Rotary Friends - Manny Castro
by Wayne Wilcox
Rotary Friends
This friend and co-worker in the Downey Club came to us through a different route than most. Many of you have traveled to other countries with curiosities and planned adventures. Did you do them alone, and before 15 years of age?
El Salvador, the country just South of Guatemala and just North of Nicaragua, had been going through a Civil War for many years as Manny Castro grew to the age of 15. His mother and brother had left him in the care of his grandmother in his infancy and he went to some school in the early years. However, he dropped out in the Jr. High period and knew he needed to get some direction in his life. He jumped two borders trying to find his mother in Mexico but she had moved on to the USA.
Again, he was faced with the idea of an empty life with no direction and after 1½ years in Mexico he decided to make it to the Northern border and find a way from Tijuana to Mom’s house in So Cal. Mom did not know he was coming, but received him happily and gave him a safe platform to find factory jobs and go to adult school to learn English and obtain citizenship through the early 90’s amnesty program. He started employment at the LA Times and worked his way up to a managerial position in the Circulation Department.
Manny eventually had a chance to buy the Minuteman Print Shop from Polam Reddy, who invited him into the Rotary Family. He has successfully run his business for many years now.
He has three daughters, two of them graduating from College with teaching certificates in math and elementary education. He is very pleased in their successful preparations. He also enjoys watching anything National Geographic with his 10-year-old daughter.
Our friend remarried 2 years ago and loves spending quality time with his new wife, Hassnaa. They do everything together – traveling, working out, watching UFC, etc. She has been the right one for his complete happiness.
Manny has been on the Rotary Board of Directors 3 times and currently is in charge of Youth Activities. Top of the enjoyment heap has been with the Rotary/ARC fishing derby. Working with those special kids gives him deep satisfaction. As school starts he will be whipping up interest in InterAct for the High Schoolers.
Manny feels very blessed to have escaped a life of serious pitfalls. He feels especially close to those fleeing violence and prays for divine guidance to help the refugee problems seen throughout much of the world today. He plans for 10 more years in the print shop and then an opportunity to retire and make a meaningful difference in some of those areas. Glad to have you as our Friend, Manny.