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CUE Chronicles: January Edition
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Cheers to the CUE Year!
A 2024 Recap and a Heartfelt Thanks
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A Year of Growth and Gratitude
A Note from the Team at CUE:
As we look back on 2024, we’re filled with immense gratitude and pride for everything we’ve accomplished together. It’s been a year of growth, resilience, and deep community connection, and we couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of our team, partners, supporters, and most importantly, the incredible youth and young adults who inspire us every day.
This year, we’ve seen remarkable progress in our programs. From expanding our Workforce Development efforts to hosting transformative events like the Wellness Summit and Youth Job Spot, we’ve witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration and opportunity. Our participants have achieved new milestones, overcoming barriers and stepping confidently into their futures. Together, we’ve built a community that’s not just about skills and resources, but about fostering hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
One of our proudest accomplishments this year was finally securing a physical center for our work. After years of operating without a dedicated space, the Center for Urban Excellence is no longer centerless! This milestone represents more than just a location—it’s a home for our programs, a hub for community connection, and a foundation for even greater impact in the years to come.
Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. We faced obstacles in the form of uncertainty, limited resources, and the ever-evolving needs of the communities we serve. But with each challenge, we’ve adapted, learned, and come out stronger on the other side. Every setback has been an opportunity to innovate, to rethink how we do the work, and to ensure that we’re meeting the needs of those who rely on us.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re filled with excitement and anticipation. We have bold plans to continue our mission, expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and working even harder to create pathways to success for youth and young adults. The future is bright, and we’re more determined than ever to see our vision through.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in the year ahead.
With gratitude and excitement,
The CUE Team
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Highlights in Action: Event Recap | |
Milestones and Memories
As we welcome 2025, we take a moment to reflect on the final quarter of 2024 and all the incredible moments that made this year truly special. From college tours to community outreach, CUE has remained focused on uplifting and supporting the youth and families we serve. These milestones remind us of the meaningful impact we can have when we come together with purpose. Let’s take a look at some of the standout highlights that made this year so memorable.
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Trojan Dreams & Beach Vibes:
A College Adventure in LA!
CUE wrapped up our 2024 college tours with an unforgettable trip to Los Angeles. We visited the renowned campuses of USC and CSU Long Beach, exploring their academic offerings and soaking in the college experience. The weekend wasn’t complete without an exciting basketball game at CSU Long Beach—adding some fun and adrenaline to the tour. It was a weekend full of inspiration, possibility, and unforgettable memories!
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Giving Back with Gratitude
Community Resource Fair
For Thanksgiving, CUE was proud to take part in a heartwarming Community Resource Fair. In the spirit of giving, we donated 20 turkeys to the Boys and Girls Empowerment Group and gave away clothing to families in need. It was a beautiful opportunity to give back to our community, spread some holiday cheer, and make a positive impact during the season of giving. We were reminded of how much stronger we are when we come together to support one another!
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Wellness, Resilience, & Real Talk:
Our Biggest Summit Yet!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 3rd Annual Fostering Resilience Youth Wellness Summit! It was an unforgettable day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment. Youth, community leaders, and mental health professionals came together to explore essential topics like mental wellness, navigating the justice system, and college & career readiness. Participants enjoyed engaging workshops, heard from dynamic speakers, and took part in hands-on art activities. This year’s summit, our largest to date, reminded us that wellness is about more than just physical health—it’s about nurturing the mind, emotions, and spirit. Youth left the event feeling more confident, informed, and ready to build a resilient community with the support of mentors and peers.
A huge shoutout to our amazing supporters and service providers who helped make this summit a success! From recording studio sessions and haircuts to vision board designing, sensory experiences, massage therapy, and teeth cleaning, we had so many resources for youth and families to enjoy. Special thanks to: The Reef Studios, The League XS, One People Tribe, Thrustle Artist Coach, SB Esthetics, Massage Therapy by You Knead This, LuxeGalore Smiles, and Boys and Girls Empowerment Group. Your generous support made this event truly special!
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With Gratitude to Our Partners
A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible supporters, service providers, and sponsors who made the 3rd Annual Fostering Resilience Youth Wellness Summit a resounding success! Your generosity and dedication helped us create a transformative event that empowered youth and families with valuable resources, engaging workshops, and unforgettable experiences. From recording studio sessions, haircuts, and vision board designing to massage therapy, teeth cleaning, and more, your contributions brought immense value and joy to our attendees. We are especially grateful to our sponsors, including Kaiser Permanente, Elevate Youth California, Coalition for Juvenile Justice, National Youth Justice Network, Aerie Real Foundation, and Solano County Office of Education, for helping us bring this vision to life. Together, we created a space where resilience, wellness, and community thrived—thank you for your unwavering support!
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Toys, Joy, and Holiday Cheer:
Spreading Smiles this Season!
Community Resource Fair
To wrap up the year with a spirit of giving, CUE participated in a heartwarming Holiday Toy Giveaway. We donated 20 toys to be given away, with exciting Chromebook raffles happening every 30 minutes! Kids and families enjoyed a fun-filled day with arts and crafts activities, and we also provided clothing to those in need. It was a beautiful opportunity to bring joy to the community, spread holiday cheer, and make sure families were supported during the season. The smiles and laughter shared that day were the perfect way to end the year on a high note.
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Thank You to Our Amazing Supporters | |
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Making a Difference Together
A special thank you to Moore Iacofano Goltsman (MIG) for their generous donation to our organization. Your support helps us continue empowering youth and families through impactful programs and events. Your contribution makes a difference in fostering resilience and creating opportunities for the communities we serve. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and commitment to our mission!
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What's Next? The Journey Continues | |
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Looking Ahead to 2025:
Exciting Opportunities Ahead!
As we step into 2025, we’re thrilled to share some exciting programs and events that are just around the corner. CUE remains committed to empowering youth, families, and our community through impactful initiatives and resources. Don’t miss what’s next!
Follow us on Instagram @CenterforUrbanExcellence to stay updated on upcoming events and activities— here’s a look at what’s coming up:
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Vilma’s Cutz for Kids
An Inclusive Day of Creativity and Care
We’re thrilled to announce our continued partnership with Autism with DJ, A Friend Like Zeek, Sensory E, and the MOCHA Autism Network for the Vilma’s Cutz for Kids event! This special day, honoring the memory of Zeek’s grandmother and biggest advocate, is dedicated to creating a comfortable and inclusive space where children with sensory sensitivities can receive haircuts.
Join us on January 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Spirited Play Labs (2930 Shattuck Ave, Ste 206, Berkeley, CA).
CUE is excited to bring back creative art activities! While waiting for their turn, kids will have the chance to create a special piece of art to take home, adding an extra layer of joy and creativity to the day.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate inclusion, creativity, and community. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Fostering Resilience Workforce Wednesday
Your Path to Career Success
Workforce Wednesdays will kick off on January 22, 2025, and continue every Wednesday until March 19, 2025, at 5:30 PM on Zoom. These sessions are designed to provide valuable career insights, entry-level opportunities, and professional development resources.
Join us each week for discussions with industry leaders and mentors from diverse backgrounds who will share their experiences, offer guidance, and help you build a successful career. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with CUE’s Fostering Resilience Workforce Program.
Mark your calendars and join us on Zoom starting January 22nd!
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The Propulsion Lab:
A Cal Maritime & Center for Urban Excellence Program
Ready to Level Up? Join The Propulsion Lab Program!
Are you 16+ and ready to explore college and high-paying careers in some of the coolest, fastest-growing industries? Join The Propulsion Lab: Cal Maritime & Center for Urban Excellence Program and take the first step toward your future in Bioeconomy and Biotechnology!
Earn Up to $1,000 Just for Participating!
Attend in-person or online activities and get paid to learn valuable skills that will prepare you for an exciting career.
Don’t Miss the Online Info Webinar!
📅 When: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM
💻 What: Find out how this program can jumpstart your career and help you achieve your goals.
Register Now: https://bit.ly/3ZWCt71
Program Details
📅 When: January 2025 – May 2025
📍 Where: Across the Bay Area (Cal Maritime, Solano Community College, and more)
👤 Who: Youth aged 16+ in Solano County
Why Join?
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Build skills for careers like Environmental Technician, Marine/Field Technician, or Lab Assistant.
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Connect with industry leaders and open doors to high-paying, in-demand jobs.
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Gain the confidence, tools, and support you need to succeed!
This program is a partnership between Cal Maritime, the Center for Urban Excellence, and Solano WDB, working together to help you achieve your dreams and build a brighter future.
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Calling All Community Champions:
Join the 2025 Solano Summer Resource Fair!
Are you a local organization or business offering Summer programs, internships, or resources for youth, young adults, and families? We’re looking for exhibitors to join us at CUE’s Solano Summer Resource Fair!
📅 Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
⏰ Time: 11 AM to 2 PM
📍 Location: City Park, Vallejo, CA
This community-focused event will bring together local organizations and exhibitors to share opportunities and resources that support the growth and success of our community.
Why Exhibit?
- Showcase your programs and resources to an engaged audience.
- Connect with youth, families, and other organizations in the community.
- Be part of a dynamic event that uplifts and empowers the next generation.
Exhibitor Details:
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Cost: FREE to participate!
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Setup: Exhibitors must provide their own 6-foot table and chairs.
Register Now: https://form.jotform.com/243515674769066
For more details, contact us directly. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Behind the Excellence: Staff Spotlight | |
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Jaytwann Bell as
our new Project Manager
We’re excited to introduce Jaytwann Bell, our new Project Manager supporting CUE’s Youth Leadership & Health initiatives. Jaytwann is a dynamic and results-driven professional with expertise in business development, sports recreation, and retail management. In addition to his role at CUE, he serves as Assistant Project Manager at the Solano Economic Development Corporation and contributes to Courtsmith Basketball Industries. Jaytwann has a proven track record of leading teams to surpass sales targets, managing impactful projects, and fostering positive community engagement. His diverse experience includes retail leadership, corporate and startup internships, and coordinating social media campaigns and events. With his commitment to driving growth and empowering youth, we’re thrilled to have him on board!
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Empowering Futures Together
As we step into 2025, we invite you to continue being a part of the CUE community. Together, we’ll create opportunities for youth and families, foster resilience, and build brighter futures. Here’s how you can get involved this year:
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Sign Up for Our Programs: Take part in impactful initiatives that support career development, education, and personal growth.
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Volunteer Your Time: Share your expertise by presenting during Workforce Wednesday, a 30-minute virtual series dedicated to providing participants with insights into entry-level careers, training opportunities, and pre-apprenticeships in various industries. Alternatively, you can host a worksite tour to give participants a firsthand look at your workplace and inspire them with real-world experiences.
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Partner with Us: Collaborate with CUE to expand resources and opportunities for the community.
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Donate to Support Our Mission: Your contributions help us empower youth, strengthen families, and continue building a stronger community.
Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, learning, and resilience—together. Visit our website or follow us on social media for updates and opportunities to get involved. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve!
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Keeping Up With CUE
Witness the journey and be inspired! Stay connected and engage with us through our social media channels. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram to watch our stories come alive.
Join our community and see firsthand how we are making a difference.
Be well,
CUE
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The Center for Urban Excellence is co-located at:
Center for Urban Excellence, East Vallejo
1802 Springs Road
Vallejo, CA 94591
Boys and Girls Empowerment Group, North Vallejo
1638 Fairgrounds Dr., Suite A
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