Jamestown Community Center

For many of us, our most meaningful childhood experiences included being on sports teams, participating in the school play, going to summer camp, or being a member of a club. These activities helped us to learn new skills, uncover our talents, and make friends. In other words, they helped to make us the people we are today.

Sadly, those experiences are not available to many young people living in low-income communities like San Francisco’s Mission District. Today, the public schools are in such financial crisis that programs like enrichment and sports, and even tutoring and guidance counseling, are being cut. With limited financial means, parents can’t afford to enroll their children in additional fee-based programs. Not surprisingly, academic performance is down, and youth violence is on the rise. Kids in our community are in real danger of giving up and dropping out of school. For some, this downward spiral can lead to their joining gangs, getting hooked on drugs, and even going to prison.

But the story doesn’t have to end that way. Despite disadvantaged circumstances, these boys and girls are just like we were when we were their age: full of potential. Jamestown recognizes this potential and is committed to helping young people grow into healthy, productive adults. Jamestown provides 500 young people each year with positive peer groups and adult mentors who care about their future, and we engage them in activities that stimulate their learning and self-esteem so that they know they can succeed.

Jamestown’s programs include:

• Educational Enrichment—art, theater, television production, cooking, and dance classes that tap into young people’s natural talents.
• Academic Tutoring—one-on-one support to help young people build the skills and confidence they need for academic success.
• Youth Leadership and Employment—opportunities for young people to work in Jamestown’s programs, sit on the Board of Directors, and provide program advice and input to the Executive Director.
• Sports—sports teams, tournaments, drop-in recreation, and summer camps that provide young people with much-needed physical activity and the
opportunity to learn important life lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship.
• Teen Guidance—social support groups and counseling to help young people prevent getting involved in risky behavior, such as sexual activity, drug and alcohol use, and gangs.
• Parent Programs—workshops and meetings for parents to help them navigate the school system and help their children develop into healthy adults.

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