From Akoma Unity Center to Youth Advocate
When young people in San Bernardino look for a safe space to belong, Akoma Unity Center has long been a place where they can find stability, mentorship, and community. For Tawon Green, Akoma was more than just a place to spend time after school. It was a sanctuary, a source of encouragement, and a foundation that shaped his early years. Growing up in a challenging environment, Tawon found at Akoma what every young person deserves: a safe, affirming place where he was seen, supported, and valued.
Years later, Tawon has not only carried those lessons forward, but he has also built a life dedicated to uplifting the next generation. Today, as the CEO and founder of Dreams Training Facility, Tawon provides youth mentorship, wellness programs, and community events that echo the very principles he learned at Akoma. Even more inspiring, he has come full circle by returning to partner with Akoma, offering support for events, fairs, and programming that continue to serve the city’s youth. His journey is proof that investing in young people creates leaders who return to give back.
Join us in celebrating Tawon’s story and learn how you can support the next generation of advocates at Akoma Unity Center.
Building a Safe Space with Akoma
For Tawon, childhood in San Bernardino was not without obstacles. Neighborhood challenges and limited opportunities left many young people vulnerable. But when he stepped into Akoma Unity Center, he discovered a place of safety, connection, and possibility. Akoma became a steady presence, a space that grounded him and reminded him that his future held more than hardship. Surrounded by mentors and community leaders, Tawon began to understand the value of discipline, responsibility, and hope.
As Tawon grew older, he carried those values with him through college and back into his hometown. Recognizing the need for structured mentorship and accessible wellness programs, he founded Dreams Training Facility. This platform now serves as a beacon for youth who seek guidance, community, and opportunity. The facility offers mentorship programs, community-building events, and wellness activities that empower young people to gain confidence, resilience, and skills that will last a lifetime.
Partnering Together for Youth Empowerment
One of the most meaningful aspects of Tawon’s journey is his continued commitment to Akoma Unity Center. Rather than moving on without looking back, he has leaned into partnership, bringing his team and his resources to Akoma-led events. At the recent Community Resource Fair, Dreams Training Facility created spaces for games, fun, and mentorship support that complemented Akoma’s mission of serving families and youth.
This type of partnership reflects Akoma’s broader vision of youth empowerment. Whether through hands-on programs like the Robotics and Automation Lab or through mentorship-focused collaborations with leaders like Tawon, Akoma ensures that young people in San Bernardino are not only safe in the present but prepared for the future.
A Full-Circle Story
Tawon’s story illustrates the lasting impact of early investment in youth. Akoma was not simply a safe space for him in the moment, it was a foundation that helped shape the leader he is today. Now, through Dreams Training Facility, he continues to create opportunities for others while staying deeply connected to the place that first nurtured him. His journey is a testament to the power of community, and it stands as a reminder of what happens when organizations like Akoma never stop believing in the potential of young people.When we invest in our youth, we are building leaders who will one day return to lift others. Akoma Unity Center is proud to be part of his story, and with continued community support, there will be many more like his.
Join us in empowering the next generation. Support Akoma Unity Center today and help create more stories of transformation.
