One Center, Many Stories
Every year tells a story, and in San Bernardino, Akoma Unity Center continues to write chapters filled with hope, growth, and community strength. As we look back at the year in review, it is clear that the past twelve months have been full of growth and success. The year was marked by youth stepping into their potential, elders finding joy in connection, and families discovering a place where support feels both immediate and lasting. From workshops to wellness sessions and from robotics labs to garden days, 2025 has shown what becomes possible when a community believes in its young people.
As we close the year, we invite you to reconnect with Akoma and help us continue this work into 2026. Join us at an event, volunteer, or simply share this year’s story with someone who needs to hear it.
One Center Supporting Many Journeys
Akoma is more than a building. It is a hub where San Bernardino youth and families find guidance, creativity, and stability. This year, programs across the center worked together to make meaningful change.
Sankofa Saturday
Sankofa Saturday remained the heart of weekend learning. During one session focused on identity and school pressures, the group stayed long after the scheduled end time. Young people felt seen, heard, and eager to keep the conversation going. Moments like these remind us why consistent programming matters.
Anne Shirrell’s Community Garden
One Saturday, a group of children arrived at the Anne Shirrell’s Community Garden, unsure of how to plant anything. By the end of the morning, they were proudly pointing to the seeds and vegetables they placed into the soil. Their excitement showed how quickly confidence grows when youth are given hands-on experiences. That excitement continued; by year’s end, the garden and group were thriving with new additions and huge growth.
Teen Mental Health and Wellness
The Youth Wellness Room and ADAPP services were essential this year. Staff recall watching a young person walk out of a session smiling, followed by a relieved parent who said that their child finally had a safe place to talk. These small moments reflect big changes.
Girls Scouts Troop #1419 and Golden Agers
Troop #1419 completed badge projects, explored STEAM, and planned community service ideas right here at Akoma. Meanwhile, Golden Agers filled the center with dancing, laughter, and stories, proving that Akoma supports every generation.
Robotics and Automation
In the Robotics and Automation Lab, one student who insisted technology was “not for me” lit up after getting a sensor to work for the first time. Wins like this show how exposure builds confidence.
Welcoming A New Year of Growth and Support
This year, Akoma often hosted multiple programs in the same afternoon. Teens recorded Akoma Speaks podcast episodes in one room while garden volunteers passed through the lobby. In another corner, students worked on homework or art projects. The energy was vibrant and unmistakably alive. This is what one center can accomplish when a whole community stands behind it. Thank you for reading our year in review, and we look forward to seeing you and all of our learners in the new year.
As we look ahead to 2026, we invite you to stay connected, volunteer, and bring someone new to Akoma. Your support ensures that stories like these continue to unfold in San Bernardino.
