Four groups and individuals were presented the 2008 Crissy Field Center Community Hero Award: Barbara Wenger and the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group, Homies Organizing the Mission to Empower Youth (HOMEY), Karen Kohn and Staff, and Youth United for Community Action (YUCA).

Whatever their approach, methodology, or position, they all fit one very important criterion: their work has made a positive impact on the community and has inspired others to get involved and make a difference.

Learn more about these heroes below:

Barbara Wenger & Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group

Founder Barbara Wenger and members of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group transformed a dilapidated Koshland Park, frequented by drug-dealers and prostitutes, to a lush tree-lined oasis with outdoor education programs for the entire neighborhood. Click play below to view their inspirational story.

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Homies Organizing the Mission to Empower Youth (HOMEY)

This nonprofit organization serves at-risk and low-income Latino/a youth. HOMEY is run by community organizers and former gang members who work to prevent violence and promote alternatives to street life. Click play below to view their inspirational story.

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Karen Kohn & Staff

Since 1993, Karen and her staff have improved school and living conditions for San Francisco's children and families by tackling issues related to lead hazards, asthma, mold, and chronic diseases. Click play below to her her inspirational story.

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Youth United for Community Action (YUCA)

YUCA is a grassroots organization created, led, and run by young people in East Palo Alto.  After a twenty-year battle, YUCA successfully shut down operations of Romic Environmental Technologies—a recycler of toxic chemical waste—which had been operating without a permit and jeopardizing the health of the neighborhood residents. Click play below to view their inspirational story.

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