Our Projects

YMM engages in a variety of community projects and creative efforts. These projects build capacity and have moms engaging with the broader community through positive activities.

ECOFEST

Young Moms Marin hosts the Family Field as a part of the EcoFest at the Fairfax Festival. On the Family Field we welcome families to play in Jumpys, Bounce Balls, buy a healthy snack at our Snack Shack, or get a Henna Design. We also host community providers to help bring an array of free activities for children to explore. This event pays young moms for their time and provides needed funds for the group.

Innovation Project

YMM received an Innovation Grant for Transitional Aged Youth from Marin County Behavioral and Mental Health Services. YMM maintained the weekly groups, strategized outreach and provided a case management component to move older participants into leadership roles, or move on from group. We also hosted several community-building resource events for young families.

inside out PROJECT

YMM launched the Inside Out Project in Collaboration with Dominican University and award-winning French street artist JR: who encouraged people to express themselves through portraits in a global art project.

Our Inside Out Project, titled “Facing the Gap” addressed the educational achievement gap in Marin County. “Facing the Gap” was displayed at the Hwy 101 overpass on Bellam Blvd. The photo mural consisted of 28 portraits. There are many underserved youth in our community who face challenges to their educational goals. These challenges are often exacerbated by stereotypes and negative expectations. This piece was developed by Lynn Sondag, Julia van derRyn, and Teresa Ashby involving Dominican students, Young Moms of Marin ,and San Rafael High School students.

Marin COUNTY Parks Photography Project

With a Marin Parks grant Young Moms Marin collaborated with Marianne Owens Design, and Opening the World in creating a photography project that connects the parks and marginalized youth through the lens of a camera. The project created the content for a Photo Journey of Marin County Parks. We were proud to have an exhibit at the Marin Civic Center!

Survey Grant

YMM was funded by a grant from FIRST 5 We worked with the Data Center of Oakland to build capacity while developing a survey. YMM engaged young moms throughout Marin to identify the areas where young families lacked support or resources. The results were shared with the County of Marin service providers.