Success Stories
Urban Beat - August 2010
2009 OMI Family Resource Center Thanksgiving Pantry
The OMI Family Resource Center had their annual Thanksgiving Pantry which was on November 17th, 2009 at the Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center.
They served 379 people with the help of approximately 30 volunteer’s, which included 13 regular weekly volunteers and 17 seasonal volunteers from the YMCA Stonestown and the Association Office. Aside from the 386 turkeys and 330 chickens that were passed out, there were plenty of other groceries like cookies & crackers, pie crusts, beverages, yams, rice, vegetables, onions, gravy, green beans, apples, and chocolate. The pantry was a huge endeavor but everyone came together to make sure that the OMI FRC Thanksgiving Pantry was a success, so Thank you staff, volunteers and community members.
If you would like to help out at our weekly Pantry, Every Tuesday, please contact Atrecia Thomas or call at 415.406.1370.
2009 OMIE Beacon Center Haunted House
The OMIE Beacon Center held their annual Haunted House Halloween Celebration on October 30, 2009.
The Haunted House was built, designed and planned by a group of high school students who volunteer their time at the Beacon Center. Over 100 youth and their families participated in the event!
The event was open to the community and people of all ages took take part in face painting, caramel apple making, arts and crafts. Students of James Denman Middle School waited in line patiently for almost two hours to get their guided tour into the spooky haunted house!
Summer 2009 - Wine Event a Stunning Success
Thank you on behalf of Urban Services YMCA for all of your support at our 7th Annual Wine Event an Silent Auction. With about 160 guests, we raised over $18,000 to help promote family strengthening, safe and healthy communities and academic enrichment for over 38,000 at-risk youth and their families.
The fundraiser is a big part of our annual fundraising campaign to ensure the continuation of programs such as gang violence prevention in the OMI/Excelsior district and family resource programs in the Western Addition neighborhood.
The event was an incredible success and we sincerely appreciate the support. Pictures and video to come soon, so check back regularly and remember to find us on facebook.
Spring 2009 - Malcolm X Academy's Spring Family Night
The Malcolm X Academy After School Program provides Bayview-Hunter's Point youth with a range of opportunities, delivering services to over three-fourths of the students enrolled at Malcolm X Academy.
Every year the after school program hosts two family night events, October and March, where families, teachers, and community members are invited to attend. Family night provides the forum to display the student's academic achievements and visual/performing art work, which enhances their school performance, creativity, and self-esteem.
Our Spring Family Night in March displayed the student's visual art pieces from collaborations with artists-in-residence instructors, Brush Fire Painting Workshops, Sculpture Workshops, and Imagine Bus Project. Students also performed music and dance pieces from our Polynesian Dance Club, Loco Bloco Dance and Drumming Club, and recited poetry inspired by Black History and Women's History Month.
It was a successful night, with many parents, teachers, volunteers and Urban Services Board Members in attendance to enjoy our event. We had lots of food provided by parents and the program and want to thank all who donated food or time to this effort.
If you would like to help our effort in providing art supplies and program supplies to Malcolm X ASP or other Urban Programs, please make a donation of any amount by clicking here and selecting Urban Services YMCA or contact Manuel Rodriguez at 415.561.0631.
Spring 2009 - 2nd Annual Urban Services YMCA Staff Fundraiser
Urban Services YMCA is hosting a walk-a-thon on Thursday, April 9, 2009. This event will help us raise funds to benefit our Strong Communities Campaign 2009. Come join us as we take a stroll around Lake Merced!
When: Thursday, April 9 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Lake Merced Parking Lot, corner of Lake Merced Blvd and Sunset Blvd.
Then when you're done with your walk, TAKE THIS FLYER, and...invite all of your family, friends, and colleagues to dine at Chevy's on Thursday, April 9!
Please help us make this event a huge success! To get more information, contact Debra Peace, Administrative Assistant, at 415-561-0631.
Spring 2009 - Have a heart and be our Valentine!
You can spend $50 on a bouquet of roses, or a box of chocolates, or… you can show some real love.
This Valentine's Day, make a donation of $50 and you can support our efforts in distributing one week's worth of groceries to a family helped by Urban Services, or purchase art supplies for one class at an Urban Services after school program.
Make a donation of any amount by clicking here and selecting Urban Services or contact Manuel Rodriguez at 415-561-0631.
Winter 2009 - Starr King After School Program
On Tuesday, December 16th 2008 students at Starr King Elementary had their winter talent showcase. Students involved in the school's Urban Services after school program had their art and literacy work prominently displayed around the cafeteria, showcasing their accomplishments from the Fall semester.
The talent show also featured student performances on Violin and Cello, song and dances by Orff music class members and 1st grade dance troop. It was a big turn out this year with more than 40 parents and teachers and 130 students in attendance on a day that was fun for everyone. We are looking forward to Starr King’s Spring Showcase in May of 2009!
Winter 2009 - 12th Annual Bayview Unity Parade and Rally
On Saturday, December 13th, the Bayview Beacon will host their 12th Annual Unity Parade and Rally. The Bayview Beacon will distribute free toys for the kids, plenty of food and beverages, and fun activities for the youth including jumpers, face painting and Santa Claus. Elizabeth Jackson Simpson will be the parade's Grand Marshall and special musical guests will include the Gumbo Band, the Willie L. Brown College Prep Marching Band, Precision Drill Ministries, and SFUSD's ROTC.
The parade will begin at 12 p.m. on the corner of Loomis and Industrial and will end at the Bayview Opera House. The rally is scheduled to begin at 2pm at the Opera House and we hope you and your family can join us for this inspiring event. For more information, please contact, Rev. I.J. Birch iburch@ymcasf.org or call at 415-240-0313 or Yvonne Johnson yjohnson@ymcasf.org or call at 510-847-0447.
Winter 2009 - Happy Holidays For All!
This time last year "Kamisha", a 3rd grade student at Malcolm X Academy in San Francisco's Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood, wasn't expecting much for Christmas. Her mother worked long hours, yet barely was making ends meet. Kamisha knew from an early age that "gifts from Santa" weren't likely to appear under the tree; regardless, she stayed positive and did her best to stay on Santa's "Nice List."
To Kamisha's surprise, Urban Services YMCA made some magic happen by bringing Santa Claus to her school where he distributed presents to Kamisha and her classmates!
This holiday season, Urban Services YMCA will touch the lives of hundreds of Bay Area children like Kamisha through Toy Give-aways, student holiday parties, and youth performance showcases.
We need your help NOW, more than ever to ensure that youth and families living in some of San Francisco's most disenfranchised communities can participate in safe and meaningful holiday activities. Make a donation of any amount by clicking here, be sure to select the Urban Services branch of the YMCA from the dropdown, or contact Manuel Rodriguez at 415-561-0631.
Fall 2008 - Your neighbors need your help!
In San Francisco, more than 150,000 people struggle each day to feed themselves and their families.
During this Thanksgiving Holiday, Urban Services YMCA will provide 1,500 San Francisco families with free turkey dinners.
With a donation of $250 you can support our efforts in distributing much-needed groceries to our hungry families this holiday season.
Make a donation of any amount by clicking here (remember to apply your gift to Urban Services YMCA) or by contacting Manuel Rodriguez at 415-561-0631.
Fall 2008 - Urban Services YMCA Youth Recognized as Bay Area Leader
We at Urban Services YMCA are overwhelmed with joy to report that our very own Serena Collins (OMI Safe Haven Participant & Just Us Girls Group leader) has been selected by the Northern California Grantmakers Summer Youth Project as a 2008 "Kid Who Cares".
A "Kid Who Cares" is someone who is unselfish, curious, and compassionate; a community builder who gives something back and shows special concern for peers, family, neighborhood or school. There will be a celebration, breakfast, and awards ceremony for all of the honorees throughout the Bay Area on Thursday, August 14th from 10:00 am-11:45 am at the East Bay Community Foundation.
Please spread the word of this great news to others and if you’d like to learn more please, contact Terrell Henderson, OMI Safe Haven Director, at 415-571-7166.
Summer 2008 - Urban Services YMCA Tapped as PBS Experts
In an effort to reduce the social stigma that prevents many people from seeking professional help, PBS is promoting a new documentary called DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows. Two of our staff, Wesley "Chip" Rich, LMFT, Executive Director and Evelyn Daskalakis, LMFT, Director of Mental Health Programs for Urban Services YMCA will be participating in a panel discussion on families and depression following the screening of highlights from the upcoming PBS documentary airing May 21.
Summer 2008 - Urban Services YMCA's Annual Wine Event and Silent Auction
Thanks to everyone who made it out to our 6th Annual Wine Event and Silent Auction! The night was a huge success and good times were had by all. If you have any photos from the night, send them our way.
Spring 2008 - OMI Safe Haven Youth Wins Essay Contest
Click here to read the winning article in The Bayview Newspaper by our very own Ms. Tanea Lunsford, youth participant at the OMI Safe Haven. Tanea is a Just Us Girls Group leader in our program, actively involved in the YMCA's Youth and Government, works at CHALK, and maintains a 3.8 GPA. Whew, she's busy. Congrats Tanea and congrats to the OMI Safe Haven.
Spring 2008 - A Star Is Born Through Charitable Involvement
You may think you know what to expect from the Urban Services YMCA Silent Auction that takes place every spring: some great prizes and some good wine—all for a worthy cause. At least that’s what Paul Mackinaw expected when a friend asked him to attend the annual event on May 18, 2007. Now, Mackinaw will be on televisions nationwide!
San Francisco-based Esurance, the direct-to-consumer online auto insurance company, first began sponsoring the Urban Services YMCA spring fund-raising event a few years ago. In 2007, the company decided to provide the unique opportunity to be a voice in one of Esurance’s animated commercials as an item for the silent auction bid.
The Esurance spots featuring Mackinaw, “Paul Gets Animated” and “Paul Saves Some Green,” will debut nationally after Christmas and in January. For behind-the-scenes information about Mackinaw’s experience making these latest commercials and to view them, visit www.esurance.com/paul.
Be sure to stay tuned for more information on this year’s Urban Services YMCA event in May. Who knows? You may be the next top bidder who gets to star on TV—benefiting a worthy cause and supporting a San Francisco company that gives back to our community.
Spring 2008 - Urban Services YMCA's New Home!
Urban Services YMCA has moved! We are now located in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Western Addition Neighborhood, 1426 Fillmore Street, Suite 204 in the Fillmore Plaza, right next to the new Yoshi’s Jazz Club.
We are very excited about our new location and look forward to continuing to offer diverse and engaging programs that build a world of opportunity for all. If you’re in the area, come visit us aswe continue to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
Winter 2008 - Happy Holidays from Urban Services YMCA! Click here to view our Holiday Card
Winter 2008 - Triple A Sponsors Malcolm X Academy - Sponge Bob Sited!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007, was a day to remember at Malcolm X Academy in Bayview Hunters Point. With the help of staff at Triple A, 123 children had a holiday event beyond anything that they could have imagined.
Triple A volunteers served the children pizza and then along with Santa, presented gifts in their classrooms. The generous giving thrilled these children with an indescribable feeling that brought many of the volunteers to tears before the day was through.
After lunch, they were delighted to see Sponge Bob Squarepants come into the playground and the screaming and laughter was heard all the way to Oakland. For many of the children, the gift they got from Triple A will be their only gift this holiday.
Volunteer Mimi Vu noticed two of the smaller children climb to the top of the climbing bars and look around as if trying to find something. When she asked them what they were looking for they whispered, "The Reindeers."
Winter 2007 - Urban Services YMCA Supports Working Families
I'm sure you all have seen the recent headlines talking about the high cost of living in the Bay Area. "A new report says in California feeding and housing a family of four with no frills requires a salary well above $50,000 dollars a year."
Urban Services YMCA has been on the forefront of supporting working families and the news media is finally taking notice.
Click on this link to watch video of a recent ABC 7 news segment on our OMI Family Resource Center.
Fall 2007 - Channel 7’s “View from the Bay” Highlights our Food Pantry
To help raise awareness for the ABC 7 Summer Food Drive, “View from the Bay” featured our OMI Family Resource Center's Food Pantry. Click here to see the clip online.
Ms. Helen Birch, Director of the OMI Family Resource Center, is interviewed extensively in the clip, which focuses on the weekly fresh food pantry that we run in conjunction with the Food Bank. The Food Pantry is a program that provides nutritious, healthy foods to youth and families living in the OMI neighborhood.
Summer 2007 - Urban Beat Newsletter
It's been some time since the last edition of Urban Beat, the official newsletter of Urban Services YMCA, but we're back and even better than ever.
Click here to see the latest edition of Urban Beat, the official newsletter of Urban Services YMCA.
And here are some past issues:
Summer 2007 - JCPenney Awards $11,000 Grant to Urban Services YMCA
For the third year in a row, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, a charitable organization committed to providing children in need with access to life-enriching afterschool programs, has awarded a $11,000 grant to Urban Services YMCA to support our afterschool program at Malcolm X Academy.
These awarded funds will be used to bring in additional staff to lower the student to teacher ratio and provide targeted academic assistance in the form of small groups and one on one tutoring. If you would like to learn more about our afterschool program at Malcolm X Academy, please contact Andrea Jones, Director of Community Programs, at 415-292-3026.
Summer 2007 - The Safety Network’s March for Peace
On Wednesday, June 20th, over 200 residents and community leaders of San F