Roberts Family Development Center

A nonprofit organization

0% complete

$60,000 Goal

About

AT A GLANCE

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE SACRAMENTO COMMUNITY!

Established in October 2001, Roberts Family Development Center (RFDC) was founded in memory of Co-Founders Derrell and Tina Roberts’ beloved grandparents, Edmond St. Cyr Jr. and Ronie Howard. Their grandparents were steadfast believers in the strength of family, community responsibility, and the power of love, structure, and high expectations to shape a child’s future. Those values were passed on to Derrell and Tina, becoming the foundation of RFDC’s work.

After years of serving as advocates throughout Sacramento, Derrell and Tina Roberts pursued their vision of creating a nonprofit organization rooted in prevention; one that strengthens families, builds protective factors, and expands opportunity in communities facing systemic barriers. They intentionally began their work in North Sacramento, investing in neighborhoods where children and families deserved greater access to resources, support, and pathways to thrive.

What began as a single after-school site serving 13 children has grown into a holistic community-based agency operating multiple school and neighborhood sites, along with outreach programs throughout the Greater Sacramento area. RFDC's services reach out to approximately 1000 children and youth, along with their families each year. During a time when many organizations have been forced to scale back, RFDC has expanded its reach by cultivating strong partnerships with community-based organizations, public agencies, school districts, and mission-aligned funders. These partnerships strengthen the ecosystem of support surrounding the families we serve and deepen our collective impact.

Our community-based services fall under two umbrellas. Education and Enrichment Services for children and youth including: Expanded Learning, Summer CDF Freedom Schools, Youth Development, and Mentoring. Family and Community Supports that target families of the students we serve and community residents surrounding our program sites: Parent Education, Family Support Services, Mental Health and Wellness, COVID Resources, Community Advocacy, and Family/Community Engagement.

Grounded in prevention science, RFDC focuses on building the protective factors that research shows help children and families thrive, including positive relationships, social-emotional development, family resilience, concrete supports in times of need, and opportunities for meaningful engagement and leadership.

RFDC's services operate under two integrated areas of impact:

Education & Enrichment Services
Expanded Learning Programs, CDF Freedom Schools®, Youth Development, Mentoring, and Tutoring programs that promote literacy, academic achievement, leadership development, cultural pride, civic engagement, and strong adult-youth relationships.

Family & Community Supports
Black Child Legacy Campaign, African American Healing Network, Parent Education & Empowerment, and Community Advocacy & Engagement initiatives that provide family support services, mental health and wellness resources, and education and engagement opportunities that strengthen families, increase stability, and build community resilience.

At RFDC, prevention is not a program, it is a practice. By investing in protective factors today, we are helping to disrupt cycles of disadvantage and cultivate the next generation of leaders in the Sacramento community.

Mission

Roberts Family Development Center's mission is to provide services to the Greater Sacramento area that meet the individual needs of each family member. Our services provide a holistic approach focusing on K-12th grade education and enrichment, parent education and empowerment, community advocacy, and civic involvement.

Needs

Although RFDC is continually in growth mode, it is a consistent challenge to stay ahead financially. Although many of our programs are financially sustained through contracts, we are always fundraising to support the administrative expenses related to our programs.

RFDC needs responsible caring adults willing to be trained and to devote 30-60 minutes a week to a child or youth in their community. If this is you, we need your help to build our Food 4 Thought mentoring program for students who participate in our Afterschool and summer Freedom Schools.

RFDC is in need of new computers, iPads, and laptops to keep our children up to date with technology and engaged in a digital world.

Equity Statement

At Roberts Family Development Center (RFDC), we believe equity means ensuring every individual has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. RFDC is committed to advancing equity and opportunity for underrepresented communities, especially communities of color.

We strive to create inclusive environments where individuals feel valued, respected, understood, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our culturally responsive programs and services for children, youth, and families are designed to bridge gaps in education, engagement, and advocacy, helping to dismantle social and systemic barriers that limit potential.

Our dedication to equity is reflected not only in our culturally competent and inclusive community-based services, but in our hiring and marketing practices, ensuring that our team and outreach strategies reflect those we serve. Through intentionally designed diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, we are building stronger, more inclusive pathways for growth and success.

When you support RFDC, you are investing in transformative change and brighter futures for those who need it most. Together, we can create equitable opportunities for all.