Success in Challenges, Inc.

Hello SIC Community!

As we get closer to the big GALA day, we’d like to share some more exciting news with you!

This year, we’ll be spotlighting The Children’s Clinic (TCC) at our annual GALA, recognizing them as our 2023 community partner.

TCC has provided over 80 years of outstanding services to children and their families in Long Beach and has been an amazing collaborator with us under TCC’s flourishing families program for the last 5 years.

Join us in awarding TCC for their great work and consistent collaboration in our annual GALA this Thursday!

Click the link below to make your ticket purchase:

https://successinchallenges.networkforgood.com/events/56759-2023-success-in-challenges-freedom-school-gala?fbclid=PAAaabSiSBZ0TvyP7brEq6pCTBuquKdfH4IQdSPpevA6J55OW7FT-UclNRrn8_aem_th_AWV3fyRkjKbc8lcSZQXcnbXikm8TCN4DRDD27p20l8I0Fh17pnABqsKQpWEiNmKbwZ4

Hello SIC Community!

This is a reminder that our annual Freedom School GALA is coming up next week (Thursday, June 8th, 2023).

We’d also like to announce our Guest Speaker for the day… Yvonne Wheeler!

Yvonne Wheeler has spent a majority of her life championing the rights of working people. She is currently the first black female president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

Learn more about Yvonne Wheeler and why she supports our Freedom School program and model by joining us at our 2023 GALA!

Reserve your tickets by clicking here:

https://successinchallenges.networkforgood.com/events/56759-2023-success-in-challenges-freedom-school-gala?fbclid=PAAaabSiSBZ0TvyP7brEq6pCTBuquKdfH4IQdSPpevA6J55OW7FT-UclNRrn8_aem_th_AWV3fyRkjKbc8lcSZQXcnbXikm8TCN4DRDD27p20l8I0Fh17pnABqsKQpWEiNmKbwZ4

Hello SIC Community

Our Spring 2023 GALA is coming up…

Tell your friends, family, and everyone you know to join us on June 8th in support of our 18th year of running our Freedom School summer program!

Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link below to reserve your tickets today:

https://successinchallenges.networkforgood.com/events/56759-2023-success-in-challenges-freedom-school-gala?fbclid=PAAaaNo9GUY86WIuCVnB2-4qt0fHnc1pqq627htGF4efiGxO9S15Z-7z6VwI8

Success in Challenges recent college visit to CSUDH with some middle school students.

Dear SIC Community…

Join the Movement and VOTE to help us fund our newest mental health awareness program in the city of Long Beach.

This summer, our organization hopes to run Rooted With WELLth, a culturally diverse mental health and wellness program designed to help youth navigate the adult stage of their lives.

This program will include: an 8 dimensions of wellness curriculum, local mentors & guest speakers, $800 stipends per participant, social fridays (e.g. in-house and outdoor field trips), a safe & diverse space for everyone, daily meals and much more!

By the end of the program, youth will gain professional and leadership development skills plus hands-on life skills in topics like financial literacy and mental well-being that can be used outside of programming.

So what are you waiting for? If you’re within the ages of 13-26 and live, play, learn, or work in Long Beach, you’re eligible to vote today.

Click here to do your part: https://pbstanford.org/youthpowerpblb

Voting ends this Thursday, May 11th, 2023!!

Hello SIC community!

We’re excited to announce that we’re in the process of implementing one of the first culturally diverse, mental health awareness programs in North Long Beach called Rooted with WELLth.

But before we implement this program, we’re going to need your help!

Click the link below to vote and possibly fund our NEW summer program:

https://pbstanford.org/youthpowerpblb

Hello SIC Community!

Our 2023 GALA benefiting our SIC Freedom School, part of the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School program, is right around the corner!

Scan the QR code or click here https://successinchallenges.networkforgood.com/events/56759-2023-success-in-challenges-freedom-school-gala to get your tickets today!

Hi SIC Community…

Great NEWs!!

We are one of the few organizations who were chosen to proceed to the final round (the voting period) of the 2023 youth participatory budgeting initiative.

What does this mean?

This means that our NEWest summer program, Rooted in WELLth (A culturally diverse mental health awareness program that helps youth navigate the “adulting” stage in their lives), is a contender in this process.

Please spread the word and don’t forget to vote for our program (in-person or online) starting today at 4pm until May 11th!!

You can find more information on the flyers or by clicking here: https://www.investinyouthlb.org/

Happy Tuesday SIC community!

Did you know that our youth are one of the communities most in need of access to digital technology in Long Beach?

Last week, Success in Challenges had the opportunity to connect a small group of young adults to devices! Check out these great photos.

Hello SIC Community!

It’s that time of year again to... SAVE THE DATE!

We will officially be hosting this year’s spring GALA, in support of 2023’s SIC Freedom School which is part of the National Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School Program, pretty soon!

See more information below:

What: Success in Challenges’ 2023 Freedom School GALA
Where: Keesal Young & Logan (400 Oceangate, Long Beach, CA 90802)
When: June 8th, 2023 @ 5:30pm (Reception will begin at this time)
Why: To benefit our 2023 Freedom School Program and Scholars

Will YOU be attending?

Hello SIC Community!

Check out this inspiring photo of students applying for and receiving their own laptop and hotspot at today’s Devices Distribution event at Cabrillo High School. Breaking barriers and overcoming challenges is something that we’re all about. We’re proud to have been able to, alongside the Long Beach City, Long Beach Unified School District and Human-I-T, provide necessary tools for these students to invest in their future and hopefully in their communities.

We’re positive that these small efforts within communities can help in bringing greater change to the city of Long Beach when it comes to digital equity and inclusion.

Stay with us as we continue to impact more folks through these efforts!

Hello SIC community!

Do YOU know of or run a small business or nonprofit (located in Long Beach) that’s looking to build capacity and receive technology assistance?

If so, the organization may be eligible for our Free internet services and computing devices program!

Our program with Long Beach City and Human-I-T continues this year as we resume our efforts in connecting residents of Long Beach with laptops and hotspots. In addition to residents, we’re NOW expanding these resources to nonprofits/local businesses!!

If you are or know of a nonprofit/business located in Long Beach interested in receiving these devices, feel free to use the application below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVhFQvBYUSwHWrl8pn8Y51W0x_RobGPkmIo55T2erWLfYIng/viewform

In addition to the application, feel free to reach out to our Outreach Coordinator through EMAIL ([email protected]) or TEXT (562-341-9661) with any additional questions regarding the program and eligibility.

Hello SIC Community!

We hope everyone’s holidays were spent well with families, friends, and loved ones.

This new year, we’d like to remind you of our digital inclusion program where we connect YOU to technology.

If you’re a resident of Long Beach, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our outreach coordinator Misael Enamorado via TEXT (562-341-9661) or EMAIL ([email protected]) to learn more about the program!

Hello SIC Community!

It’s clear that in today’s day and age, technology is necessary for daily needs: to go to work, to connect with loved ones, or to receive an education.

Thanks to the city of Long Beach, we’ve been able to help bridge the inequality gap that we see with technology usage in our most vulnerable communities.

If you know someone who is in need of a laptop and hotspot, please don’t hesitate to let them know about this great opportunity!

Scan the QR code on the flyer, reach out to our outreach coordinator @yahoo.com or click the link below to start the process of receiving a device:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTIsrL-qA88lHJDslZjjU-QivAQ9zNkXacWzgJ4C4qJug2Cw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1e3FNttul0iAlj3GCYDy_lzvGI9MuxEIG5mCyR1_D-MKX3hlEGvMxLRao

P.S. these devices are completely free!!!

Hello SIC Community!

Have you received your FREE laptop or hotspot yet?

Thanks to the city of Long Beach, we’ve been able to bring these much needed resources to our communities.

Click here to sign up for your Laptop, hotspot, or both TODAY!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTIsrL-qA88lHJDslZjjU-QivAQ9zNkXacWzgJ4C4qJug2Cw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1e3FNttul0iAlj3GCYDy_lzvGI9MuxEIG5mCyR1_D-MKX3hlEGvMxLRao

Hi SIC Community!

The day isn’t over just yet...

In difficult times like these, we’ve realized that those we serve need our help now more than ever. There’s always someone, somewhere who is in need of a meal, a set of school supplies, and even diapers for their child. Your support and contribution is much appreciated as it will help us continue providing these resources and services to the communities of Long Beach for years to come.

Do your part on this GivingTuesday and contribute to Success in Challenges here: https://successinchallenges.networkforgood.com/projects/123949-success-in-challenges-donation-form

Hello SIC community!

Did you know that today, November 29, 2022, marks what is known as GivingTuesday?

Giving Tuesday, which started in 2012, is an annual day of celebration where the world comes together to give back in many different ways. This can include through acts of kindness, gifts of voice, time, talent or treasure, etc.

Do good by giving to Success in Challenges, a local nonprofit that has been serving the communities of Long Beach for over 20 years! Our quality enrichment programs like Northpointe After School and Freedom School help our students excel in subjects like reading and math.

Make a difference in a child's life today by giving here:

https://successinchallenges.networkforgood.com/projects/123949-success-in-challenges-donation-form

Happy Monday!

We want to share our appreciation to everyone who showed up to the Community Connect/Health Fair event on the 19th! Our team had a fun time sharing all of the current resources and programming that we are offering to the community. Although all of our programs were shared that day, we specifically highlighted our Free Internet Services and Computing Devices program. This program provides qualifying Long Beach residents and nonprofits with FREE Hotspots and Laptops thanks to the city of Long Beach and IT.

To receive a laptop or hotspot, please fill out the interest form using the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTIsrL-qA88lHJDslZjjU-QivAQ9zNkXacWzgJ4C4qJug2Cw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2usrWYgNG6yHGL5rV6B5fYxf69w9TlWF2vaxq7qVuEW5hKpgoYbScqvAE

For further questions, please reach out to our Outreach Coordinator Misael Enamorado via email: [email protected]

Hello SIC Community!

As we continue through November, we want to remind you all that we’re still accepting folks for the city’s Free Internet services and Computing Devices program!

Do you yourself or someone you know need a laptop, hotspot, or both?

If so, use this link to fill out an interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTIsrL-qA88lHJDslZjjU-QivAQ9zNkXacWzgJ4C4qJug2Cw/viewform

For any further questions about receiving a device (e.g. eligibility requirements, applications, appointment dates, etc.), please email our outreach coordinator Misael Enamorado @ [email protected]

This past Saturday, our outreach team spoke to community members and distributed digital inclusion resources at the children’s clinic annual beach walk health fair!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth, we hope you learned something new about us or our current programming.

Don’t worry if you didn’t get the chance to stop by and sign up for a FREE device (laptop, hotspot or both)! There’s still time to send us a message or email our Outreach Coordinator Misael at [email protected] expressing your interest in the devices.

Hi SIC community!

Did you know that one of our spaces will be turning into a flex voting center for 1 day?

More details to come in the next couple of days…

Hello SIC community!

We’ve officially started our applications for anyone who is interested in receiving a FREE laptop, hotspot, or both!

If you’re a Long Beach resident and are in need of a device, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! See the flyer for more information (Note: please send a text if possible).

A huge thanks to the city of Long Beach (Long Beach City) ! Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to be part of these digital inclusion efforts.

As digital inclusion week comes to an end, we’re excited to announce that, through the Long Beach recovery act, we’ll be working with the city once again to help in closing the digital divide.

In efforts to increase digital equity in communities most affected by the pandemic, we will be distributing FREE laptops and hotspots to qualifying Long Beach residents, businesses and nonprofits.

Please send us a message to learn about how YOU can apply for a device today!

Dear SIC Community,

Success in Challenges, Our Executive Director Paula Wood, and our Founder Rev. Dr. O. Leon Wood, Jr. would like to thank you ALL!

Thank you to all our donors, peer fundraisers, community members and everyone else who came through and contributed to our Long Beach Gives campaign this year. Your support means the world to us and to those we serve.

Here's a little update on our fundraiser as of today:

Goal update: Earlier in the day, we changed our goal from $10,000 to $12,000!

♥Total amount donated so far: $9,774

♥Total donors: 64

♥Total Peer fundraisers: 5

There's still time to donate! You have until 12 am to donate during Long Beach Gives Day plus there's an extended period of giving that continues tomorrow (September 23rd) through 10am.

Can we reach our NEW $12,000 goal by tomorrow morning? Let's see how far we can stretch our success!!

Click here to make a donation (there's a little less than 5 hours left to donate during LB Gives!): https://www.longbeachgives.org/success-in-challenges

It was so good to see so many old friends and meet new ones at Long Beach Forward’s brunch today. It was a great opportunity to hear about the wonderful work being done in the Long Beach community by the non-profits that were present.
Best of luck to each and every organization participating in the Long Beach Gives campaign. ♥️♥️

Surprise!! SIC has been selected once again this year to participate in the Long Beach Gives Campaign. Long Beach Gives is an annual, 24 hour, citywide giving campaign created to increase awareness of the important work that local Long Beach nonprofits do and continue to do in the community.

This year, we've set a goal of $10,000... These funds will go towards sustaining our current programming that targets low-income youth and adults, under-connected families, the elderly and the mentally challenged. We always striving to be an advocate and voice for the underserved and the underrepresented; therefore, of our current programs are made with the best interest of the community in mind. These include: Freedom School (a literacy program), Norhtpointe Afterschool tutoring, Our Outreach program (e.g. Digital Inclusion, COVID-19, Census), Long Beach Street Team (an intergenerational mental health program), CORE (a health & wellness program), and Men of Covenant (a support system for men). We have been serving our community for over 21 years and would love to continue doing the work that we do for many more years to come.

We're also extremely thankful as some of you have already reached out to become a peer fundraiser, have made donations offline, and have even donated early through our Long Beach Gives page. Thanks to all those who have supported thus far. Let's keep this momentum going!!

Early giving week has begun, give TODAY: https://www.longbeachgives.org/success-in-challenges

Become a peer-to-peer fundraiser for SIC here: https://www.longbeachgives.org/success-in-challenges

Make an offline donation here: https://successinchallenges.networkforgood.com/projects/123949-success-in-challenges-donation-form

⚠️Attention SIC and Long Beach community members!

😮Did you know there are FREE resources for YOU to learn more or improve your technological skills??

⌨️Long Beach City College’s (LBCC) free computer software noncredit courses:

⌨️LBCC offers free computer software noncredit courses &programs to help individuals enhance their skills and or learn new techniques. These courses and programs include: learning skills through Microsoft application tools, keyboard techniques, and supporting with job search and training. Course/program participants can also become certified in the following areas: computer hardware repair, computer information competency, Microsoft excel, job search skills, etc.              

✨The great thing about these courses is that you don't have to be a student at LBCC!  Anyone can join.

📱Call (562) 938-3248 or email [email protected] for more information!

💻Human-IT's Include Program:

‘s incredible Human-I-T Include program is a free (bilingual) online digital literacy course that helps YOU learn the basics of computers (e.g: how to use a mouse, how to use the internet, keyboard basics, what's an operating system, internet safety, and how to create and use email). The good thing about this course is that you can start and complete it on YOUR own time!

📱Call (888-391-7249) or text (562-561-2565) Human-I-T TODAY!

📱A digital inclusion resources hotline is also available for all your digital inclusion questions & to provide you with further resources. Call (562) 570-7000 or email [email protected] today! If you're going to call, please leave a voicemail, a digital inclusion staff will reach back out to you.

Thank you to our week 5&6 read aloud guest. We appreciate your time and dedication to our scholars.

🛑Look no further for digital resources in your area!

⤵️ offers the following programs for your digital needs:

✅Mobile Citizen Hotspot:
⁃Low cost internet and hotspots with unlimited data usage

✅Human-I-T Equip:
⁃Refurbished/used devices at lower cost than retail

✅Human-I-T Connect
⁃Human-I-T helps you locate low cost internet by internet service providers in your area
⁃Cost per internet service: $10 - $25 a month
⁃Eligibility requirements differs between each internet provider

✅Human-I-T Include:
⁃Free self-paced (bilingual) online class to learn basic computer skills (email, keyboard, the internet, etc.)

‼️Note: Most programs require a set of qualifications that must be met.

📞☎️Connect with Human-I-T TODAy to receive all the digital help you deserve.
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🛑No busque más para recursos digitales en su area!

⤵️ ofrece los siguientes programas para sus necesidades digitales:

✅Mobile Citizen Hotspot:
⁃Internet a bajo cost y hotspots con uso ilimitado de datos

✅Human-I-T Equip:
⁃Dispositivos digitales usados a un costo bajo

✅Human-I-T Connect:
⁃Human-I-T te ayuda conectarte a servicio de internet a costo bajo medio proveedores de servicio de Internet en su area
⁃Costo por servicio de internet: $10 - $25 al mes
⁃Requisitos de elegibilidad es diferente para cada proveedor de servicio de internet

✅Human-I-T Include:
⁃Curso en linea en español y ingles de conocimientos básicos de informática (correo electrónico, uso del teclado de la computadora, el internet, etc.)

‼️Nota: Un conjunto de calificaciones se deben cumplir para varios de estos programas.

📞☎️Conectese con Human-I-T HOY para reciter toda la ayuda digital que usted se merece! Se habla español!

✨Did you miss it?

🗓This past Saturday, our outreach team joined a group of organizations at the summer family fun community resource fair. The team had a great time distributing goodie bags and speaking to folks about our current program offerings and about local digital resources such as low-cost internet, discounted laptops, and digital literacy training provided by .

📞If you or anyone you know is in need of these digital resources, please contact 888-391-7249 for more information.

Freedom School Spirit Week! Twin Day.

D9 Day at Freedom School! Thank you to all the organizations that came out! Our scholars loved hearing about all of the great work that you do and we can’t wait to have you back next year! 🦍🐶👌🏾 🔺 🐩

We had an amazing time at the Zoo! Rock the Freedom School

Read Aloud Guest Readers! Thank you for coming and support our scholars.