Making Change Possible
The Izaya Michael Foundation was created after we lost our son to fentanyl poisoning. We turned that pain into action so no other family has to experience the same loss. Our mission is to raise awareness in our communities and educate both parents and youth about the dangers of fentanyl and substance use, especially with how often it is being laced into other drugs without people knowing.
One of our core efforts is going directly into the community and putting life-saving tools into people’s hands. We distribute Narcan and fentanyl test strips, provide overdose prevention education, and have real conversations with young people about gangs, drugs, and the choices that can change their future. Because of our lived experience, youth are able to open up to us in a way that is real and honest.
That same outreach allows us to support the unhoused and families in need with food, clothing, blankets, tents, hygiene items, shoes, and connections to resources. Everything we do is hands-on and community-driven.
Volunteering
Our volunteers are the heart of our outreach. This work would not be possible without people who are willing to show up for the community and help those who are struggling. Their time, energy, and compassion allow us to reach more families, serve more meals, and impact more lives. Through volunteering, our community becomes part of the solution and part of the healing.
Local Empowerment
At the Izaya Michael Foundation, we believe real change starts with how people are treated. We meet people where they are, with compassion and respect, and without judgment. Using our counseling skills and lived experience, we create a safe space for people to be heard and supported no matter their situation. We want every person we encounter to know their life matters, their voice matters, and they are not alone.
Community Outreach
Our outreach is focused on helping those who need it most. We go into neighborhoods, parks, and areas where support is needed and make sure local needs come first. As the need continues to grow, our goal is to secure a vehicle for food distribution and outreach, expand into more cities, and install Narcan boxes throughout the community so life-saving medication is always within reach.
We are turning grief into action, pain into purpose, and loss into lives being saved.
With your support, we can continue showing up for our community, putting life-saving resources into people’s hands, and honoring Izaya’s life by saving others.
Watch our community outreach and Narcan distribution on KCRA
Youth Prevention and Education in Action
See our community outreach in action on Telemundo
Our mission is to fight fentanyl, save lives, and restore hope through compassion, outreach, and education. We provide life-saving tools, resources, and support to individuals and families impacted by addiction, homelessness, and loss. Through harm reduction, prevention, food distribution, and community-based services, we honor Izaya’s legacy by turning action into impact and making our communities stronger and safer.
• A reliable outreach and food distribution vehicle to pick up donated food, transport supplies, and deliver resources to families and individuals without transportation.
• Funding to purchase, install, and maintain Narcan boxes throughout Sacramento and surrounding counties so life-saving medication is always accessible in an emergency.
• Support for food distribution and outreach supplies that go directly to the unhoused and families in need, including hygiene kits, clothing, blankets, tents, shoes, and other essential items.
• Transportation, storage, and distribution costs for Narcan and fentanyl test strips so we can consistently get them into the community.
• Educational and prevention materials for youth outreach focused on fentanyl awareness, gang prevention, and overdose response.
• Outreach and community event expenses that allow us to bring resources and services directly into neighborhoods.
• Volunteer coordination and support to help us continue serving 250–500 people each week.
• General operating support to keep our programs active and allow us to respond quickly to urgent community needs.
• Your support allows us to stay on the ground, reach more people, and continue saving lives every week.
Equity to us means we don’t turn our backs on anyone. We go into the neighborhoods, parks, and encampments to reach people who are usually overlooked - at-risk youth, families struggling, and our unhoused community. This work comes from our own lived experience, so we show up with respect, without judgment, and with real understanding. We make sure life-saving resources and support are there for anyone who needs them because every life matters, and everyone deserves a chance.
Organization name
Izaya Michael Foundation
2023
Mission Category
Community Improvement, Capacity Building
Operating Budget
$0-$50,000
Organization Need
Funding: Other
Local Counties Served
Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado
Address
3419 MAUREEN DRSacramento, CA, US
Folsom, CA, US
Woodland, CA, US
Roseville, CA, US
Rancho Cordova, CA, US