The Vision

Mentorship, Guidance and Encouragement

Restructure Our Families, Communities and Schools, One Father at a Time

Coachella Valley Statistics The Vision Our Board Donate

Introduction

Dr. Robert L. Cummings Sr., D.D., also known as “Dr. Coach C,” is the founder and director of the Total Youth Development Training Center, an organization he established on September 8, 2003. He was inspired to create the center due to the lack of support he observed from parents in the Los Angeles area, particularly concerning youth development and guidance.

For over 40 years, Dr. Cummings has worked closely with various organizations, including Nevada Prisons, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Department. His work has focused on addressing the gaps in the juvenile justice system, with a particular emphasis on helping fatherless children break the cycle of hardship. His passion for community service and youth development has been unwavered and strong even after retiring from the Palm Springs Unified School District in 2017.

Dr. Cummings served our country for 26 years in the U.S. Army, where he became a U.S. Army Master Fitness Trainer. He was also a Chaplain for the Los Angeles Clippers organization in the NBA for six years. In recognition of his extensive community contributions, Dr. Cummings was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity in 2019 for his 40 years of service in Los Angeles County. Additionally, in 2022, he received the Riverside County Probation Volunteer of the Year Award, further highlighting his ongoing commitment to youth and community development.

Coachella Valley – Key Statistics

Source: Data USA, U.S. Census QuickFacts 2023

Median Household Income: $73,073

Racial & Ethnic Composition:

50% Hispanic/Latino
33% White
6% Black
7% Asian

Poverty Rate: 12.0%

Free & Reduced Lunch Rate: Estimated 70–80%

Suicide Rate: 19.4 per 100,000

Indio, CA – Key Statistics

Source: Data USA, U.S. Census QuickFacts 2023

Median Household Income: $78,709

Racial & Ethnic Composition:

24.1% Non-Hispanic White
69.1% Hispanic/Latino
2.0% Black
2.2% Asian

Poverty Rate: 11.6%

Free & Reduced Lunch Rate: Estimated 70–80%

Suicide Rate (County): 11.3 per 100,000
Youth Suicide Rate (County): 4–5 per 100,000

Indio, CA – Median Income

Median Household Income (2023): $78,709 | Source: Data USA, U.S. Census QuickFacts

Indio’s median income:

$78,709

California median income:

$95,500–$96,300

Income Gap:

$17,000–$18,000

Indio households earn about 18–19% less than the state average.

Vision

Total Youth Development Training Center is more than just an organization; it is a community dedicated to fostering growth, creating opportunities, and uplifting families and individuals who aspire to build a better life. Our team is deeply committed to supporting families and communities through personalized programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of each individual.

At the heart of our mission is the belief in empowerment— through educational support, personal mentoring, physical fitness, providing a safe and nurturing environment. We work tirelessly to ensure that every family and child has access to the resources they need to thrive. Our vision is simple yet profound: to empower every family and child, helping them unlock their full potential and become their best selves. With a focus on holistic development, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve, guiding them toward success and fulfillment.

“Failure is Not an Option”

Total Youth Development Training Center is unwavering in its commitment to developing character in our youth. Our unique Tough Love Discipline approach is specifically designed to empower youth to take responsibility for their actions and to cultivate strong moral values. We firmly believe that youth is the future, and we are dedicated to nurturing their potential though mentorship, guidance and resources that will equip them to live up to their full potential. At Total Youth Development Training Center, we provide the necessary support and structure to help youth thrive and excel in all aspects of life.

“When Preparation Meets Opportunity, There is an Explosion of Success”

Vision

New Facility

The Dream Room
Kitchen & Dining Facility
Multi-Purpose Sports Facility
Indoor Skateboard Facility

Skateboard Store
Sanctuary 150 Seat
Classroom space
Office Space

Dr. Coach C. doing what he does best – motivating, encouraging and giving hope to families

Success Stories

Success Stories – Real Children Accomplish Real Goals – Failure is not an option at Total Youth Development Training Center

With more than 40 years of experience in mentoring young people, Dr. Coach C. has garnered an ocean of praise from parents, press, government entities, and the children themselves. Have a look at a few of these highlights and you’ll be a believer too.