Opportunity West provides supportive case management to high risk families and youth, and offers learning and developmental opportunities for young people that align with values of engagement, integrity, and personal responsibility. These program options are designed as an alternative to violence, neglect and non-performance. Our homeless program supports students daily school attendance; the work experience program demonstrates workplace behaviors and standards; the digital arts program trains in creative computer use; Positive Minds Group is a workshop format to pursue plans and dreams. These programs are offered in a public community center, in the heart of the Iron Triangle neighborhood in Richmond and serve as models for using education, cultural exposure and advocacy to escape the poverty and neglect of the inner city. Opportunity West is a capacity building organization, with a focus on youth, family and the community. Recently, the Nevin Park, adjacent to Opportunity West’s location in the Nevin Center, has been closed for 8 months for renovation. It will re-open with improved landscaping, but a continued need for vigilance if the historic use of the park by the homeless, alcohol and drug users, prostitutes and criminals is to be overcome.  Opportunity West has developed plans to schedule regular activity in the park that will necessitate that vagrants move on and the park realize its intended use for children, youth and families in the neighborhood. This includes development of multi-cultural activities, supervised by bi-lingual staff who can manage the diverse families who live within walking distance of the park. Families must immediately “see” this change or the park will be overtaken by the same element who commandeered the area for their own purposes. Opportunity West will partner with the City of Richmond Recreation Department to create positive programming and ensure local children and families’ accessibility to the Nevin Park.

598 Nevin Ave
Richmond, CA 94801

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