New Home, New Beginnings for Jamestown

On March 1st, 2019, Jamestown Community Center officially relocated offices to 2929 19th Street. Nestled between Alabama St and Florida St on 19th Street, a sign stands out on the front of the colossal building:

“Centro Social Obrero - Unidos Venceremos,” “Laborer Center- United we will win,”

Inside, the vast new space has meeting rooms, a kitchen area, and an open work space, surrounded by large windows expanding almost from floor to ceiling.

The new space is a huge improvement compared to the previous small office location in a Victorian building on 26th Street. Team members, such as Office Manager Katie Garcia, are excited about the new office.

“It’s amazing,” said Garcia. “Our organization is expanding, and so we needed something bigger. The community feels like we and the organizations we work with support them.”

With the expansion of our programs (such as the recent Loco Bloco merger and the new Beacon sites), the new location allows Jamestown, who is recognized for working with partner organizations, to continue to grow and solidify as a pillar in the community.

Our new home also holds historic roots that aligns with our mission for education, growth and social justice. In 2016, the building was dedicated and named The Rosario Anaya Education Center / El Centro Educacional de Rosario Anaya, honoring the distinguished Rosario Anaya. Among many achievements in her life as an education advocate, such as being the first Latin American woman elected to public office in the City’s history, Anaya was also the MLVS Executive Director from 1973-2015.

The environment of unity and support created in Jamestown goes beyond our own staff and four walls. The new office location also houses other nonprofits, all partners of Jamestown; Instituto Familiar de la Raza’s Roadmap to Peace, Mission Language Vocational School (MLVS), and Five Keys.

“(The space) is more welcoming for families, meetings, registration fairs, and family activities,” said Human Resources and Operations Manager Santiago Lopez, who has been with Jamestown for 8 years. “The staff (is) not divided by walls.”

The new work space is intentionally mapped to promote Jamestown’s work and mission inside and outside. Having access to the talent of a full culinary school certainly sweetens the spot as well. Melgar says that MLVS culinary school hosts “the BEST Friday lunches. Everyone in Mission comes.” The organizations and community are continuously coming together in this new space to support each other in various ways.

All of Jamestown looks forward to what the future holds for us in the new office space. We look forward to seeing you in our new, bright, beautiful offices!

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. 

Welcome To The New Beacons!

The Jamestown Community Center and its partnering schools are proud to join the San Francisco Beacon Initiative. Beacon Centers focus on bridging the gap between students, parents and their communities by bringing additional enrichment programs directly to school sites.

Starting with 2018-2019 academic year, Cesar Chavez Elementary, Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 and James Lick Middle School will open their doors to provide support services that go beyond the traditional school environment. Students and families will now have access to expanded learning opportunities and services.

Beacon Centers transform public schools into places where children, youth, parents and community members engage in positive, educational, enriching and healthy activities during school hours and beyond. These activities not only supplement the school day but nurture the skills necessary for students to succeed both personally and academically. The goal is to close the gap between school and community needs through strong partnerships, ensuring more resources are available and services are better coordinated to achieve positive outcomes for our youth, families and communities. 

Beacon Services Include:

• Phoenix Risers: Morning care
• Academic Success Coaches: Tutoring in needed academic focus
• After-School Enrichment: Cooking, STEAM, dance, physical recreation
• Loco Bloco: Afro-Latino performance art classes
• Playworks
• Girls Got Goals: Girls soccer programs for grades 5-8
• Treehouse and Linked Day: Student peer support group, behavior health and wellness
• Summer and Vacation Camps (Fall, Winter, Spring)
• Family/Community Events: Spring Family Resource Fair, Carnaval, ReclaMisión, etc.
• Family Support Workshops: child development, financial capability, leadership development and diverse engagement
• Case Management, referrals and sign-up support for community and health services

Learn more about the San Francisco Beacon Initiative here.

Loco Bloco Rises to Take First Place Overall Prize in Carnaval SF 2018

San Francisco, CA July 30, 2018 - For over 40 years, San Francisco Carnaval has celebrated the rich traditions of Caribbean and Latin cultures in the Bay Area. Almost 100 contingents participate in the parade competition and Loco Bloco is proud to announce its 2018 First Place Overall Prize.

Having competed in Carnaval for the past 24 years, Loco Bloco leadership felt confident entering the contingent in the Contemporary World/Fusion category, as opposed to the youth division. Entering in an adult category allowed both staff and students to elevate as artists and educators.

“Being in that category challenges us more as artists. The youth categories would be a little less competitive, the standards wouldn’t be as high artistically,” said Arts Programs Manager Audrey Ingalls. “When we’re putting ourselves in a category of competing with actual adult groups, our standards have to be at a higher level. So that naturally pushes us from the gate to have our youth start at a higher level of artistry.”

The theme for this year, “Vuela Sin Parar,” was submitted by community parent Lisa Mestayer and selected by Loco Bloco students. Inspired by the legend of the young Yoruba goddess Oshun, who transformed from a peacock to a vulture in order to save the world, Loco Bloco leadership felt the story resonated with the organization’s mission and purpose.

“This story of Oshun is about youth leadership and transformation through love,” said Deputy Director of Arts and Community Annie Jupiter-Jones. “That’s what Loco Bloco is all about, we use arts to right wrongs and overcome inequalities and discrimination. Art is about love, meeting negativity with positivity, transforming something of beauty into something of power.”

The 275 person contingent, comprised of stilt walkers, percussionists, dancers and parents was certainly a powerful sight to behold. With the rising gentrification and displacement of Mission community members, having such a strong presence at Carnaval in itself, felt like a form of resistance.

“We’ve seen our community change so much, our families, our staff be displaced; but it has reaffirmed and strengthened what we do, because we are positioned to be the last remaining connection these folks have to the traditions where their families have lived for generations,” said Jupiter-Jones. “Carnaval weekend is for folks to come back and reclaim the streets as ours. It’s something you can really feel, it’s a powerful political statement to see 200 plus families taking over 24th and Mission. It’s the one time of year you get to feel like it’s the Mission of old.”

About Loco Bloco: Loco Bloco and The Jamestown Community Center merged on July 1st, 2018. Both youth development organizations have long established track records of providing enriching, high quality programming to youth to promote their healthy transition into adulthood. The organizations chose to merge because of their shared commitment to youth development, their love for the Mission community, and their experience in developing leadership among low income youth and families.

For More Information: http://www.locobloco.org/