December 2023 | eNewsletter

Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we’re just a couple weeks away from bringing in the new year, and with that, celebrating YES’s 25th anniversary. Since 1999, we’ve engaged over 12,000 community members through summer camp, after-school and weekend programming, family outings, and leadership workshops. Most importantly, we have provided a foundation for our youth and adults to gain the confidence and skills to lead at home and in our broader community.

You can read below about one of our newest additions, the Rich City Kickback, which brought the Richmond community together to experience and advocate for more choice and accessibility to wellness resources, particularly for young adults. Between musical and dance sets, graduates of the TREES program shared how the expanded access and knowledge they gained in the program has benefited their mental health and opened their eyes to the need for more opportunities like it. Also linked below is multi-media coverage of the event from local news outlets.

At this time of year, we take a look back at a handful of our other favorite moments under the YES umbrella this past year in our 2022-23 Annual Report. If you haven’t already, you can read it below and see a glimpse of the joy and fun we’ve been so grateful to experience.

Lastly, if you’re still looking for that perfect gift–for someone on your list or for yourself–, you may consider a contribution to YES’s year-end campaign. Make a donation before December 31st in honor of an outdoor enthusiast, leadership advocate, or Richmond-faithful and help us reach our $90,000 campaign goal. Not only does it make a truly meaningful present for the honoree, but it’s what makes experiences like those you’ll read about here and in our Annual Report possible. If you’ve already contributed, we’re so grateful for your support.

On behalf of all of us at YES, I wish you and yours a warm and fulfilling end to 2023 and hope to see you out in nature or in the community in the new year.

In community,

Last month, over 150 community members joined us for the Rich City Kickback to celebrate community and mental health.

Organized by our ALP team and honoring the graduation of the fifth cohort of TREES participants (ages 18-26), the event featured a multitude of healing modalities and highlighted the need for a wider selection of and increased accessibility to mental health resources for young adults in our community. 

“The TREES program has been supportive of my journey of boosting my confidence by providing tips to deal with my social anxiety and developing social and healthy coping skills. [...] Although sometimes it is scary, I know I am in my growth zone." - Juanita, TREES graduate & peer mentor

It was an afternoon filled with local musical and dance performances and peppered with deep reflections from TREES graduates, who opened up about the state of mental health care in Richmond and their personal experiences in the program. Thanks to longtime YES partners including Urban Tilth, the Watershed Project, and AMPD Coalition, community members also immersed themselves in diverse wellness practices. From engaging art activities to insightful reflections, it was a day of connection and exploration led by our very own TREES graduates.

Learn more about the Rich City Kickback and the need for increased wellness support in Richmond in a couple of the news stories below!

YES in the News

Richmond Pulse: Richmond Recreation Center Hosts Community Wellness Event

Richmond Confidential:

‘I carry binoculars with me everywhere’: Richmond bird-watchers not such a rare breed

KTVU Channel 2: Richmond event promotes wellness for those dealing with substance abuse

The California Academy of Sciences, in the heart of Golden Gate Park, has been a favorite outing this year for YES program members of all ages, and the staff and volunteers who get to tag along. Most recently, the Explorers and Discovery Squad made the trip and were able to gain new context for all they’ve learned about human impact and changing ecosystems.

Birders and plant enthusiasts will love the four-story rainforest, teeming with vines, leaves, and flying friends. Those more interested in what’s under the surface could spend hours in the aquarium visiting Methuselah, the world’s oldest living fish, or any of the other 60,000 live animals in and around the water. For history and science buffs, take a stroll through the natural history museum under some of the Earth’s largest inhabitants, or catch a screening at the planetarium for an immersive tour of the universe. Lastly, head up stairs to the rolling hills of the living roof to learn about eco architecture and take in views of the city.

Like we said: something for everyone!

Not able to get to the Academy but want to see what they have to offer? Our cohorts love tuning into the live webcams to watch rays, penguins, and other animals in their exhibits!

But the best part of the Cal Academy is their commitment to making their awe-inspiring collection accessible through free and reduced-price admission. Members of the Richmond public library, and select other cities, can check out day passes for free from the Discover & Go program. For $3 admission, EBT/CalFresh, WIC, Lifeline Pass, or Medi-Cal cardholders can present their cards at the ticket window.

The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell