17 Nov San Francisco Nonprofit Celebrates 15 Years of Service in Visitacion Valley

Real Options for City Kids providing long-term support for at-risk youth in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA – November 17, 2009 – Brandon Smith was 6 years old when he first stepped foot into the Visitacion Valley Middle School gymnasium for a basketball clinic put on by local nonprofit Real Options for City Kids (ROCK). An awkward child living in a rough neighborhood, Brandon stayed with the program year after year, attending programs such as basketball camp, homework help and backpacking. His consistency with ROCK provided him with new experiences and the opportunity to form lasting bonds with adult role-models. Today, Brandon is a 19 year old college student who works on staff at ROCK helping children just like him.

Brandon is just one of many examples of ROCK’s success stories and with his accomplishments, ROCK is proud to celebrate its 15 year anniversary of positive youth development programs in Visitacion Valley. “I am pleased to be a part of a great organization that has done so much to enrich my life and steer me in the right direction,” said Brandon. ROCK’s programs are designed to work with children throughout their youth from their elementary school years through their high school years. The vision of the program is for participants to become productive individuals when they reach their adulthood. “I am proud to be involved with a great organization for almost its entire lifetime,” said Curt Yagi, Executive Director. “It is rewarding to see a past participant such as Brandon grow as an individual and become a ROCK staff member. It is proof that our model works.”

What began as a small, school-based program combining sports and fitness with learning enrichment for elementary school participants has grown into an established organization providing a wealth of year-round opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students. ROCK expands each year and is on track to continue its expansion for many years to come.

To learn more about R.O.C.K. read our story.