This is How 2022 Went for Us!

Everyday of 2022, we worked for the wellbeing of Bayview youth.? The year’s many traumas wrought stronger planes of empathy and resilience among all of us. We learned lessons daily, and they always centered the wellbeing of the kids: How can we be, at all times, safe, nurturing, and responsive to their troubles?? The reality is that the kids live with barriers that are destructive to their health.? Our partnerships and programming efforts are meant to curb the notion that these unhealthy habits are inescapable for them. By connecting them with organizations like 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Mobilize Love, Mewater Foundation, and so many others this year, we invested time in positive group experiences meant to stimulate comfort and recognition instead. ? A study on youth gang involvement states that cumulative protection, educational aspirations, and heightened self-esteem are all protective measures to stop or prevent involvement.? With these ideas in mind, programming is planned around questions like: ?How do we promote healthy decision making while also providing a safe space full of opportunities???

In 2022, City of Dreams actively worked to combat these risks of negative peer pressure, harmful habits, and community violence influencing Bayview youth.? Trauma has coiled itself around the neighborhood, prompting us to work harder towards the wellbeing of the kids and their families. As we reflect and create goals for next year, we want to share some of what 2022 consisted of.??

This year, we:?

• Matched 7 of our kids with a one-on-one mentor
• Impacted 6 new families directly with our new Family Night initiatives?
• Transitioned 2 active youth into their freshman year at San Francisco State University and Sacramento State University
• Celebrated a new basketball court, kitchen, furniture, and windows on behalf of the Golden State Warriors, and threw a party with the players
• Connected 1 of our kids with a culinary internship?
• Enjoyed 20+ Super Saturday field trips with mentors, kids, and community members?
• Raised over $15,000 for the youth at our annual gala: Summer of Dreams Jubilee?
• Hosted 142 and counting volunteers in our garden, events, and celebrations?
• Facilitated 7 growth and narrative shift workshops funded by the Dream Keeper Initiative
• Partnered with 17 other organizations to raise funds and provide new experiences for the youth
• Introduced 40 youth to a first-time experience?

We are ending 2022 having served 111 youth.? Next year, we aim to match 30 of our youth with one-on-one mentorship, meaning we are looking for 15 new mentors!? This incredible growth and the facts above come from the support of our community, our donors, mentors, and friends. You have contributed to this year’s healing and happiness.?

Thank you for seeing the light in our kids!