Strengthening The Black Village

Be the Village, our pilot in-person center launching at Saint Mark UMC, addresses the LA2050 priority of supporting foster and systems-impacted youth by preventing family separation and fostering joyful well-being. Through innovative parenting classes, culturally engaging curricula, restorative small groups, and connections to vital resources, we cultivate strong and resilient villages of care. SBV’s collaborative approach promotes family preservation and unity, ultimately contributing to community safety and a stable future for BIPOC families.

SBV will expand offered education such as in-person and online training, support groups, for the adults around children: parents, teachers, pastors, extended family, etc. Unique class groups offer hospitality, transportation, child-care, lecture, group work and text books. Our group's goal is to reach families before Black children are removed from the home, as well as support families already in the foster care system. We infuse what we do with faith and commit to actions of anti-racism, pride in multi-cultural histories, and inclusion.