May 1, 2023
Empowering Change: A message from SBX’s CEO
At SBX, our mission is to break the cycle of poverty and violence through mentoring, education, and community organizing. We are committed to empowering youth and families in our community by providing opportunities for growth and success.
As we reflect on our progress and look forward to the future, we want to share a message from our CEO: 'Together, we can make a difference. Our work is more important than ever, and we are grateful for the support of our community as we continue to empower the next generation.'
We invite you to join us in our mission to empower youth and families. Your support can make a significant impact in breaking the cycle of poverty and violence. Let's work together to create a brighter future for our community."
Berenice Zuniga
Co-CEO
Youth Services
SBX Youth Program Hosts Successful Social Event for Sigma Beta Xi Members
On April 15th, SBX's Brotherhood program hosted a social event for Sigma Beta Xi members. The event was a huge success, as young men bonded with one another through games and activities. Our goal is to create a fun and safe environment where young people can connect with one another and forge lifelong friendships. The Brotherhood program is just one example of how we support youth development and encourage positive social interactions.
Heart-2-Heart Youth PhotoVoice Event Empowers Young People to Speak Out
We recently hosted the Heart-2-Heart Youth PhotoVoice Event, which aimed to empower young people to speak out about issues that matter to them. We were thrilled to have the support of Moreno Valley Mayor Ulysses Cabrera and members of the community. The event was a huge success, and we were inspired by the passion and dedication of our youth participants. We believe that every young person has the potential to make a difference and that providing opportunities for them to speak out is a critical part of youth development.
SBX Celebrates National Mentoring Month by Honoring Local Mentors
At SBX, we believe in providing opportunities for young people to learn and grow through mentorship. To celebrate National Mentoring Month, we honored and highlighted mentors in the Inland Empire who are making a difference in the lives of young people. We are proud to offer internships and other opportunities for young people to work on meaningful projects and contribute their talents to our organization. By investing in youth development and mentorship, we believe we can help create a brighter future for our communities.
Family Services
Welcome to SBX Youth and Family Services, home of the Breathe IE team!
Our asthma mitigation program, Breathe IE, is dedicated to educating and empowering those with asthma to recognize their symptoms and triggers and advocate for themselves. We understand that living with asthma can be challenging, which is why our program is designed to provide the necessary tools and resources to help individuals manage their condition effectively. If you or your loved ones struggle with asthma, we invite you to contact us today by clicking the link in our bio or leaving a comment.
Our Fatherhood program at SBX Youth and Family Services recently hosted a graduation ceremony for four proud fathers who successfully completed the program. It was an emotional and inspiring event filled with touching testimonies from fathers who overcame obstacles and transformed into better fathers with the help of our program. We are committed to being part of the positive change in our community, and it was truly humbling to witness these fathers' growth. A young father spoke during the graduation ceremony, expressing his gratitude to the program’s outreach specialist Larry Butler for his unwavering support, encouragement, and care. As a team, we are honored to play a role in the lives of these fathers and to support them in their personal growth and development. We believe that the success of programs such as The Fatherhood program is not only measured by the number of certificates awarded but by the positive impact they have on the lives of fathers and their families. At SBX Youth and Family Services, we remain committed to empowering fathers and providing them with the resources they need to thrive.
SBX is also working to ensure families in the Inland Empire are receiving their CalEITC when they file their taxes. We understand that parents don’t always receive enough credit for their hard work, which is why we encourage working parents to claim tax credits for themselves by visiting CalEITC4Me.org to learn more.
At SBX Youth and Family Services, we are proud to have attended the Perris Valley African American History Committee event where we witnessed Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson receive the Hall of Fame Award. It was an enriching experience that highlighted the significant contributions of Black leaders, pioneers, and trailblazers throughout history. We also had the opportunity to spotlight our Black empowerment programs and engage in meaningful conversations with the community.
Lastly, we are proud to announce that NeoCharge is working with Southern California Edison (SCE) and the Clean Energy Access Working Group (CEAWG) to help low-income and disadvantaged communities in San Bernardino County electrify their homes. NeoCharge's proprietary Smart Splitter provides home renters an option to share their dryer and Electric Vehicle (EV) charger on one 240v outlet, enabling EV charging in minutes and saving thousands of dollars by avoiding expensive panel upgrades. Together with SCE, NeoCharge is offering a fully subsidized Smart Splitter to home renters in disadvantaged communities to enable electrification. We believe that everyone deserves access to clean and affordable energy, and we are proud to partner with NeoCharge in making this a reality.
In Case You Missed It
On March 21, 2023, SBX partnered with CART to host its 3rd Annual I.E. Antiracist Summit featuring LeVar Burton. Attendees heard Burton speak about the power of diverse stories and the movement to ban books. The event aimed to build the Antiracist Movement in the Inland Empire.
For Women's History Month, SBX hosted a Women’s Health & Wellness Resource Event, celebrating women and featuring speakers with different health experiences. The event included a raffle, with proceeds going to a women's health charity. The event was open to all community members, not just women.
SBX Youth and Family Services participated in a tabling event at the San Jacinto Unified School District to commemorate Black History Month. The event provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with members of the community, highlighting the importance of celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
SBX staff also attended a Black History Month celebration hosted by the Moreno Valley Unified School District, where they had the opportunity to speak with the new mayor of Moreno Valley, Ulises Cabrera, and discuss new developments taking place in the community.
At the "taco and taxes" event, SBX connected with the community to ensure everyone had the opportunity to get their taxes done for free, with support from the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC).
SBX partnered with the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice to host the Youth/Young Adult and Health Equity Community Listening Session in partnership with the Sierra Health Foundation, which aimed to uplift young adults in the Inland Empire through power building and community conversation.
In November 2022, SBX announced the appointment of Berenice Zuniga and Darrell A. Peeden, MPP, as the new CO-CEOs of SBX Youth and Family Services. Zuniga and Peeden are both co-founders of SBX and have extensive professional experience in their past and current roles as staff members. The appointment marked a milestone in SBX's history and an opportunity for continued stability, growth, and innovation.
Heartwarming Stories of Transformation and Empowerment
SBX Youth and Family Services recently hosted a graduation ceremony for fathers who successfully completed the program, with four proud fathers graduating. The morning was filled with touching testimonies of fathers who overcame obstacles, highlighting how they transformed into better fathers with the help of SBX's Fatherhood Program.
As an organization, we are committed to being part of the change in our community, and it was truly humbling to witness these fathers' growth. We look forward to continuing to support their journey towards becoming the best fathers they can be.
During the graduation, a speech was delivered by a young father upon receiving his graduation certificate. His speech stands as a compelling testament to the vital role of programs such as The Fatherhood program. As he spoke, the young man was visibly moved to tears, expressing how he had never before received an award for completing anything, and how much this moment meant to him. He went on to express his gratitude to the program’s outreach specialist Larry Butler for his unwavering support, encouragement, and care.
As a team, we are honored to play a role in the lives of these fathers and to support them in their personal growth and development. SBX's Fatherhood Program is just one example of the transformative work that we do, and we are proud to share these heartwarming stories of transformation and empowerment from our program participants and volunteers.
Family is not just an important thing, it's everything. It is the foundation that shapes us and the love that nurtures us. Let's cherish and strengthen our families, for they are the heart of our communities.
Make a Difference Today
Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community? Look no further than SBX Youth and Family Services! Our volunteer and donation program provides an opportunity to empower youth and families in need.
As a volunteer, you can help support our various programs and events, including our Fatherhood Program, Summer Youth Program, and Back-to-School Drive. Whether you're looking to mentor a child, assist with administrative tasks, or help with event planning, we have a role for you. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside our dedicated staff and make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
Not able to volunteer your time? You can still make a difference by making a donation to SBX Youth and Family Services. Every donation goes towards providing critical resources and support to youth and families in need. Your contribution will help us continue to provide high-quality programming and services that empower individuals to achieve their full potential.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of youth and families in our community. Contact us today to learn more about our volunteer and donation program and how you can get involved!