News

We've gone virtual, for now

Posted March 13, 2020

A COVID-19 announcement -

Dear Community,

On March 13th, (when OUSD schools closed), all non-essential Youth ALIVE! activities moved to remote and virtual platforms. As a public health organization that sees and treats violence as an epidemic, we know how important it is to stop the spread of a disease. And we know it is possible.

Basketball for Fun and Safety

Posted March 12, 2020

In the Midnight Hour: Hoops -

This year, for the first time, Oakland held a midnight basketball league in winter. Youth ALIVE!’s Violence Interrupter team was a big part of the 6-week winter league for youth ages 16 to 26, which came to a close in early March. It will pick back up come summer. Midnight Basketball is an effort to reach at-risk youth and to give them something fun to do on Friday nights. There’s food. There’s coaching and instruction. There are four games going at a time. And before each Friday night’s games begin, a local service organization has an hour to talk to the players about their lives, about life, and about safety and violence prevention in Oakland.

When Families of Homicide Victims are Denied Aid

Posted March 12, 2020

Help for Grieving Mothers -

A bill in the State Assembly’s current session seeks to help more families of homicide victims obtain financial assistance to pay for funerals and other expenses in the aftermath of violence.

Kerr, Curry and Thompson Hear About Violence Reduction

Posted March 11, 2020

Warriors Back in The Town -

TNT youth leader Greg Hampton on gun violence crisis

Posted February 19, 2020

An Urgent Plea from TNT -

Cure Violence founder on treating violence as an epidemic

Posted January 31, 2020

YA! & Caught in the Crossfire cited:

Hundreds of studies have now demonstrated this contagious nature – even across many types of violence. The research shows that when an individual is exposed to violence as a victim or witness – in their community, at home or in war – they become more at risk of developing violent behaviors. The brain is picking up the violence it sees and copying it, much like the Aids virus replicates in a person.

Read More...

Youth ALIVE! and our Director recognized by Oakland Magazine

Posted December 20, 2019

Among 6 Nonprofit Leaders in Oakland:

From Giving Back: Six Local Nonprofit Leaders Making a Big Difference -

State Assembly Panel Comes to Oakland

Posted December 18, 2019

Testimony on violence & mental health:

A report from Gabriel Garcia, YA! Advocacy Manager -

YA!'s Nicky MacCallum's Assembly testimony: the affects of gun violence on youth mental health

Posted December 18, 2019

Expert Testimony

In December, Youth ALIVE!’s Counseling Services Director Nicky MacCallum testified at a State Assembly hearing on the impact of gun violence on youth mental health. Nicky is a healer and an internationally-recognized expert in trauma. Here’s what she had to say and her recommendations:

Our "Unsung Heroes" recognized in The Guardian

Posted December 13, 2019

Executive Director publishes Op Ed

The unsung heroes of Oakland’s drastic decline in gun homicides. Gun violence is a health crisis. More policing isn’t the solution – it lies with communities themselves

by Anne Marks, Youth ALIVE! Executive Director