Our History
In 1995, while San Francisco was plagued with a high number
of homicides, TURF, (Together United Recommitted Forever)
was organized by a variety of community activist, religious
clergy, and young people from various "turf's" throughout
the City. The primary purpose of TURF was to provide a bridge
of support for communities throughout San Francisco that were
victimized by homicides, poverty, and illiteracy. The organizing
of TURF was the catalyst of a long term community commitment
by individuals, who although carried different philosophies
regarding the most efficient way to curve violence, continues
to be the liaison for service providers and neglected communities.
TURF has made a significant impact on shaping the lives
of underrepresented communities. TURF continues to successfully
embrace the needs of those less fortunate.
Employment: The key to success has been in TURF's ability
to offer positive alternatives to individuals by providing
them with employment opportunities, life skills, on going
training, prevention, intervention and follow up support.
TURF has provided employment opportunities for countless
individuals in the areas of security, administration, customer
service and construction by working in collaborations with
the San Francisco Sherriff's Department, The San Francisco
housing Authority, The Mayor's Office of Community Development,
The Department of Children youth and Families, MUNI, The
Department of Public Works, The San Francisco Unified School
District and other public, private and non-profit agencies.
Most recently, TURF enhanced its programs and services
by establishing the Willie L. Brown, Jr. Teen Center. The
Willie L. Brown, Jr. Teen Center (WLBJTC), provides a variety
of vocational, recreational, educational and social services
to youth ages 12 years and older. We are located within
the Sunnydale public housing development and we serve a
diverse group of young people from the housing development
as well as neighboring communities. The center is currently
open Monday thru Friday, from 11 am to 9 pm and Saturday,
from 12 noon to 6 pm.
In addition, to the list of programs administered through
our center, we provide a continuous safe haven for all participants
and visitors. There is a wide range of ongoing activities
including computer and internet use, audio and video selections,
exercise and health equipment, qualified and committed staff
and mentors. We maintain accurate program and service information
to many outside local, non-profit, state, federal and private
agencies to assist youth when they are need direct services
that are provided on site. Services include, but are not
limited to mental and physical health, education, housing,
violence intervention and prevention, employment, child-care,
safety, legal and carious types of abuse.
