Services to Youth
The mission of the the Services to Youth (STY) facet is to implement aligned , integrated and transformational programs that are responsive to the academic, health, cultural, social awareness, career development and mentoring needs of youth. The goals of the the national initiatives include:
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Closing the achievement gap with the intent of preparing our youth for the global workforce as healthy citizens
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Promote the integration of a health and wellness component focused on youth, families and communities in STY facet programming
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Design and promote mentoring programs to support youth
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Expand and support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and promote the integration the arts (STEAM)
SF LINKS TO SUCCESS - EARLY LITERACY INITIATIVE
The Services To Youth Facet developed a transformational integrated umbrella program for the children of Bayview Hill Gardens Transitional home. This early childhood literacy program, SF Links to Success, aims to close the achievement gap for children K-3rd grade. Each month, one facet is responsible for producing an interactive, hands-on literacy box focused on one of their specific facet priorities.
To kick off the new school year, each child received a special curated school box of supplies, art tools and literacy materials. Throughout the year, the facets successfully integrated creativity and literacy development in curating the student boxes. Each themed box incorporated elements of early childhood literacy through sight word recognition, vocabulary development, and reading. Videos and other tools were included for parents, offering suggestions on how to support their child’s literacy efforts. Children were encouraged to complete the activities alone or with family members over a period of time. At the completion of all activities, parents/guardians were requested to complete an evaluation form assessing their child’s interest and engagement.
BAYVIEW HILL GARDENS - BELVA DAVIS READING NOOK
As an outgrowth of the SF Links to Success Umbrella Project, the facet launched the BVHG Belva Davis Reading Nook on February 25, 2023 for the children and youth at Bayview Hill Gardens Transitional Home. Members worked with the staff to create a permanent reading space, themed, “Reading Will Take You Everywhere,” with tables, lounge chairs, bookshelves, art, and books. Link Belva Davis was honored for her unwavering commitment and many contributions to the chapter. Her family was present for the beautiful ribbon cutting event. Each facet donated new fiction and non-fiction books and collections featuring African American and Bay Area authors.
Video footage from Belva Davis Book Nook Ribbon Cutting
BAYVIEW HILL GARDENS - STEAM WORKSHOPS
The San Francisco Chapter of the Links, Incorporated have developed a partnership with Bayview Hill Gardens. Bayview Hill Gardens is the only building dedicated to formerly homeless families in its neighborhood, which has the second highest homelessness rate in the City. Its opening moved many families off waiting lists for overtaxed shelters and has reduced pressure on emergency services.
Formerly homeless families and transition-aged youth are provided stable new homes with "welcome kits" of furnishings and supplies. The 115 kids living in the building receive healthy snacks, homework help, after-school care, and chaperoned field trips. Throughout the 2018-2019 program year, the San Francisco Links hosted several STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Workshop for the students who attend the after school program. Stations were set up for students to make slime, and other cool projects. Each workshop focused on a practical application of STEAM.
WINTER WONDERLAND - DECEMBER 2019
Winter Wonderland gives families and community members a way to gather and celebrate the winter holidays. Kids enjoy arts and crafts, ice skating, playing in the snow and visiting Santa. The Bayview Underground Food Scene Holiday Market offers local food choices at reasonable prices as well as gift & craft vendors. Local musicians provide live performances. Children can participate in arts activities, complete an arts passport, visit Santa and receive a filled stocking.
The event is modeled after German holiday markets, featuring hot spiced wine, sausages and other holiday favorites from abroad and from Bayview.
San Francisco Links Chapter is a valued partner and in 2019 created a Santa's Workshop where over 150 youth and parents had an opportunity to make ornaments, holiday decorations, and hot chocolate gifts at over eight stations.
BAYVIEW HILL GARDENS - ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOOK & TOY DRIVE
In partnership with the Arts Facet, on December 8th, the San Francisco Links provided gift cards, books and toys focused on STEAM, to the youth residents of Bayview Gardens. Gifts were also created for the parents. Link Mignon Monroe hosted the evening of the drive, where members wrapped presents, books and made gifts for the parents.
BMAGIC ANNUAL BACKPACK GIVEAWAY
Since 2004, BMAGIC offers children and youth, ages 5-18, new backpacks filled with essential school supplies to celebrate the beginning of the new school year. The event also serves as a community building activity where children, youth and families come together and learn about the various services CBOs in BVHP provide as well as other city agencies and
service providers.
For several years, the San Francisco Links have been a community partner, partnering with Colgate-Palmolive "Bright Smiles, Bright Futures" program to bring oral health education and oral health care kits to over 200 youngsters in attendance.
