Jamestown Continues To Meet Community Needs During Pandemic

Familia, we all know this past year has been challenging beyond measure. Our world and our communities have dealt with an incredible amount of hardship. Despite these setbacks, we have seen the Mission District rise up in the face of adversity and work together to meet our collective needs.  At Jamestown, we have been busy keeping our students engaged throughout the pandemic through virtual learning and other family support programs.

As we return to in-person learning at our Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 (BVHM) and Longfellow program sites, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the powerful work our talented staff has been able to accomplish during this pandemic. Below are just a few examples of how Jamestown has been able to effectively address the needs of our community:

Community Hubs

• In person learning for our most vulnerable youth:  Community Learning Hubs alongside the San Francisco Department of Health have been highlighted in  the Wall Street Journal and KQED. Our Community Learning Hubs have provided our most vulnerable students with in-person learning opportunities, in a safe and healthy environment.

• Meaningful Collaborations: We have also fostered meaningful collaborations between our dedicated staff members on site and partnering agencies who allow us to continue providing high quality programming for our Mission District familia.

Family support+ relief funds

• Weekly food boxes: In addition to providing quality programming we have worked diligently to distribute 180 food boxes weekly to our Mission District families.

• Relief funds: Over 125 Jamestown families have received financial relief funds totaling $113,000. We saw the economic impact of the pandemic and are working continuously to ensure families receive the help they need. 

Celebrating + Honoring our Community (from afar)

• Black History Month- Our team at James Lick Middle School was able to rally and put together an incredible virtual Black History Month celebration in conjunction with Mayor London Breed’s office. 

Youth Social Justice + Cultural Pride- As part of Telemundo’s tribute to Afro-Latinxs in the Bay Area, our Office Manager and Samba star, Salma, was profiled for a feature about Jamestown’s focus on youth social justice and cultural pride! We also want to acknowledge Selma's Dance Instructor and Fogo na Roupa’s Artistic Director Metzi Henriquez who has helped in the development of many women of color in the Mission District.

These are just a few of the highlights from the past few months. As schools begin to slowly reopen and with summer programs on the horizon, we look forward to navigating the new reality in community with our Mission District students and families. We know the transition back to in-person learning will have its challenges and we are prepared for whatever lies ahead. We are still here, we are still fighting and we are still working to create a more equitable and compassionate world. Stay tuned for more updates, our work is far from over. Huge thank you to all our supporters in the community who allow us to continue our work.

My Jamestown Journey

My name is Teya Hernandez, I am a 16-year old High School student at Immaculate Conception Academy and will be a Junior this upcoming school year. As a longtime participant in Jamestown programming, I wanted to share my experience on how it has helped shape me into the person I am today.

My journey at Jamestown began before I was even able to enroll in their after school program at Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8. My older sister was in Jamestown, so I occasionally went to the family events and showcases the organization hosted. As I transitioned into 6th grade, I was excited because I knew I was going to be part of the same fun activities my sister enjoyed during her middle school days. 

At Jamestown, it was really comforting to know I had a place to go and be productive, once school was done. The staff always set homework goals for us and created a safe space for us to hang out and be ourselves. Jamestown after school wasn’t only a fun, safe, and organized place for me to do my homework but really more like a second home. The program staff there helped me tap into my potential as a student.

During my time in Jamestown, I was also able to unlock my athletic potential through Girls Got Goals. My Coach Memo taught me not only everything I know about soccer but valuable lessons like: “You’re a student-athlete, but student comes first,” and “We may not be the best team but we are the hardest working team.”

I believe we were able to successfully secure two championships back to back because of the teamwork and trust we built over time. Looking back at my clumsy 6th-grade self to where I am now, I can definitely say I’ve improved a lot throughout middle school and have continued that momentum into high school. 

Another great activity I was able to participate in was “Tree House.”  There I was able to bond and become closer with my friends through different mental and emotional health exercises such as mindful breathing and meditation. 

Even when school was not in session, I always had Summer Voyage with Jamestown to look forward to. From everyday field trips to the big camping trip, and to the end of summer barbeque. Some of my best memories were made during my time in Summer Voyage. 

After three years with Jamestown, my middle school graduation arrived and I thought my journey in Jamestown was coming to an end. Luckily, during my freshman year of high school, I was able to participate in the Youth In Charge (YIC) teen program. Here, I was able to learn more about a community issue I was passionate about, alcohol justice, and addiction. 

Through YIC, I was able to encounter a wealth of experiences, including a meeting with the mayor, visiting the dome at city hall, meeting community leaders, going to a Giants game to talk with their alcohol and beverage vendors about their policies and safety measures to protect fans and prevent alcohol-related injuries, all while building relationships with other cool youth. In addition to these amazing enrichment experiences, I was also able to join an alcohol awareness coalition funded by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, to further advocate against youth alcoholism and create social media campaigns around this subject matter.

Currently, I am working this summer for the Jamestown Development and Marketing Department, helping to create content for their digital platforms. I have come a long way and will forever feel like a Jamestown kid. Special shout out to all the staff that has helped and watched me grow over the years, you know who you are. 

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!

Jamestown Persists Amidst School Closures and City Lockdowns

Familia, we hope you are staying safe and healthy during these difficult times. Jamestown, along with our community partners, have done our best to remain adaptable to the circumstances and continue working to ensure our communities are safe and informed on COVID-19.

Due to the closure of all SFUSD schools, our site-specific programming remains on hold during this lockdown. Still, despite the circumstances, Jamestown remains resilient and is taking an innovative approach to continue serving our youth and families.

Currently, Jamestown program staff are working daily at our Buena Vista Horace Mann Beacon stayover shelter to handle the added capacity and support youth and families during this time of crisis. The stayover program has been greatly expanded during this shelter-in-place order and Jamestown staff have stepped up to do their part. Chavez Elementary, one of our other Beacon sites, is providing a community food bank so our families and other vulnerable community members have access to the nutrition they need to stay healthy.

Despite the social distancing order, we have still been able to offer some of our community programs through online platforms. Our Strengthening Families class continues to host regularly scheduled meetings through video chat, so families can continue to build healthy relationships and communication practices. The Loco Bloco performance ensemble, despite not being able to meet physically, continue to rehearse via Zoom meetings, keeping them active and engaged with their community and art form.

Along with hosting program meetings online, we continue to share relevant resources on our social media from the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF) as well as other community organizations working with similar populations. We want to ensure the families we serve are properly informed and connected to all the services available to them.

As Jamestown continues navigating through these uncertain times, we are doing our best to provide the services we can to our youth and families. In these tough times, it is imperative we continue to serve vulnerable populations to ensure the security of our community.

Thank you for supporting our work and being valuable members of our community.  We continue to send lots of love and light to all of our gente. Stay safe and strong everyone.

Girls Got Goals Kicks Off Season Play!

After spending last semester training under the tutelage of a dedicated coaching staff, our Girls Got Goals participants are ready to hit the pitch!

The 15th season of the Girls Got Goals league is underway for 85 girls from across the city. This year, Willie Brown Middle School will join five other middle schools in league play as both a participant and host site for games along with Everett Middle School.

With women accounting for 70% of team leadership, Girls Got Goals continues its work as a nurturing, uplifting space for young ladies to learn a new sport and develop the social and life skills necessary to become leaders in their community. Aside from regular league matches, Girls Got Goals will also host four workshops throughout the season under the guidance of Jamestown Sports Director Ariel Esqueda.

The workshops build off the program’s youth development framework and touches on subjects such as team building, healthy habits and self confidence. Another addition to this year’s programming will be the End of Season Award Ceremony. Awards will include individual recognitions such as Golden Boot (most goals scored) and honors for Sports(wo)manship and teamwork.

This year is shaping to be memorable one for Girls Got Goals, especially with the Elementary School division kicking off soon! For a full schedule of the Girls Got Goals League, check out the link here.

Jamestown Partners With UnidosUs

Jamestown is honored to announce we are now an affiliate of UnidosUS (formerly NCLR) the largest Latino Advocacy Organization in the country. Jamestown was one of just six organizations nationwide selected to join the affiliate network this year. As a Latino-led agency, we are proud to partner with this incredible organization and connect with leaders from across the country working to solve the issues that matter most to our community.

Jamestown joins Mission Asset Fund and Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) as one of just three San Francisco organizations part of the UnidosUS affiliate network.

UnidosUs Representatives took a tour of Chavez Community School with Executive Director Myrna Melgar and Extended Learning Manager Maria Silvas.

“This is a huge deal for Jamestown,” said Executive Director Myrna Melgar. “Until recently, we’ve never really defined ourselves as a Latino organization, but if you look at our leadership and staff, we are truly a reflection of the community we serve.”

Formerly the National Council of La Raza, UnidosUs advocates for issues that matter most to the Latino community, such as protecting civil rights, equitable access to education and fighting for nondiscriminatory immigration practices. In order to maximize impact, the organization began adding affiliates nationwide, each with its own unique focus area. Currently there are 267 affiliate organizations across the country.

As affiliates, Jamestown now has access to a national network and important resources such as new funding streams, professional development trainings as well as program evaluation and other capacity building workshops. As Jamestown continues to grow and expand its impact on a local level, we are also grateful to be recognized by a national organization and look forward to continue building and working in solidarity with Latinos across the country.

Loco Bloco Presents - Back Of The Bus: A 14-Mission Love Story

Loco Bloco is looking forward to a wonderful ride this year after taking home the First Place Overall prize in 2018’s Carnaval San Francisco -- Loco Bloco and The Jamestown Community Center are proud to announce our 2019 theme, BACK OF THE BUS: A 14-Mission Love Story.

We’re taking a trip down memory lane, back to the early Mission days and that one ride we always could depend on: the 14-Mission bus. Back to the days of bumping beats on a ghetto blaster and throwing a freestyle way in the back, we'll bring together the years of memories through hip hop, drumming and familiar recorded samples that are sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

This theme, selected by our Youth Artivists, celebrates the youth, families and laborers whose method of migration through the City is the 14-Mission bus. We honor their perseverance to maintain a tight grip and keep their feet firmly balanced as they roll through a city rapidly changing around them. The back of the bus has formed communities, birthed movements and inspired music and art. It has become a symbol for resistance and solidarity.

As an organization, we are excited to bring this time capsule to life with our amazing community of families and students from our after school program. Every year our contingent team of families, artivists and community members come together to create new memories as we celebrate past ones made in the Back Of The Bus. Please join us!

*Rehearsals for our Main Bateria & Dance sections begin Monday Jan 7, 5pm-6:15pm at Brava Theater - For Ages 11-24
*Registration for our Full Contingent (ages 3-24 & families) begins Sat., March 23 at our Orientation & Resource Fair at James Lick Middle School

Please spread the word & join us in getting down in the streets of La Misión. Join the contingent and come to our rehearsals!
Artwork by the Mission’s own @chrystianguillermo 

Executive Director Myrna Melgar Receives Local Government Award

In what has been a milestone year for The Jamestown Community Center, the accolades and recognition from the community continue with AISAF selecting our Executive Director Myrna Melgar, as the recipient of a Local Government Award for 2018.

Aside from her work at Jamestown, Myrna is Vice President of the San Francisco City Planning Commission. She also served three terms in the City's Building Inspection Commission, including one as Vice President, and served the Mayor’s Office of Housing Director of Homeownership Programs during the Newsom administration.

Throughout her career, Myrna has been a champion for Latinos and low income residents, designing and managing homeownership and building rehabilitation programs for low and moderate income San Franciscans. At Jamestown she continues to be an advocate by backing programs that help strengthen the Mission District families, youth and community.

“It is an honor to be recognized by an organization like AIASF,” said Melgar. “I hope to continue advancing the work of Jamestown and uplifting other members of the community, especially women, Latinos and low income folks to seek leadership opportunities and become more civically engaged.”

AIA San Francisco Community Alliance Awards honors the individuals, firms, and organizations whose work shape the character and quality of life in the Bay Area through design excellence. The Local Government Award recognizes an elected or appointed organization or individual, who contributes to the development of laws, policies, or initiatives promoting excellence in architecture.

“This year’s honorees represent the diversity of focus and commitment that makes our city a model for community-driven impact,” said AIASF Executive Director Jennifer Jones, CAE, IOM. Melgar joins two other recipients for this award, Sarah Minick of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and John Dennis of San Francisco Public Works.

ReclaMisión 2018

In honor of Dia De Los Muertos, Jamestown and Loco Bloco celebrated our second annual ReclaMisión community event. Brava Theater became a sacred space for an evening of ceremony, music, art and dance. Hundreds passed through to pay their respects and enjoy the performances.

The festivities began with a traditional Aztec dance and blessing ceremony, acknowledging the ancestors and giving thanks for the opportunity to honor their memory. Ofrendas crafted by local artists adorned the Brava lobby as well as the doorways outside the theater -- each an expression of the artists’ memories of loved ones who have passed to the other side.

The performers at ReclaMisión were as rich and diverse as the altars within. Students of Mariachi Juvenil “La Misión” serenaded the streets with the unmistakable sounds of folkloric, ranchera and bolero music. The Cuicacalli Dance School & Company presented a contemporary rendition of indigenous folklorico styles.

Loco Bloco classes from across Jamestown’s various program sites were able to apply the skills they’ve been learning this past semester and move the crowd to the rhythm of the bateria. The Loco Bloco Performance Ensemble showcased pieces from their award winning Carnaval 2018 performance, as well as new material presented publicly for the first time. In classic Loco Bloco form, the bateria took to the streets, closing the night with a raucous performance, shutting down traffic and capturing the attention of the entire Mission neighborhood.

This magical evening could not have been possible without the generous support of our community sponsors. In particular, Precita Eyes, Acción Latina, Galería De la Raza and the San Francisco Department of Children Youth and Families. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to host an event of this magnitude to honor and celebrate the traditions of the Mission Community.

Jamestown Hosts "Keeping The Promise" Event With MEDA

In celebration of Mission Promise Neighborhood’s (MPN) two-year $6 million extension grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Jamestown hosted a community event at Buena Vista Horace with keynote speeches from House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Hillary Ronen and School Board Commissioner Mark Sanchez.

These civic leaders discussed the important work of MPN and how the collective of agencies are impacting the lives of students and families in the Mission District. The extension grant allows the program to expand from five to nine schools in total, including our Beacon Sites at Cesar Chavez Elementary, James Lick Middle School and Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8.

A number of partnering organizations were on site as part of a resource fair for families to become more acquainted with the scope and work of MPN. Members from Urban Soccer Park were also in attendance to witness the ribbon cutting of the soccer field they donated to the school earlier this year.

It was a big day for the Mission District Community and a testament to how collective, wrap-around services addressing economic, social and educational inequality can effectively improve the lives of those most in need.

Jamestown Celebrates Latino Hispanic Heritage Month with the Cast of ON YOUR FEET!

Jamestown brought in Latino Hispanic Heritage Month in epic fashion with SHN Golden Gate Theater and the cast of the ON YOUR FEET! the Broadway musical inspired by the life and music of Gloria Estefan. The cast made a special appearance at our Chavez Elementary School Beacon Site, taking questions from the students and leading them in a conga dance lesson with help from Loco Bloco student performers.

Students, teachers and cast members were all smiles as they danced along to the rhythms of Gloria Estefan. The sun was shining down on the Mission District that morning, as past, present and future generations of Latino leaders came together in a moment of joyous celebration.

As part of the festivities, SHN donated $5,000 each to Cesar Chavez Elementary School and Jamestown in support of Latino youth in the performing arts. In addition, 175 students and their families received complimentary tickets to a performance of ON YOUR FEET! where Loco Bloco welcomed early theatergoers with a performance in the Golden Gate Theater mezzanine. Our own Arts Education Director Pedro Gomez gave opening remarks discussing the importance of Latino representation in the arts and the trailblazing work of Gloria Estefan.

Cesar Chavez Elementary School students and families also received a special video message from Gloria Estefan herself (check it out, below!). Jamestown is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with these amazing artists and organizations to continue fighting for Latino communities in the Mission District and across the globe.

Mayor London Breed Visits BVHM

Jamestown Community Center had the honor of hosting San Francisco Mayor London Breed for our Soar with Reading event at Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8. Mayor Breed took time out of her busy schedule to address the youth and read an excerpt from Holly Anna’s Daisy Dreamer and the Totally True Imaginary Friend.

The students were ecstatic to meet the mayor and even presented her with letters addressing their gratitude and what they want to see in their city. Beyond the reading and presentation, students also received free books and book bags compliments of Jet Blue Airlines, who worked in collaboration with other community partners to make this a event a huge success. Jamestown is grateful for everyone involved and looks forward to hosting more community events at our Beacon Sites this year.