City of Dreams mission is to help the youth living in San Francisco’s public housing communities build bright futures through mentorship and youth development.
City of Dreams is a youth development nonprofit serving approximately 100 young people annually in San Francisco’s Bayview–Hunters Point community. Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty and violence by providing youth with mentorship, enrichment, and opportunities that build resilience and self-sufficiency.
Through our core programs: Mentorship & Youth Development, Community Learning Hub, Project Zoe, and Earn2Learn, youth gain consistent adult support, academic enrichment, life coaching, and hands-on skills in sustainability.
This past year, our Earn2Learn garden program, supported by Big Green DAO, harvested and distributed over 762 pounds of fresh produce to youth and community members. 100% of participants signed up for earn to learn sessions and received their stipends for their engagement which helped build knowledge in urban gardening, composting, and nutrition. Youth also led innovative projects such as selling Jam at a local cafe to raise money for an end of summer trip/
City of Dreams achieved additional milestones, including:
Hosting its full cycle of Earn2Learn sessions with a 90% participation rate, expanding youth knowledge in horticulture, financial literacy, and sustainability.
Launching weekly Youth Garden Days to provide flexible, hands-on opportunities for skill-building and stewardship.
Engaging youth as leaders in community service, from food bank partnerships to youth-led sales and plant events.
Ensuring all programs remain grounded in trauma-informed, culturally rooted healing practices to provide safe, affirming spaces.
Regular engagement with local businesses led to multiple volunteer days with local corporate groups that lent a helping hand with garden maintenance.
Together, these efforts help our youth gain life skills, leadership experience, and a sense of belonging, while giving back to their community.