From time to time, Episcopal Impact Fund will highlight some of our partners that are achieving impressive results with programs YOU help support!
3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic has been in the Bayview - Hunters Point neighborhood for the last 13 years. 3rd Street addresses holistic health (physical & mental) needs and provides programs ranging from teaching civics and advocacy to providing support groups for young mothers and workforce development for youth 18-24. We spoke with Joi Jackson-Morgan, Executive Director.
What does your work entail?
I look at my job in three parts: visionary, resource gatherer, and coach. My job is to keep the big picture in mind always and tweak the plan as we go along to make sure we progress. It is so easy for everyone to get lost in the day-to-day of their jobs. I keep the youth, staff, and board focused on our mission and securing the resources required to execute our collective plan.
I also use my position to advocate for youth issues, health, education, and community health policies.
How did you get started in this work?
I was a research assistant for several adult and adolescent pre-diabetic and diabetic studies in South Central Los Angeles and Watts. After the studies ended in 2012, I applied to be the research assistant on a joint UCSF and 3rd Street study on getting at-risk youth to come in for HIV testing using text messaging. It was the ideal job since my entire family (both sides) and I grew up in Bayview - Hunters Point, and not everyone can say that their work directly affects the health community they grew up in!
How long have you been in your role?
As of April 2018, I have been Executive Director for two years and six years total at 3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic.
What’s next on your work agenda?
We are trying to reduce homelessness for Bayview - Hunters Point's youth and families. Recently, we received a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant to conduct Rapid Rehousing for homeless young people and expecting mothers. Currently, we are securing housing options throughout San Francisco. 3rd Street is also looking for more office space for our expanding services and support staff.
What can you imagine for 3rd Street Youth Center & Clinic in 5 years?
I love this question! 3rd Street will have an annex and another programming location to serve more than 2000 young people, Health Core will have over 200 students graduated from college and placed in health careers and the majority of the staff will be 3rd Street alumni.
Please share something, not many people might know about you.
I started at the San Francisco Ballet Company at 5 years old and took ballet for 8 years.
To connect with Joi or to learn more about 3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic, please visit their website: www.3rdstyouth.org.