Danny’s Girls: How a Story Turns Around

Walk through Rainmaker or the dining room at Amistad in Los Angeles with Daniel Cuevas Romero, and every few feet you’ll hear from students, “Hey Danny”, “Que pasa, Danny” or “Gracias por el ejemplo” from students. “Thank you for the example”. These are words he did not think he’d be hearing every day at work. With a ready smile and an authentic desire to offer his hand to others, Danny now walks the same path as others had done for him.

Danny began his association with Amity back in 1999, but bounced in and out of jail and prison for a decade after that. At long last, Danny took a firm hold of the hand Amity extended to him. First a student, then as faculty, Danny is now a demonstrator, a mentor, a community advocate, a role model, an advisor, a leader and a beloved friend to many.

This year, in an unusual turn of events, the courts granted Danny full custody of his very young granddaughters, Ariel (6) and Melody (4). It is rare for someone with Danny’s background of addiction, violence, crime, and decades of jail and prison to prove themselves a fit “parent”. It is especially difficult when one is not the actual parent. It is through persistence and commitment that Danny is able to give his little girls a strong foundation and a promising future.

Today, Danny focuses on finding healthy snacks for the girls, reading storybooks and finding good hair conditioner. After school, the girls excitedly tell him about their days. They can run circles around him, but Danny wouldn’t have it any other way.