Project Optimism, Inc.

Reviewed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation

$4,948 raised by 78 donors

25% complete

$20,000 Goal

Project Optimism, Inc. (PO) is a non-profit organization that provides personal and professional development services, as well as community engagement. Founded in 2015 by Co-Chief Executive Officers Armoni Easley and Ishmael Pruitt, Project Optimism delivers a wide array of services to communities across Northern and Southern California, with offices in Los Angeles and Sacramento. The focus of Project Optimism is to promote an optimistic mentality and a commitment to service. The organization models this philosophy through four key areas of service and expertise:

  1. K-12 and Post-Secondary Mentorship and Youth Development Programs

  2. Community Engagement

  3. Personal and Professional Development

  4. School Climate & Educational Equity Consulting

Additional Background

In 2015, Armoni Easley and Ishmael Pruitt were introduced through their work in counseling and mentoring foster youth at the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento. They connected through their personal and professional values, and realized they shared the same vision; to empower historically under-served communities. The organization is the direct response to the life experiences of each founder. Both are California natives and during their own childhood, they witnessed multiple individuals within their community and family fall to oppressive systematic forces. Despite their exposure, both kept in mind that there was more to life than their current options.

In 2016, the founders met for an hour in a Starbucks with a piece of paper. That paper has manifested to be what we call “Project Optimism, Inc.” While founded in Sacramento in 2016, the organization has since expanded to Los Angeles County. The founders see the community as a giant project. To finish this project, the community needs the skills and expertise of its members. As a result of mentorship, empowerment, and uniting community members, we may spark OPTIMISM amongst the beneficiaries. With this mindset, anything is possible!

Giving Activity

Mission

Our Mission: To be the catalyst that will properly equip community members with an optimistic mindset, to be productive contributors to society.

Our Motto: Where opportunity meets change.

Our Approach: For the community to by the community.

Our vision and values: Creating a community where optimism and servant leadership creates equity for all.

Our Values include Community, Education, Mentorship, Leadership and Optimism

Needs

Established in 2016, Project Optimism, Inc. (PO) is a growing nonprofit organization within Sacramento and Los Angeles Counties. PO promotes community engagement by coordinating volunteers at large scale community events and hosting community events of their own. Volunteer opportunities have ranged from annual toy drives, personal development workshops and seminars, and service days advocating for those experiencing homelessness. To continue driving community change, PO is seeking donations to enrich our organization to foster empowerment and equitable access for our youth through:

> Expansion of signature programs to more school districts and communities, i.e., Folsom Cordova USD, Twin Rivers USD, San Juan USD, etc.

> Expansion of our impact for annual community engagement events, i.e., Power of Giving Toy Drive and Back to School Drive.

> Establishing a physical community and operating space to meet the needs of our growing staff, program services, and reach.

> Distribution of basic needs emergency grants and community scholarships to serve our youth and families most vulnerable.

Even further, such donations are always appreciated to contribute to our efforts and sustainability:

> Core office supplies

> Technological Equipment: Laptops, Printer/Copy Machine, PPE, Computer Software, i.e. Microsoft, Adobe.

Equity Statement

Project Optimism actively seeks diversity in its members and employees. The organization does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability (physical or mental), gender (or sex), genetic information, gender identity (including transgender), gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity (including color and ancestry), religion or religious creed, sexual orientation and veteran or military status in its programs and activities.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Project Optimism, Inc.

other names

PO

Year Established

2016

Tax id (EIN)

82-1542836

Mission Category

Youth Development

Operating Budget

$500,001-$1 million

Organization Need

Funding: Program, Funding: Unrestricted, Volunteers

Demographics Served

Youth & Children, Low-income individuals/families, Black/African American

BIPOC Leadership

Both the Executive Director & Board Chair

Local Counties Served

Sacramento

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

2815 Gunn Road
Carmichael, CA 95608

Service areas

Los Angeles, CA, US

Sacramento, CA, US

Long Beach, CA, US

other

916-621-7406

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