Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Communities Through Education and Workforce Development
Founded in 1973, Young Community Developers has dedicated over five decades to breaking cycles of generational poverty for communities of color in San Francisco. Our mission centers on empowering individuals through sustainable economic mobility by addressing systemic barriers in housing, education, and workforce development. Initially established as a workforce development agency in response to racial inequities in employment opportunities in Bayview-Hunters Point, we have expanded our programs to support residents from cradle to career. Our holistic approach combines direct services, policy advocacy, and community partnerships to create ecosystems of opportunity. Recognized as one of the 2024 Best Nonprofits to Work For by The NonProfit Times, we maintain a team of experienced professionals committed to equitable outcomes.Through initiatives like emergency rental assistance, job readiness training, and youth academic programs, we serve over 1,255 individuals annually while distributing $8 million in direct community support. Our work bridges critical gaps left by public systems, focusing on marginalized populations including formerly incarcerated individuals and low-income families. By integrating trauma-informed care, financial coaching, and career pathway development, we foster long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Our leadership team brings decades of sector-specific expertise, ensuring programs align with evolving community needs. As a trusted local institution, we prioritize transparency, measurable impact, and community-driven solutions to create lasting change.
Services
Workforce Development
Housing Assistance
Youth Education
Emergency Rental Aid
Job Readiness Training
Career Pathway Programs
Community Advocacy
Financial Coaching
Youth Mentorship
Policy Development
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of experience in community-driven poverty alleviation programs
- Our trauma-informed approach integrates housing, education, and workforce development services
- We distribute $8 million annually in direct community support and resources
- Our team includes certified professionals with expertise in equitable economic development
- We maintain partnerships with 100+ local organizations for comprehensive service delivery
Associations and certifications
- The NonProfit Times Best Nonprofits to Work For
What people say
Essential for community needs
Helped my family
Mental health boost
Space to discuss goals
Grateful for assistance
Services
Workforce Development
Our workforce development programs provide job readiness training, career pathway development, and employment support for adults and youth. Participants receive personalized career counseling, resume development assistance, and access to industry-specific training. The programs specifically target marginalized populations including formerly incarcerated individuals and low-income residents, with partnerships connecting participants to sustainable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Housing Assistance
Housing assistance services include emergency rental aid, move-in cost support, and long-term housing stability programs. Our Rental Housing Counseling program helps clients navigate affordable housing applications, provides financial coaching for budgeting and credit repair, and offers landlord mediation services. Through initiatives like the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, we prevent displacement for vulnerable San Francisco residents facing housing insecurity.
Youth Education
Youth education initiatives combine academic support, career exploration, and personal development for students aged 14-24. Programs like the Mayor's Youth Employment Program and Summer Bridge provide credit recovery, college preparation, and paid internship opportunities. These initiatives focus on closing educational gaps while developing essential workplace skills through structured workshops and mentorship components.
Community Initiatives
Special community initiatives address emerging needs through targeted interventions like the Black to the Future program and The Phoenix Project. These initiatives provide trauma-informed support, community organizing resources, and economic mobility strategies tailored to specific population needs. Mobile outreach through the Community Economic Mobility Vehicle expands access to financial literacy and health education services across underserved neighborhoods.
Violence Prevention
Violence prevention services focus on interrupting cycles of trauma through case management, job training, and community stabilization. Programs like Interrupt, Predict & Organize combine life skills development with employment support for justice-involved adults. These initiatives use evidence-based approaches to reduce recidivism while connecting participants to sustainable career pathways and mental health resources.
People
Dion-Jay Brookter
Chief Executive Officer
Dion-Jay Brookter leads Young Community Developers with over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. He has expanded the organization's impact through strategic partnerships and innovative programming while maintaining its community-rooted mission since 1973.
Aisha Blackwell
Chief People & Operations Officer
Aisha Blackwell oversees organizational operations and human resources with a focus on creating equitable workplace practices. Her leadership ensures YCD maintains its recognition as one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For by The NonProfit Times.
Monica Almendral
Director of Housing
Monica Almendral directs housing programs that have prevented displacement for thousands of San Francisco residents. Her expertise in affordable housing policy and tenant advocacy strengthens YCD's impact in combating gentrification and housing insecurity.
Mitchell Smith
Director of Workforce Development
Dr. Mitchell Smith leads workforce initiatives connecting marginalized populations to sustainable careers. His educational background in organizational leadership enhances YCD's ability to create effective job training pathways for diverse participant groups.
Tracey Taper
Director of Special Initiatives
Tracey Taper develops innovative community programs addressing emerging needs. Her work on trauma-informed interventions and economic mobility strategies expands YCD's capacity to serve vulnerable populations through targeted, evidence-based approaches.
Questions
What services does Young Community Developers offer?
We provide workforce development, housing assistance, youth education programs, and community initiatives addressing economic mobility for marginalized San Francisco residents.
Do you offer youth employment programs?
Yes, our Mayor's Youth Employment Program and Summer Bridge initiatives provide job training, academic support, and paid internships for ages 14-24.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
We welcome volunteers to support our programs. Contact us through the 'Get Involved' section of our website for current opportunities.
How is YCD funded?
We receive funding through government contracts, private grants, and community donations that support our mission of breaking cycles of poverty.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Bayview-Hunters Point, we serve all San Francisco residents through our citywide programs and mobile outreach initiatives.
Reviews (1)
John Freeman
May 21, 2021
Report
I actually worked here in the early 90's. I was in charge of the O.C.T. program. Occupational Classroom Training. I really enjoyed the experience.
