Community

Goals and results discussed during United Way’s annual meeting

THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES — The Jefferson County District Attorney’s office last year launched a professional learning initiative and a program to prevent chronic absenteeism in schools,

Published

5 years ago

January 19, 2019

Oakland Post

By Erica Wright

The Jefferson County District Attorney’s office last year launched a professional learning initiative and a program to prevent chronic absenteeism in schools, said DA Danny Carr during a panel discussion held Thursday by The United Way of Central Alabama.

The discussion came during the United Way of Central Alabama’s annual meeting held at The Florentine Building in downtown Birmingham.

Carr talked about how his office works with the United Way in areas few would expect.

“A lot of people don’t think of the District Attorney’s office as being involved in prevention or being a part of the community because we prosecute individuals who have been accused of committing a criminal act,” Carr said, “… but I think it’s important that everyone knows some of the things that’s been going on through the Bold Goals Coalition as it relates to our partnership with helping families initiative.”

The Bold Goals Coalition of Central Alabama (BGCCA) was founded on collaboration — the theory that social change can happen more quickly when groups from different sectors come together around a common agenda to solve a specific social problem.

The panel consisted of Carr; Jon Barnacastle, program coordinator for Community Food Bank of Central Alabama; Dr. Lisa Herring, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools; Drew Langloh, president and CEO of United Way; and Joan Wright, executive director of Childcare Resources. Art Franklin, CBS 42 News anchor was the moderator.

Carr said initiatives from his office involved a deeper look into the daily school practices and training to prevent absenteeism.

“We want to make sure the professionals . . . have the resources, the knowledge and the skills they need . . . take the best approach toward dealing with that chronic absenteeism,” he said.

Herring spoke on BCS’s literacy efforts, which are an essential part on student success, she said.

“We have to start early literacy . . . we don’t wait until first, second or third grade,” she said, “we start as early as our four-year-olds, which is Pre-K, but all of that is important because embedded in our pillars really is the work that is highlighted in terms of the Bold Goals initiative,” she said.

BCS has expanded its Pre-K classrooms and early literacy programs, she said.

“Our children must read and they must read well and it is our responsibility to help parents have them read early and we thank United Way for these efforts that are allowing us together to make sure this happens,” she said.

Wright also talked about the importance of Pre-K programs.

“Research says that those positive, quality, early learning, nurturing relationships, nurturing caregivers in a high quality stimulating learning environment truly do make the difference,” she said.

Langloh said he is glad to see how well the coalition has worked.

“In five years, we’ve seen how it has grown from an aspirational idea and some very aspirational goals to some 200 partners working across some 25 different metrics in an aligned and measured way,” he said.

Mark Crosswhite, Alabama Power Company, President and CEO and outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors for United Way, said more are being helped now than ever before through various United Way programs.The annual meeting is traditionally a time to thank the outgoing chairman of the board and welcome the chairman for the upcoming year.

“Almost 14,000 students received literacy support. More than 100,000 students participated in community based programs outside of school hours,” he said. “United Way’s Meals on Wheels program provided more than 196,000 meals to 825 households and 82,000 meals were served to over 1,100 children during the summer months.”

Crosswhite also announced that Mallie Ireland, who was the 2018 board vice-chair and a community volunteer, would be the new board chair.

“I’m really looking forward to working with this leadership team, staff and this incredible amount of volunteers that make United Way such a successful organization,” Ireland said. “I’m excited because these people recognize and know so much can be done to better our community through the efforts of United Way.”

This article originally appeared in The Birmingham Times.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Chavis Delivers Keynote at Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Don't Miss

MLK at 90: On King’s 90th birthday, five contemporaries offer perspective

Oakland Post

1 Comment

Activism

S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System

Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.

Published

4 days ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Third Baptist Church.

By Carla Thomas

San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.

“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”

According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.

“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”

Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.

SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.

Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.

Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.

Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.

“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Bay Area

Mayor London Breed: State Awards San Francisco Over $37M for Affordable Housing

On April 30, Mayor London N. Breed announced San Francisco has been awarded more than $37.9 million in funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) as part of the State’s Multifamily Housing Program (MHP). The HCD loan will provide the final funding necessary for development of Casa Adelante – 1515 South Van Ness, a 168-unit affordable housing project located in San Francisco’s Mission District.

Published

4 days ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed (File Photo)

By Oakland Post Staff

The HCD loan will provide the final funding necessary for development of Casa Adelante – 1515 South Van Ness, a 168-unit affordable housing project located in San Francisco’s Mission District.

The new development at 1515 South Van Ness Ave. will provide 168 affordable homes to low-income families, formerly homeless families, and persons living with HIV earning between 25-80% of the San Francisco Area Median Income (AMI).

In addition, the project is anticipated to provide family-friendly amenities and ground floor community-serving commercial spaces that preserve the prevailing neighborhood character of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District.

“This funding unlocks our ability to move on building affordable housing units for families in San Francisco at a crucial time. We understand the level of need for more housing that is accessible, and like the state, the city continues to face a challenging budget cycle,” said Breed. “1515 South Van Ness is a good example of what can be achieved in San Francisco when you have strong community partnerships and an unwavering commitment to deliver on critical needs for our residents.”

“From the beginning of my term as Supervisor, I have fought to bring affordable housing to 1515 South Van Ness” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen. “In the interim, the site has been utilized for homeless services and shelter, and I am thrilled that HCD has recognized the value of this development, and we are finally ready to break ground and bring 168 affordable homes to low income and formerly homeless families in the Mission.”

Owned and occupied by McMillan Electric Company until 2015, the City and County of San Francisco purchased 1515 South Van Ness Avenue in June 2019 with the intent of developing new affordable housing.

In November 2020, the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) released a Multi-site Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified developers to build affordable housing on the site, and subsequently selected Chinatown Community Development Corporation (CCDC) and Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) in May 2021 to develop the site.

The project is expected to begin construction in winter 2025.

“A strong, long-term push by Mission advocates to make this site 100% affordable is now paying off, with 168 family units that include services and childcare. People of color communities know what they need, and we are excited to be in partnership with a team, consisting of MEDA, CCDC, and MOHCD, that listens,” said Malcolm Yeung, Executive Director at CCDC.

“We are excited to be in partnership with CCDC, yet again, and for the opportunity to develop intergenerational affordable housing in the City’s Mission District,” said Luis Granados, executive director at MEDA.

Increasing housing affordable to lower-income and vulnerable residents is a key priority in the City’s Housing Element which calls for additional funding for affordable housing production and preservation, as well as Mayor Breed’s Housing for All Executive Directive that sets out the steps the City will take to meet the bold goal of allowing for 82,000 new homes to be built over the next eight years.

Tuesday’s funding announcement emphasizes the importance of regional and state collaboration in order to reach our housing and climate goals.

“We are thrilled—not just to bring a project of this size to a community with great need — but to do so with community-based developers and their partners who understand the neighborhood and sensitivities around cultural preservation,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Community

Opening Soon: Vibe Bistro Is Richmond’s New Hub for Coffee, Cuisine, Community and Culture

Vibe Bistro, located at 1503 MacDonald Ave., Suite B, Richmond, CA, is announcing its grand opening week, May 21-26, 2024. The café will be a hub where people can come together to enjoy coffee, cuisine, community, and culture, according to the establishment’s owner, Free Brown.

Published

4 days ago

May 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Vibe Bistro Logo

By Y’Anad Burrell

Vibe Bistro, located at 1503 MacDonald Ave., Suite B, Richmond, CA, is announcing its grand opening week, May 21-26, 2024.

The café will be a hub where people can come together to enjoy coffee, cuisine, community, and culture, according to the establishment’s owner, Free Brown.

“Vibe Bistro is Richmond’s neighborhood haven for soulful coffee, delicious food, and vibrant experiences. Vibe Bistro is not just a coffee shop; it’s a place where ‘coffee meets community” says Brown.

It occupies the space formerly known as the Richmond Food Hall, which was also the former location of OakStop Richmond.

During the grand opening week, folks are invited to join in celebrating the spirit of community. From Tuesday, May 21, Vibe Bistro will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, serving specialty coffees, convenient grab-n-go options, and delicious breakfast and lunch selections.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 23, from noon to 2 p.m., followed by surprise festivities that the owners say you will need to experience in-person to fully enjoy.

Vibe Bistro’s art exhibition opens May 23, through Sunday, May 26. It features a special artist talk led by renowned curator Jowhari Trahan, a story on glass, and a mural unveiling by Richmond’s own Nakari Syon.

Additionally, the community is invited to immerse themselves in artistic expression throughout the week with art and craft classes.

Get ready for ‘Feature Fridays’ at Vibe Bistro, where they will showcase the culinary creations of local food businesses. This initiative is not just about food, it’s about fostering a spirit of collaboration and community.

All local businesses are invited to be part of this exciting journey, says Brown.

For more information, visit www.VibeBistro.com, sign up for the newsletter to stay connected, and follow all social media platforms at @TheVibeBistro.