PAUL AVILA
Founder
OUR TEAM
Paul Avila
Founder • In Loving Memory
Legacy
Paul Avila founded Pauly’s Project in 2013, inspired by his journey as the father of Pauly, his son who is blind, autistic, and nonverbal. Over the last years, Paul’s passion and boots-on-the-ground leadership grew a small family effort into a movement that supports neighbors facing housing instability and barriers to employment across Southern California.
Guided by Paul’s values—empathy, music, and community—our team continues his mission through monthly outreach, workforce development connections, resource events, and practical pathways to stability and hope. His impact lives on in every person we serve.
Watch: Paul’s Message
Board of Directors
BRIAN BARTHELMESS
Board of Directors
Brian Barthelmess
Board of Directors
About Brian
Brian has always had a desire to volunteer and help those in need. When he discovered Pauly’s Project on Instagram, he saw an organization making a real difference in the community. What resonated even more deeply was learning that, like his own son, Pauly—the founder’s son and inspiration behind the movement—is autistic. That shared experience gave Brian and his wife a personal connection to the mission and a strong desire to get involved.
Outside of Pauly’s Project, Brian is a devoted family man who values compassion and service, and brings those same qualities to his role on the board.
As a board member, Brian takes pride in seeing the growing number of volunteers who show up multiple times a month to give their time and energy to help others. He knows that the organization’s consistent presence—visiting communities at least twice a month—builds trust and offers hope to people who want to get off the streets but don’t know how.
Brian is passionate about expanding Pauly’s Project’s reach into suburban areas where resources are limited, helping create smoother transitions from the streets to permanent housing, and ensuring more people can re-enter the workforce.
What makes Pauly’s Project unique to Brian is its mobility—bringing resources directly to people rather than making them come to us—and the compassion rooted in founder Paul Avila’s lived experiences. That heart and consistency, he believes, sets the organization apart from others.
ROGER JAO
Board of Directors
Roger Jao
Board of Directors
About Roger
Roger has been a dedicated volunteer, organizer, and fundraiser in the fight against homelessness and poverty since 2014, when he began handing out sandwiches and water on Skid Row with Monday Night Mission. It was through this work that he eventually met Paul Avila.
As the needs of the unhoused and working poor in Los Angeles have grown, Roger has evolved into a resource allocator and volunteer recruiter, helping connect aid across the entire LA region. In addition to Pauly’s Project, he regularly works with organizations such as Urban Partners LA Food Bank & LA Baby Cooperative (Westlake), St. James Episcopal Church (Koreatown), Community Solidarity Projects (Miracle Mile), Union Rescue Mission (Skid Row), Grass Roots Neighbors (Playa Del Rey / Venice), and the Shower of Hope (citywide).
Outside of his volunteer commitments, Roger works at the non-profit Grand Performances, where he focuses on community building through live music events in Downtown LA and managing donor relationships.
RENEE GARCIA
Board of Directors • Secretary
Renee Garcia
Board of Directors • Secretary
About Renee
Renee Garcia serves as Secretary for Pauly’s Project and is also the CEO of HandsOn, bringing exceptional expertise in operational management. Her background includes overseeing complex schedules, managing project timelines, and ensuring organizational efficiency.
Known for her ability to create structure and maintain order, Renee is a driving force in making sure our initiatives run smoothly and effectively.
Renee plays a pivotal role in project management, ensuring smooth communication and workflow across departments. She leads the planning and organization of events, tracks progress toward goals, and facilitates collaboration among team members.
Her dedication allows Pauly’s Project to not only achieve short-term objectives but also stay focused on our long-term vision of uplifting individuals and families across Southern California.
Administration
CATHERINE BUTLER
Executive Director
Catherine Butler
Administration • Executive Director
About Catherine
A USC graduate and 25-year retiree from Bank of America—where she served as Vice President—Catherine brings deep expertise in leadership, operations, and nonprofit management. Her background managing complex teams and systems gives Pauly’s Project a strong operational backbone.
Since joining as Executive Director, Catherine has led grant writing, board management, and strategic planning. She has secured significant funding that expanded outreach and built key community partnerships—strengthening our ability to support individuals and families across Southern California.
LINDA SIDERI
Treasurer
Linda Sideri
Administration • Treasurer
About Linda
Linda Sideri has been an integral part of Pauly’s Project since its inception. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her work at the Covina Valley Unified Superintendent's office, where she gained extensive experience in organizational and operational management.
As Treasurer, Linda’s expertise in financial management ensures the organization’s fiscal health and sustainability. Her commitment to fiscal responsibility and strategic planning has been essential in guiding Pauly’s Project through growth while maintaining stability. Linda’s dedication helps ensure every dollar is maximized to support our mission and expand our impact in the community.
ISABELLA SIDERI
Administration
Isabella Sideri
Administration
About Isabella
Isabella Sideri is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University (APU) with a degree in Business Management and currently works as an Accounts Payable Specialist at America's Christian Credit Union. Her professional expertise in financial services brings invaluable business acumen to Pauly’s Project, aiding in the growth and efficiency of the organization’s operations.
Isabella was instrumental in establishing Pauly’s Project’s original street outreach strategies, especially in creating the framework for engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness in Skid Row. Her vision and leadership helped shape the organization’s approach to outreach—ensuring that the most vulnerable are met with compassion, dignity, and consistent support.
Advisory Board
CHANTEL DIAZ
Advisory Board
RAMOGI HUMA
Advisory Board
ROBERT AVILA
Advisory Board
DIONNE DIAZ
Advisory Board
MARCOS BARRON
Advisory Board
Volunteers
JULIAN ESPINOZA
Volunteer
MELISSA MORALES
Volunteer
MARISELA MURATAYA
Volunteer
DARLA GOODWIN
Volunteer
BRAD GOODWIN
Volunteer
Ready To Make A Difference?
Our core mission is to improve the lives of homeless individuals and families through our street outreach program. If you'd like to join us in our effort to make a difference, you may donate using the link below.
Have questions? Feel free to shoot us an email:
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