by Morgan Saltz | Jul 25, 2020 | Coming Up, Feature, General, Lifestyle, News
Oakland, CA. It started out as a personal mission to inspire spirituality throughout her neighborhood for Jasmine Taylor (pictured above on the right). She launched the “Stepping Out on Faith” prayer walk in October of 2014 and that led to her founding a nonprofit called 1C13 Productions.
The strategy of continuing 1C13 Productions, especially with the youth, during the COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing discussion within the organization according to Taylor. Because the nonprofit works extensively with youth through direct interaction within school settings, COVID 19 has halted its programs. However, 1C13 remains dedicated to creating and offering programs that allow interaction with the students while adhering to social distancing mandates.
Services within the organization include youth outreach, community events, feeding the poor, and providing resources for Oakland families to fight poverty and enrich their children’s future through The Legacy Program.
One goal of 1C13 Productions is to eradicate hunger in urban communities. Given the effects of poverty and gentrification, many men, women, and children in urban communities face hunger daily. The nonprofit regularly feeds the homeless and is planning on expanding these efforts.
While initially focused on community programs,1C13 provides several programs for the youth of Oakland to acquire the skills which will bolster their confidence and create positive opportunities. The Walking in Royalty program exposes youth to many different disciplines of study and career opportunities to encourage the young people of Oakland to recognize their full potential and ensures a well-rounded exposure to different career possibilities.
Occasionally working directly with schools to provide life skills classes for both the youth and families through the Walking in Royalty programs, 1C13 also offers these programs to the public through the King/Queen Connections program. Taylor, who also holds the position of Restorative Bridge Maker at Frick United School of language to diffuse conflicts between students, describes her work with the youth as “the most gratifying” and a “beautiful and humbling opportunity”. The testimonies given from some 1C13 youth confirms their reciprocal admiration for the program and their mission; “(The Life Skills) class has changed me in many ways. It’s encouraged me to never give up. It taught me to be a young lady. It taught me to never let what other people say affect my future and who I want to be.” – Mia C., 8th grade.
From 1C13 Productions:
1C13 Productions Inc. is a pillar in the community and has created a lasting impact on youth, communities, and families throughout its 5-year tenure in the Bay Area and in its schools. Here are testimonials from some of those we’ve had the opportunity to work with.
“Jasmine Taylor has the best job in the world: empowering young kings and queens of East Oakland to live their truth and nurture their brilliance. As a teacher and trauma-informed student mentor at Frick Impact Academy, “Ms. Taylor” heals interpersonal harm through her expertise in Restorative Practices and leads students in deconstructing the forces of oppression in their lives and communities as they foster resilience, confidence, and integrity.”
by Satchi Metaxas | Jul 22, 2020 | Feature, General, News
San Francisco, CA. Sheltering at home is the most effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19, but for 1,100 homeless youth in San Francisco, it is impossible. On April 29, Larkin Street opened a new Shelter In Place Hotel in collaboration with the City of San Francisco. Site #1, as it is known, can house up to 55 people and is available to homeless youth aged 18 to 30. This is one of many solutions Larkin Street is using to provide shelter for SF youth, and in doing so, fight the spread of COVID-19.
Larkin Street Youth Services is a non-profit that provides housing, health services, and educational and employment support to homeless youth. The organization has found ways to provide essential services despite temporary facility closures. Larkin’s two drop-in sites, where homeless people can access free meals, hygiene supplies, bathrooms, and other services, are continuing to operate under social distancing guidelines. However, the nonprofit’s traditional housing services have been scaled back in light of San Francisco’s social distancing guidelines. The Lark-Inn Shelter for 18 to 24-year-olds is temporarily closed and the “Diamond Shelters”, homes for homeless minors, are operating at a reduced capacity.
A health worker and patient smiling at a Larkin Street clinic.
Larkin Street has been able to put more people into its Rapid Rehousing rental subsidy program as the number of available apartments grows and the price of rentals in the City falls. Rapid Rehousing is part of Rising Up, a massive effort started by San Francisco Mayor London Breed in October 2018 to reduce homelessness for youth age 18 to 24 by 50% by 2023. The ambitious Rising Up initiative combines city and non-profit resources to provide housing, education, employment, and health services to San Francisco’s homeless youth. The program’s goal is to get 950 youth off of the streets by December 2022.
Black Lives Matter protesters posing in front of Larkin Street building. (Photo from Larkin Street Youth Services Facebook)
Furthermore, a “Safe Sleeping Village” is now available for homeless people living out of tents in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. The “village” has room for 37 tents, each spot marked on the pavement a safe distance from neighboring tents. Residents have access to sanitation facilities, food, water, and health services. This initiative is in part a response to the high number of unsanctioned encampments that have been popping up in public areas since the statewide shelter-in-place order.
Larkin Street has adapted its educational and career-building services as well. Although Larkin Street Academy counselors can no longer meet in classroom settings, they are still meeting individually with youth. In light of the economic downturn, Larkin Street is increasing their support of people looking for employment and accessing government stimulus checks.
From Larkin Street Youth Services:
Since 1984, Larkin Street Youth Services has given more than 75,000 young people a safe place to rebuild their lives. We provide housing, education and employment training, and health and wellness supports to help these young people get off the street for good.
