Strive House is now open, inviting everyone to experience our shared living experience. If you'd like to help us continue our mission, please consider donating now to support our cause.
Our Cause
Mission Statement
To empower individuals and families impacted by incarceration and gang involvement, particularly formerly incarcerated individuals, we aim to foster purpose, create equitable opportunities, and strengthen identity and resilience. Through mentoring services, re-entry case management, life skills building, and comprehensive support for children of incarcerated parents, FIST and STAR work together to break cycles of harm, restore dignity, and build pathways to healing, growth, and lasting transformation.
Vision Statement
We envision a future where every formerly incarcerated individual impacted by incarceration or gang involvement discovers their purpose, embraces their identity, and builds a life rooted in resilience and opportunity, supported by mentoring services and reentry support.
Who We Are
Gabriel Ochoa — Board Chair
Gabriel Ochoa is a higher education professional, college student, and co-founder of FIST and STAR Generation. After 20+ years of incarceration, he used education to transform his life, earning a degree and supporting others in reentry. He’s worked with justice-impacted students at Allan Hancock and Santa Barbara City College. Receiving a bachelor's Social Sciences at CSU Chico, Gabriel aims to teach in prisons and expand access to education for incarcerated individuals.
Barry Tolbert — Vice Chair
Barry Tolbert is the dedicated Vice Chair of F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R. Generation. After serving a 15-to-life sentence, he turned his experience into a mission to support reentry for the formerly incarcerated. Barry provides mentorship, housing and employment guidance, and advocates for systemic change. His leadership and lived experience drive his passion to ensure others receive the second chances and support they need to succeed.
Clarissa Ornelas — Treasurer
Clarissa Ornelas, a lifelong Santa Maria resident and mother of five, serves as Lead Case and Housing Specialist at the Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office. A former AmeriCorps member, she’s housed over 100 individuals and champions justice-involved and homeless populations. Clarissa holds degrees in Human Services and Addiction Studies and serves on the boards of F.I.S.T. & S.T.A.R., advocating for reentry, youth, and systemic change in her community.
Velia Ochoa — Secretary
Velia Ochoa is a Behavioral Health Case Manager dedicated to serving vulnerable communities. With 20+ years as a mortgage lender helping first-time buyers, she has found her purpose in advocacy. She holds a Sociology degree from UCSB and a Grant Writing Certificate from LMU. Velia and her husband Gabriel co-founded F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R. Generation to support formerly incarcerated individuals and their children through reentry, mentorship, and education.
Melissa Horton — Marketing & Development Chair
As a recovering alcoholic once in and out of prison, Melissa transformed her life at Bethel House, a year-long rehabilitation program. She pursued education at Santa Barbara City College, , She was awarded the Rising Scholars Scholarship Award for 2025. Melissa took a job with AmeriCorps to be able to help those experiencing homelessness obtain a safe place to live. She has supported justice-impacted individuals, mentored women in recovery, and serves on the board of F.I.S.T. & S.T.A.R. Generations. Melissa is now attending Pepperdine University!