San Diego City Wire

An event was held Thursday at the Southeastern Live Well Center focused on expanding opportunities for boys and men of color in San Diego County. The County’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ) partnered with California Funders for Boys and Men of Color (CFBMoC) and Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties to organize the event.

The organizations brought together grant makers, policymakers, community-based organizations, and local leaders to strengthen the network committed to the health and well-being of boys and men of color in San Diego County. The event included presentations on the Forward Change Life Course Framework and investing in narrative change and storytelling in San Diego. Representatives from local community-based organizations participated in a fireside chat and community discussion focusing on exploring opportunities and addressing barriers for boys and men of color.

CFBMoC, which has primarily focused on Los Angeles County, partnered with OERJ to expand their efforts into the San Diego region. Their goal is to collaborate with local philanthropic organizations to highlight the needs for uplifting boys and men of color. They also aim to identify grant opportunities for San Diego-based community organizations.

The County’s 2024-25 Recommended Budget includes $500,000 to implement the Uplift Boys & Men of Color initiative. This initiative aims to connect at-risk youth with wrap-around services, trauma support systems, and workforce development opportunities.