Darnelle was regulated as to how much she could assist, as well as realizing she could not give these young people a new life. She envisioned having a free hand in bringing a positive experience into their lives by providing material help, encouragement, and as much assistance as possible. She was convinced that when young people receive care and attention during the hardest times of their lives, that it will impact them for the rest of their lives. Darnelle created The Guardian Foundation (TGF), which received its CA charity exemption in December 2007, and its 501(c) 3 IRS exemption in July 2008. The foundation’s sole mission is to assist young people in need whenever and wherever we can meet that need in our surrounding community, as well as all over the world. Over the years, through generous donors, TGF launched yearly “Back to School” programs for needy children throughout the Inland Empire, who were referred to TGF by Inland AIDS Project, schools, group homes, and word of mouth. Every child would receive new shoes, backpacks, school supplies, and gift cards. At Christmastime, we launched “Fulfill a Child’s Wish,” where donors could adopt a needy youth and provide Christmas gifts they requested in their wish list. The children and donors would have the opportunity to meet each other at a huge Christmas event gala organized by the foundation. TGF also launched a “Student Assistance Program,” whereby high schools would give us the names of needy High School students who had no way of purchasing city bus tickets to attend school, as well as seniors who had no way of enjoying the last year of High School in terms of yearbooks, cap and gowns, grad night, proms, etc. In many cases, TGF assisted students from their freshman year to their senior year, walking with them so they knew their community cared for them, and they were not forgotten.

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"The Guardian Foundation continues to stand as a “Guardian” for kids in need well into the future. Wherever we can bring hope, strength, and kindness, we will endeavor to stand with our youth, the hope of the future!" --Darnelle