You'll Learn A Lot! MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Friend of Friends: COVID-19 and the turmoil surrounding racial justice issues have increased the already huge barriers facing residents of communities like Bayview Hunters Point. But I’m proud to say that the City, the Board of Education and community organizations like Friends of the Children are stepping up to support our fellow citizens in new and innovative ways. I hope you’ll join us at our free Town Hall meeting on Tuesday May 18, from 5:00 pm to 6:00pm, to hear from some of the most knowledgeable individuals about many of the hot issues you’ve been reading about in the news: The academic and emotional toll that events of the past year have taken on children living in communities like Bayview Hunters Point; The Community Learning Hubs established by the City to support underserved children and families during the remote learning era; The “pivot” made by community organizations like Friends of the Children, to address the pandemic-related needs of children and their families; The City’s plan to redirect $6 million annually from the Police and Sheriff’s budget to support the Black community I guarantee you’ll learn a lot from our Town Hall panel! In case you missed it, I’m forwarding another copy of the invitation below.Hope to see you there! Michael Rugen SF Co-Founder & Executive Director Friends of the Children - SF Bay Area