by April | Career Development, Mentoring, Team Building
Saturday March 26, 2016 – On a clear morning 15 young men from the Blue Heart Foundation’s mentoring program had the opportunity to get a taste ot what it takes to be a fire cadet. On an event coordinated by Fire Captain Jason Shanley the young men would suit up and spend the day going through training activities such as using a Telpher Line(aka as a “zip line”) to repelling out of a three story window and put on Search and Rescue with fire gear, through a “maze” otherwise known as the confidence course.
After going over a safety procedures and protocols lead by the men the from the San Diego Fire Department and more specifically Brothers United ( African-American Firefighters). Capt. Shanley thought it was important to “show who these youngsters “how we get down” at the Fire Department” He would later say “It’s important to the Fire Department to open up opportunities and be more diverse. Through these exercises it is my expectation that the kids would arrive on time, and come ready to assist wherever they can. We will definitely have fun, and they should get a LOT of life lessons from each component of the stations (i.e. Teamwork, Confidence, and Trust)”.
The day was filled with excitement, fun and challenges as each young man took their turns repelling out of the three story building. You could see the anxiety and anxoiusnous on each young man’s face as the firefighters tied them up and they began to climb out of the window. Isaiah Coleman would say “Though, I may not want to be a firefighter this was a great experience.”
Later teams would switch roles from repelling to the confidence course; the confidence course requires 
firefighters to navigate through a maze of obstacles with a “Blacked out” helmet using only each other and a firehouse as guidance. Brandon Rosete would later say “ It was crazy and I was nervous going through the maze but I learned to trust my teammates. So, I knew I cold get through.”
All in all this was an amazing eperience for each young man to sample a taste of cadet training. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Cadet Program was organized in 1983 for young men and women, age 16 to 21, who are interested in learning about a career in Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services. This program is not intended to be a direct recruiter of future firefighters, but rather gives young men and women an inside look into the Fire and Emergency Medicine profession.
The purpose of the Fire Cadet program is to help young people make the decision of whether they want to pursue a career in Fire Suppression. The Cadets attend mandatory training classes and are encouraged to participate in a ride-along program. This program helps Cadets gain experience as they observe firefighters and assist the Department in a non-hazardous capacity. In addition to Fire Department-related responsibilities, Fire Cadets are also encouraged to take Fire Science classes, and go on outings and camping trips organized by the Cadet leaders.- See more at: https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/careers/cadetprogram#sthash.y8S7mwSs.dpuf
by April | Education, Mentoring
March’s HEART workshop focus was on career opportunities and International Travel. The first session was facilitated by Dr. 
Shalom Akili who recently traveled to Malaysia and shared his experience with the group. For three weeks Dr. Akili was immersed in the culture of Malaysia and taught lessons to students between the ages of 13-18. His experience was one that was certainly life changing.
This was followed by a dynamic presentation where Dr. Aaron Bruce presented on opportunities to “Keep it Global” Dr. Bruce discussed his many trips abroad and how the world is becoming such a smaller community. Touching on the importance that our young men seek out opportunities to travel Internationally. Needless to say we will be working to make a HEART trip to Africa happen within the next year.
Lastly, Charles Anderson stopped by from the Urban League to discuss volunteer opportunities at the Golden Pyramid Awards as well as scholarship opportunities. Be sure to fill out the scholarship and essay as soon as possible.
by April | Mentoring, Personal Growth
Along with Outdoor Outreach, we headed out to Big Bear for a weekend away from the city. We reserved two cabins for the weekend to focus on teambuilding wrapped around a Saturday learning to snow board and snowboarding. Thank to the instructors at Outdoor Outreach whom we are thrilled to be a partner we will had an exhilarating time away from the city!
Traveling to Big Bear the air was filled with excitement as this would be each young man’s first opportunity to see the snow and even better snowboard. Though the ride was tight with each passing mile we grew more excited for what the weekend had in store. Once we arrived to our cabins everyone to a man jumped out to experience the snow, pure joy and excitement could be seen on each face.
The next morning we hit the snow OO made sure that we were equipped with the necessary clothing, gloves and gear, It was now time to hit the mountain. After an hour of fundamentals the guys began to get the hang of it and they were soon hitting the intermediate slopes. The entire day was full of non stop fun along with great conversation, later that night we walked around downtown Big Bear witnessing all the beauty that the quaint city had to offer.
By introducing our young men to the outdoors through exciting and joy-filled weekend, we both work to inspire underserved youth to see possibility and opportunity in their lives. We realize that through these positive types of events you began to see attitude and behavioral changes which help them become successful adults.
We had an amazing weekend in Big Bear with Outdoor Outreach…. We conquered the mountain, ate good food, saw the city and believe that these memories will last in these young men’s lives forever. Thank you Outdoor Outreach for the opportunity we appreciate the opportunity, your staff and look forward to future opportunities!
by April | Mentoring, Team Building
In order to avoid being “Grinchy” we took in America’s favorite holiday fable as it returned for its 17th joyous year!
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 17th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day” and “Fah Who Doraze,” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How 
the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
We believe culturally enriching field trips matter. They produce significant benefits for students on a variety of educational outcomes that schools and communities care about. The effects of field trips to see live theater demonstrates that seeing plays is an effective way to teach academic content; increases our youth’s tolerance by providing exposure to a broader, more diverse world; and improves the ability of students to recognize what other people are thinking or feeling. These are significant benefits for students on specific educational outcomes that schools pursue and communities respect. Especially when considered alongside our community service efforts.
Lastly, you can never know what may impact a child’s life. Not all learning occurs most effectively within the walls of a school building. Going on enriching field trips to cultural institutions makes effective use of all of a community’s resources for teaching children. You can never know what may impact a child’s life. There’s nothing like seeing a group of young men excited for Christmas.
by April | Career Development, Education, Mentoring, Uncategorized
On Saturday, June 13th we had the privilege to participate in the The Urban League San Diego County Young Professionals event “Brothas With Ties”
This first installment of Brotha’s with Ties” hosted by the San Diego County Urban League Young Professionals is an engagement meant to teach, motivate and inspire the bright minds of young men in the City of San Diego. Ties were donated to all participants and each learned how to properly tie a tie (and or bow tie).
Mathew Gordon stated “The work doesn’t stop here, lets keep it going because there’s more work to be done… and today was a great start!!”
ULSDC Young Professionals wanted to provide developmental platform for young men ensuring a successful future. The “Brothas in Ties” program consisted of:
Interactive Workshops – Activity filled workshops on Social issues & other activities challenging students to think quick on their feet and learn from their peers.
Self Empowerment – By the end of the event, participants will have a better understanding of how to manage and succeed in the real world.
Mentorship – The event is packed with interactions with Young Professionals and Community Leaders alike who have experience in their respective fields. Participants will also have the opportunity learn about past their mentors past experiences or inquire about what to expect becoming a young professional.
Special guest speakers and adult supporters whom really showed they care about our young men kudos! It was amazing to see so many organizations get behind such a worthy cause. Participating organizations included but are not limited to:
Reality Changers
Never Knew a Father’s Love
Urban League
Justice4SD33
National Society of Black Engineers
San Diego Black Police Officers Association
Phi Beta Sigma-Omicron-Iota Sigma Chapter
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
San Diego Chargers
Freshly Faded Barbershop
NuWay International Christian Ministries
Family Resource Center Inc.
Tiffany Harrison summed the entire event perfectly “This event was clearly not about the clothing, but building and developing the young man under the suit and tie. S/O to Jessica, Ben, Aaron, Lisa, Calvin, and Grady Gordon who turned it all the way UP and ensured that our young men know their value and lineage. Again to everyone who donated ties, time, giveaways, and support…thank you. Thank you for being the change, and not just donating some change.”
After going over a safety procedures and protocols lead by the men the from the San Diego Fire Department and more specifically Brothers United ( African-American Firefighters). Capt. Shanley thought it was important to “show who these youngsters “how we get down” at the Fire Department” He would later say “It’s important to the Fire Department to open up opportunities and be more diverse. Through these exercises it is my expectation that the kids would arrive on time, and come ready to assist wherever they can. We will definitely have fun, and they should get a LOT of life lessons from each component of the stations (i.e. Teamwork, Confidence, and Trust)”.
firefighters to navigate through a maze of obstacles with a “Blacked out” helmet using only each other and a firehouse as guidance. Brandon Rosete would later say “ It was crazy and I was nervous going through the maze but I learned to trust my teammates. So, I knew I cold get through.”
The purpose of the Fire Cadet program is to help young people make the decision of whether they want to pursue a career in Fire Suppression. The Cadets attend mandatory training classes and are encouraged to participate in a ride-along program. This program helps Cadets gain experience as they observe firefighters and assist the Department in a non-hazardous capacity. In addition to Fire Department-related responsibilities, Fire Cadets are also encouraged to take Fire Science classes, and go on outings and camping trips organized by the Cadet leaders.- See more at: https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/careers/cadetprogram#sthash.y8S7mwSs.dpuf
