THE OASIS WAY FALL 2024
About Oasis for Girls OUR MISSION Oasis for Girls partners with young women of color, aged 14-18, from under-resourced communities in San Francisco to cultivate the skills, knowledge, and confidence to discover their dreams and build strong futures. OUR STAFF
OUR PROGRAMS
LaVonda Baldwin Executive Director
RISE builds girls’ proficiency in life skills, healthy decisionmaking, leadership, and knowledge of social systems.
Jen Wana Operations Director Donna Hakimian Program Director Eliza Hicks Program Leader, CREATE Deli Mehrkish Program Leader, RISE Shanté Thomas Program Leader, ENVISION
CREATE exposes girls to using writing and the arts for healthy self-expression, improved academic performance, and leadership. ENVISION expands girls’ career awareness and job readiness skills while supporting them in developing achievable plans for academic and career success.
To Our Beloved Community, As we close out another incredible year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the impact we’ve achieved together in 2024. This year, we’ve focused on building a strong foundation for the future while continuing to uplift and empower the girls & young women we serve. Thanks to your engagement & steadfast support, Oasis for Girls has reached new heights and deepened its impact in the community. With gratitude for your unwavering commitment, we look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead! Warmly, LaVonda Baldwin Executive Director
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Oasis for Girls partners with young women of color, aged 14-18, from underresourced communities in San Francisco to cultivate the skills, knowledge, and confidence to discover their dreams and build strong futures.
100%
of ENVISION participants agree they have become more aware of different career fields that could be a good fit for them
What I most liked about the ENVISION program was that it was definitely a career focused program that allowed me the time to think more about my future.
Top Neighborhoods Served
16% South of Market 13% Visitacion Valley 11% Bayview/Hunters Point 9% Tenderloin/Civic Center/Hayes Valley
90% 93% of girls surveyed said they feel like they feel comfortable being themselves at Oasis
92%
of CREATE participants have a better understanding of how to express their emotions and practice self care
CREATE was such a fun experience in which I got to learn various different types of art styles but was also able to communicate with the rest of my group mates.
of RISE participants agree that they are more aware of their different identities
91% I really enjoyed meeting other girls and discussing important topics that schools don’t necessary teach you.
of girls surveyed said that they are more aware of resources they can use for their mental health & wellness
58
girls served in 2024
67%
are first generation students (their parents did not attend college)
High School Grade Level
18% 9th grade 14% 10th grade 33% 11th grade 35% 12th Grade
Primary Home Language
47% English 27% Spanish 14% Cantonese 4% Toishanese
2024 Highlights: Advancing Impact & Sustainability Program Impact: We achieved full documentation of curricula for all current programs, ensuring consistency, quality, and sustainability in delivering transformative experiences for the girls & young women we serve. Organizational Growth: We developed and implemented new systems that strengthen sustainability and streamline processes, laying the groundwork for long-term organizational success. Capacity Building: We invested in team development through comprehensive training in data-driven metrics, classroom management, and healing-centered programming, ensuring sustainable excellence in our work.
Ethnicity Multiethnic/Multiracial (47%) Latinx (23%) Black (7%)
Asian (21%) Middle Eastern (2%)
Fall Program Overview In our fall 2024 cycle, we were excited to welcome 25 young women into the Oasis community: 21 Girls who were new to the program, 2 Sistahs returning for their second program, and 2 Queens embarking on their third Oasis journey.
Queen Quotes
WE ASK OUR QUEENS TO TELL US THE IMPACT OF OASIS ON THEIR LIFE AND WHAT THEY WOULD SHARE TO OTHER GIRLS:
Being part of the Oasis sisterhood has made me think deeper about my future by helping me make a clear vision of what I want. Oasis for Girls has made me a better person and more social since I have met a lot of people. My message to girls is: don’t be afraid to try new things, because you might like the new things and try to step out of your comfort zone. - Amanda
Oasis has taught me a lot about how to pursue my goals and aspirations, which gives me the confidence to try new things that I would have been too scared to do before. I would like to share the following message with girls: there is a lot to gain from Oasis in many different ways, academically, socially, and interpersonally. - Elisa
CREATE
ENVISION
RISE
Wellness Day
This cycle’s Wellness Day took place on November 25 at Oasis for Girls. Activities included: a Block Printing Workshop led by Sarai Montes, a local BIPOC woman artist. and an Affirmation Posters Workshop where the girls collaborated to create an affirmation poster for themselves.
Career Day
All participants joined us for Career Day on October 28. The girls heard from industry professionals and engaged in activities to enhance their communications skills. Thank you to our panelists for joining us: Theresa Cruz, Komal Madarang, Denise Thomas, Shanice Thomas, and Jen Wana.
Staff Highlights - Fall Edition OUR NEW STAFF SHARE THEIR HIGHLIGHTS FROM THEIR FIRST CYCLE WITH US. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THEM!
“The highlight of the fall cycle was seeing the girls gain confidence throughout the ten-week program, leaning into their curiosities, and growing together. It was also wonderful to see them become more comfortable as they started to embrace their identities as young powerful girls.” Deli
- Deli Merkish, Program Leader
“My favorite part about the fall cycle was connecting with the girls and helping them understand their options after high school. I loved being a part of their journey and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.” - Shanté Thomas, Program Leader
Shanté
Announcements Spring 2025 Program Cycle is Starting Soon! If you or someone you know is interested, click here to apply! Applications will be available in January 2025 Spring Cycle begins in February Weekly Program runs on Tues./Wed./Thurs. from 4:30pm-6:30pm Contact sfoasis@sfoasis.org if you have any questions.
Oasis for Girls Day | March 7, 2025 CHIEF San Francisco | 6 p.m. Sponsorships are open now! Click here or reach out to sfoasis@sfoasis.org with interest in sponsorship! Individual tickets become available in January.
2025 Sponsorship Levels
Event Tickets
Founding Member & Annual Member’s Dinner with ED
Luncheon with the Executive Director
Exclusive Oasis Gift Bag
Verbal Recognition at Event
Tour of Oasis for Girls
Social Media Feature
Directly Impacting & Inspiring the Girls at Oasis
Director’s Circle $50,000
Visionary $25,000
Champion $15,000
Advocate $10,000
Mentor $5,000
Supporter $2,500
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Join us in celebrating Oasis for Girls’ 25+ year commitment to equipping, empowering, and uplifting high school girls of color in San Francisco! For more than a quarter of a century, Oasis has been a safe and nurturing space where young women not only build essential life skills but also develop a strong sense of community and belonging. Through our programs, participants gain the tools, confidence, and support needed to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. 95% of the money raised at Shine goes directly back into funding for programs! Sponsorships are available now and ticket sales go on sale in January. We hope to see you there!
1091 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94103 sfoasis@sfoasis.org - 415.701.7991