Our February Newsletter

FutureWorks

FutureWorks at EOBA is a youth led workforce development program that provides paid internships and real world job experience for young people ages 16 to 23. Since its launch in January 2025, 150 youth have participated in the program. In partnership with local youth workforce organizations and schools, FutureWorks connects youth to hands on roles across every part of EOBA, including facilities, food distribution, programs, IT, marketing, administration, and operations.

Youth begin with a structured internship, receive ongoing mentorship and career coaching, and build essential skills such as teamwork, accountability, digital literacy, and financial literacy. Many participants are hired into part time roles at EOBA or referred to employment with partner organizations. The program prioritizes academic success, community engagement, and long term career growth, creating a safe and supportive pathway from internship to employment and future careers.

Valkyries 2k Girls Retreat

We were so grateful to be part of the Golden State Valkyries Mentor California in 2K Girls Retreat 2026. For the second year in a row, EOBA was invited to teach boxing to nearly 50 amazing girls from all over Northern California. The day was about so much more than boxing. The girls experienced movement, yoga, vision board writing, and intentional time to uplift them as young women. A space to be strong and powerful. A space to be themselves. A space to feel valued and loved.

Marley “Baby Bug” McNeely was one of our featured girl athletes of the day. She showed so much grace, humility, and poise. At just 16, she is already a boxing phenom and an inspiration to everyone in the room. We are incredibly proud to be in this space and thankful to the Golden State Valkyries and Veronne Clark for inviting EOBA back for a second year. These girls can do anything, and we are honored to remind them of that.

Community Impact

Education and Digital Literacy at EOBA is changing lives. Before each food distribution, residents take part in a four week CETF digital literacy training where they build basic computer skills, gain confidence, and earn a laptop plus discounted internet. This opens doors to jobs, school, and vital health resources. After class, they join the food distribution, blending learning with nourishment and creating a powerful path toward stability and opportunity.