DSF Werks has one simple mission: to offer emancipated youth, particularly those aging out of the foster care system, the opportunity to understand the power of social relationships. Surely, they provide paid, hands-on training in auto mechanics. Yes, they use the talent of local photographer and all-around good human Jose Cordon to learn about the power of media arts and self-expression.
But the real weight of DSF Werk’s work revolves around sociality and connection.
“You can’t age out of love and community,” Joel Lueb said, who co-founded the nonprofit with Marci Tasche in 2019. “Life isn’t a system of streamlined structures. It’s complex and communal, and those social connections drive us to resources to help us have a balanced, healthier life. That’s what we do here. We provide them community and an idea of stability through the development you create for yourself.”
What is DSF Werks?
It is a staggering statistic that Joel is rightfully unafraid of dropping when discussing the work of DSF Werks. Of the youth who age out of the foster care system, half of them will end up experiencing homelessness or behind bars within two years of their release. When it comes to Los Angeles County, specific statistics are hard to find regarding the 1,000 teenagers who age out of the foster care system each year, countywide.
For Joel, it doesn’t matter whether it is one or thousands. The unfair allotment handed to these kids sends them into an overwhelming world of uphill battles—and easiest way to teach them resilience to facing those hurdles is through community-building. Workplace experiences for resumes. Skills and social development. Mentorship to help these young individuals thrive.
“Anybody who is underserved in a sense is welcomed,” Joel said. “Male, female, nonbinary… However, we favor foster kids who have aged out of the system. My wife [Dorien] and I have fostered 19 kids over the past eight years—one of which we adopted, Truman—so that is near and dear to our hearts. But we’ve learned through this process that it’s not this neat list of boxes to check off. Many youths go in and out of the system—not necessarily age out—but face all the same issues as those who age out face.”
How do the programs at DSF Werks operate?
Thanks to a gift from board member Ted Moncure—who offered up his hobby shop as a lease takeover in 2023 for DSF Werks—the nonprofit has a fully equipped garage in Signal Hill for interns and apprentices to work out of.
The organization offers a variety of programs designed to equip participants with practical skills and foster a sense of community. One of their key initiatives is the Vehicle Restoration Program, where apprentices receive step-by-step instruction in mechanics, electrical wiring, auto body repair, and more, guided by professional mechanical technicians. Additionally, the Media Arts Program provides opportunities to learn photography, videography, editing, and writing, with mentorship from experienced photographers.
With their own space, the program has been able to accelerate. During the week, lead tech Jordan Lang heads both the internship and apprenticeship programs. Kenny will be their first apprenticeship graduate after a year and a half of work, while the interns garner greenhorn skills. Even better? Thanks to the Pacific Gateway Workforce Development program, they all get paid for their work.
“One of the critical things we wanted to have with the program is the ability to pay them as they worked through it,” Joel said.
But just like the foster care system, kids can “age out” of DSF Werks. What is being done to assure they can move forward?
This is where “Motor Mondays” comes in. Hosted some 45 times yearly, every Monday hosts open garage meetups that invite youth and mentors to work on vehicles, share meals, and build relationships. 30 to 40 people show up every week. Neighbors. Former participants in the program. Other mechanics. Artists. Board members. Joel and his wife. It allows them to maintain connections and resources while honing social skills.
“Memorial Day just passed, so we had that Monday off,” Jordan said. “But we’ll often move our days off around—like take the previous Friday off—to accommodate Motor Monday. It’s just an extra way to assure these kids that the community is there for them, and so are we.”
These gatherings serve as a supportive space for participants to connect and learn. Furthermore, the organization has launched a formal apprenticeship program, offering full-time, paid apprenticeships to select participants, providing consistent training and mentoring to help them transition into healthy and thriving independence.
“We always have a free meal,” Joel said. “The key is to let them know how communities and relationships work. It is through breaking bread. It is through helping them out—whether through their car troubles or personal ones. In a healthier family unit, you learn social functioning. You see what communication looks like. You witness the power of human connection—and how to garner resources out of those connections.”
DSF Werks is located at 3180 Orange Ave. in Signal Hill. For more information, click here.
