April 2021
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To See What's Happening in Your Community this Month!
  • AAPI Community Resources
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Locator
  • Free Rapid COVID-19 Testing at Jacobs Center
  • City COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance
  • YMCA After School Program at Jacobs Center
  • Free Construction Career Jumpstart
  • Free Virtual Workout Classes for Teens

  • Free Outdoor Leadership Program for Teens
  • Community Love: The Blue Heart Foundation
  • Weekly Food Distribution in the Union-Tribune
  • Growing Community Partnerships
  • Earth Day Cleanup
  • Southeast SD Small Business Collaboration
  • Podcast Episode With Reginald Jones
Jacobs Center Stands with AAPI Community
We stand in solidarity with the AAPI community, and we will do our part to share and amplify our community partners that are providing resources for the local Asian community. We call on all San Diegans to learn more and act against all forms of hate, racism and xenophobia to protect our neighbors and make our community welcoming to all. Visit our blog for a list of resources. 
COVID-19 Vaccine Site Locator 
Use this interactive map to find the nearest COVID-19 vaccine site to you. Starting April 1, anyone over the age of 50 is eligible for a vaccine. On April 15, it opens up to those 16 and over.  
Rapid COVID-19 Testing at Jacobs Center 
Get a FREE COVID-19 rapid test this Friday, April 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA 92114. No appointment needed and results are given in 20-30 minutes. Testing happens on a weekly basis; see Jacobs Center's social media channels for updates. Check the calendar below for additional free COVID-19 rapid test testing sites Please call 619-643-4965 with any questions.   
City of San Diego COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program 
Are you not able to pay all or part of your rent or utilities because of the pandemic? San Diego city residents can apply for the COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program online, which has been extended for another six months. 
After School Program Available at the Jacobs Center through YMCA Enrichment Program 
The Joe & Vi Jacobs Center has opened up Celebration Hall for the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA to operate a part-day enrichment program for Southeastern San Diego youth ages 5 to 14 years old! 
 
The after school program offers a daily meal, activities and academic support to help your child have a safe, active and educational afternoon after school from Monday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m. Families are encouraged to apply regardless of ability to pay, as the YMCA can help families with financial assistance and funding options. Información disponible en español.
FREE Construction Career Jumpstart  
San Diego Workforce Partnership is proud to announce the Construction Career Jumpstart program's next class will begin May 3, with enrollment closing April 23. This paid, hands-on program will cover the fundamentals of a construction skilled tradesman position, including safety, trenching, jackhammering, proper use of other power tools and additional essential skills. Trainees will be certified in several skills upon graduation. To apply, you should live in San Diego County, have a high school diploma or GED and have a valid CA driver’s license. 
FREE Virtual Workout Classes for Teens
San Diego County is offering FREE virtual workout courses for teenagers every Wednesday. Spots are limited and registration is required, so be sure to sign up soon! All Wellness Wednesdays events are free for youth ages 10-18. Info./RSVP to Carl McCullough at 619-961-0159 or contact [email protected]
FREE Outdoor Outreach 
Leadership Mentor Program 
The Outdoor Outreach Leadership Program pairs emerging leaders with seasoned professionals from the outdoor industry and nonprofit community with 16- to 20-year-old students to gain work experience, develop leadership skills and explore the outdoors. Participants are eligible to receive a stipend up to $1,000 and potential job opportunities at Outdoor Outreach upon completion of the program. Applications are due by April 5. 
COMMUNITY LOVE:
The Blue Heart Foundation
Photo courtesy of The Blue Heart Foundation
The Blue Heart Foundation began in 2013 to provide young African American males in San Diego mentoring and personal/professional development opportunities. 
 
In 2020, the organization pivoted from being in-person to hosting virtual workshops. This year, Blue Heart Foundation built up a capacity to empower and educate more than 45 young men in its new program, The Mindful Heart. The program addresses issues that are normally taboo in the Black community, including anxiety, depression and emotional stability. The goal is to provide youth with the tools for mindfulness that support their emotional development and growth.

Join The Blue Heart Foundation in investing in these young adults' lives.
Weekly Food Distribution Featured in The San Diego Union-Tribune 
We’re proud to continue to join forces with I Am My Brother’s Keeper CDC and Paving Great Futures to help the Southeastern San Diego families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The food distribution is every Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center, walk-up or drive-thru. The San Diego Union-Tribune featured the impact it has had on the community in the past year.
Jacobs Center Growing Community
Partnerships in 2021  
The Jacobs Center has announced new board member Louie Nguyen, CFA, who is dedicated to economic development in Southeastern San Diego; promotion of Christie Marcella to executive director to build on Jacobs Center’s critical work; and new Director of Development Operations and Institutional Advancement Selina Castillo Hudgins to build philanthropic support needed for neighborhood projects. 
19th Annual Creek Bay Cleanup
Celebrate Earth Day by participating in the FREE 19th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup on April 24, 2021. Register to be a part of the largest single day environmental action event in San Diego County by removing polluting litter and debris from your community. Free online registration opens April 1!  
Photo taken at the 2019 Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup
The Southeast San Diego Business Collaborative
Are you a community-based organization who wants to help small business owners? Join the Southeast San Diego Business Collaborative! The collaborative was created to conduct intensive outreach, education and engagement to increase awareness of available financial health and small business resources in the San Diego Promise Zone.  
Jacobs Center CEO Reginald Jones on “The Extra Point” Podcast  
Jacobs Center CEO and President Reginald Jones was featured on “The Extra Point with Jeff Marston” podcast, discussing the needs and solutions for San Diego urban communities and how Jacobs Center has helped provide resources and programs to the Diamond District.  
The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation relies on the spirit of generosity of individual, corporate, foundation and government entities to bring resources like education for all ages, cultural experiences and current health updates to Southeastern San Diego. If you or your employer are interested in learning how you can give back to your community too, please contact Selina Hudgins at [email protected].
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619.527.6161 • [email protected] • www.JacobsCenter.org