Fam 1st Family Foundation partners with Peralta Colleges Foundation & OAKWIFI 

Oakland, CA ‒ Jan. 13, 2021 ‒ In partnership with Peralta Colleges Foundation and the City of Oakland’s OAKWiFi program, the Fam 1st Family Foundation announced today a computer giveaway that will provide 400 students with computers and connectivity to ease access challenges during the extended COVID-19 shutdown.

Just in time for the new semester, eligible families and students can apply by January 22, 2021, or until the application is closed. Applicants must live in Oakland, be enrolled in Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) or Peralta Community College District (PCCD) and reside in one of the neighborhood coverage zones included in the OAKWiFi expansion.

“The emphasis is to equip students, many of which live in the most vulnerable neighborhoods in Oakland, with the tools they need to make sure their education is not impeded by the shelter in place mandates to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said LaNiece Jones, Executive Director of the Peralta Colleges Foundation.
 
Despite OUSD, Oakland Charter Schools and PCCD distributing computers and hotspot devices to students who need them for remote learning, there are still many students left without a computer and access to the internet.  
 
400 Chromebooks will be given away to students in need courtesy of Fam 1st, which was founded in 2011 by Oakland natives and NFL athletes Josh Johnson, Marshawn Lynch and Marcus Peters.  Fam 1st Executive Director Brije Gammage works with students at  West Oakland Youth Center and has seen the need first hand. “Many students and families are without a computer of their own. Even with the loaner computers and hotspot devices available, many families are still struggling to look for work or even shop for groceries online,” Gammage said.  “ We hope that these computers will help families and students of all ages to ease the stress of distance learning and the financial cost of purchasing a computer and internet services.”
 
City of Oakland’s Chief Information Officer Andrew Peterson is leading the OAKWiFi project, which is significantly expanding public WIFI coverage to parts of West Oakland, Downtown Oakland, and East Oakland along the International Blvd/ East 14th corridor to the San Leandro border.
“This partnership is an example of how our community continues to come together to meet the needs of the students and families in our city,” said Peterson. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to marginalize many disadvantaged, underserved residents in our community. The OAKWiFi initiative provides free internet access for students, seniors, job seekers, small businesses, the underserved and the unconnected.”

Through the deployment of widespread free public WiFi to the most vulnerable and historically underserved communities of Oakland, OAKWIFI seeks to connect residents not only for distance learning but to the broader global community. 

“We know that the digital divide will not be bridged by OAKWiFi alone, but we are committed to establishing new creative partnerships and finding innovative ways to provide connectivity and resources for students and families as well as seniors, small businesses, and job seekers.”

For more information on the City of Oakland’s OAKWiFi program and coverage, visit www.oaklandca.gov/OAKWIFI.

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ONE COMMUNITY. ONE FAMILY

 ​"My kids had an awesome time. Everyone cared for my kids like they were their own. " -ANONYMOUS survey

"Fam 1st follows the old school way of raising a family, “ It takes a village”. Which is so true. The Fam 1st village is outstanding. They have done so much for my child I don’t even know where to start. wHEN MY SON first started the program in the summer of 2018. He was welcomed to the family with open arms and love. Andre attended summer school across the street from W.O.Y.C. Every day he was totally excited to attend, he wondered what fun things he was going to do the next day. By the end of the summer, I saw a huge change in my son. He was much more mature and self-controlled. He was excited to return (HE is usually not too happy to attend a place of learning but this wasn’t the case.) He was open to learning new things and now was able to advocate for himself, by letting an adult know when he’s having a bad day or if he needs help with his work, instead of getting frustrated and having a meltdown. He has been given a strong sense of unity and a high level of respect for himself and others. The things this center does is remarkable." -PARENT M.Selm0n


"What was amazing to me was how staff would pull kids in: with 1 on 1 talks, and group “sit-downs” where "staff shared wisdom and taught about respecting each other and ourselves. I knew Family 1st Foundation was special because the staff have goals and hopes for their children which reach far beyond being simply good students.
- Cal Student Volunteer

Powered by Fam 1st Fam

​Vision
We envision West Oakland as a thriving community w/ a proud history,where people are informed, connected, engaged, and empowered to shape their future. The West Oakland Youth Center is fun and safe place where youth and young adults learn together and become change agents for the community.

Mission
The West Oakland Youth Center's mission is to provide a safe environment where young people are engaged and supported to explore and develop their talents and skills.

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Fam 1st Community Week:
Each year in July (2nd week) we celebrate our community by curating a 4 days of events that are based around FAMILY & COMMUNITY fun. 

Community FAMILY Day (Water slide Park /Barbecue)
Talent Show
Family Bowl night
Football and Dance camp
​Closeout Celebration

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Family Aboard 
'bRIDGING ATHLETICS AND aCADEMIA'

Part 1: Football camp
Part 2: Makers Lab and 3-D printing

OTTAWA, CA -Break the Plane
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London (8 week cohort)

From the Bay to the UK