Welcome Beria!

After an extensive search, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Beria Gaxiola is our new Executive Director! Her first day at LIYFC will be Tuesday, June 20, 2023. We believe that Beria’s skills and background in both youth work and her ministry experience will lead YFC into a new season. We will continue to be anchored to the rock of Jesus Christ and geared to the times, ministering to 11–19-year-olds.

Beria was born in Mexico and lived in the southwestern U.S. until she came to serve on Long Island in 2007. She earned undergraduate dgrees in Psychology and Spanish and a master’s in counseling with a specialization in family and adolescent therapy. She and her husband have worked in youth ministries, missions, church planting, and leadership development since they were ordained in 2003. They now serve as lead pastors of Refuge Community Church, a beautiful congregation in Brentwood, NY.

Beria was exposed to many of the perils that plague youth in our communities as a child of migrant farm workers and church planters. But her faith and the influence of positive adults helped her overcome many challenges. Her life experience fueled her calling to see young people’s lives transformed by the power of the cross.

Beria worked for over 10 years in mental health before transitioning to program development. During her almost 10-year tenure at S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Beria helped to expand programs to serve two counties with school-based prevention programs and community-based violence intervention programs. She collaborated with leadership and other stakeholders to introduce new programs that cater to emerging needs. These programs include a minor victim program for human trafficking, a social-entrepreneurship farm, a youth advisory board, a food pantry, and a community garden. After a successful career in mental health, youth program development, and leadership in nonprofit, Beria is excited to bring her skills and experience to strengthen the work of LI Youth for Christ.

Beria serves alongside her husband of 20 years, Ephrain, their three children, and their goldendoodle Bruno. She loves to run, bake, listen to podcasts, read, and create new ideas.