Like its mythical namesake, the Phoenix Project of Marin is anticipating renewal and a new start for some of the Marin City residents in crisis.
The ambitious project--a partnership of law enforcement, housing, social services, non-profits and private organizations--has a goal of providing a safety net for at-risk youth and men in an area where crime is on the climb.
Phoenix Project, which will offer a network of community outreach, counseling, classes, workshops and self-esteem and support services, had its grand opening with a barbecue and live music under sunny skies on Wednesday.
It is the brainchild of community activist Felecia Gaston, an enthusiastic and irrepressibly positive force in an area that has had an uptick in crime in recent months.
"It's all about prevention for the ones who have not been in trouble, and intervention for the ones who are in trouble," said Gaston as she greeted well-wishers who were just arriving.
At the center of the program, is the newly remodeled Community Connections Center, once a former home. It is smack dab in the center of the neighborhood it serves, and has been transformed into sparkling new offices, a meeting space for classes and workshops, and even a computer lab. The computers were donated from Marin Catholic High School.
"Now there are no excuses, we're here."
That statement from a speaker from Project Impact, brought cheers from crowd. Project Impact is a national group dedicated to helping men in and out of the prison system, make better choices.
Several other speakers including Dan Nackerman, Executive Director of the Marin Housing Authority (at right), Darnell Roary of the County of Marin Probation Department and Chief Deputy Public Defender David Brown also got a turn at the mic.
But it was Gaston who got the most cheers as she accepted a proclamation from State Senator Mark Leno acknowledging her efforts on behalf of the disadvantaged. Gaston says they've already begun work with some young men in Marin City.
"Some of them were referred by the Marin Probation Department," she noted, "It's not mandatory, but they're getting involved in sessions on what it means to be a man, male responsibility and empowering themselves."
In addition to Phoenix Project partners, are other private groups trying to make a difference. Sun First, a solar energy system company, worked with the Marin City Community Development Corporation to install solar paneling on the center. Andrew Abou Jaoude, Client Services Specialist with the Marin City Community Development Corporation explained why they're so excited to work with the Phoenix Project.
"I'm excited because we're another partner in Marin City. They've [Phoenix Project] been nice enough to let us use their building as a pilot project to let us put up solar panels. In that project we actually hired people from the community to put up the panels so we're actually giving them a little money in their pocket, as well as getting them some training experience."
According to Phoenix Project funding proposal document submitted by the Marin Housing Authority, Marin City crime skyrocketed from 2007 to 2008 from 209 incidents to 337. Those crimes included homicide, robbery, assault and burglaries.
The Phoenix Project aims to "change the trajectory of some young community member who may be headed towards involvement in serious crime" according to that same document.
While financial support comes primarily from the Marin Community Foundation, a raft of non-profits and other groups are also joining the effort. They include the Conservation Corps North Bay, the Senior Sunshine Club, Performing Stars of Marin (Felecia's organization) and the California Mentoring Foundation. Even the 49ers got into the act recently when they made a fundraising appearance here a few months ago.
Not content to rest on her laurels, Felecia is already seeking more participants--like the Boys and Girls Club--to hop on-board.
"We're exploring everything and getting to know the lay of the land, and meeting all the different partners down here," said David Solo of the Boys and Girls Club, "We are looking at some point--it would be ideal if we had the right location and everything to be in Marin City."
The Phoenix Project has a lot of believers, but now it will be up to the young men in Marin City to buy in.
Project Impact has an answer for them.
"We we can identify with these young men and we want these young men to know that there is a better life than what people have been telling them."
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The Phoenix Project of Marin--A Community Connections Center is located at 261 Drake Avenue in Marin City. For more information, call 415.497.8892.
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