Unlocking Opportunity: A Community Vision for SCNP Redwood Shores

"I hope our community can advance economic mobility by connecting community members to the rich buffet of resources available in our area, designing opportunities and programs with and for our most marginalized communities, and securing long-term investments in evening the playing field for all. " — Community Member

Throughout the past few months, we've been engaging with the Redwood City and North Fair Oaks communities to learn more about the local needs around economic mobility. These conversations have been a wonderful opportunity to envision how the Sobrato Center for Nonprofits in Redwood Shores (SCNP RWS) could utilize our spaces to benefit local residents and further our shared goals. The culmination of these discussions was an exciting event held in late August, where community members shared their ideas and priorities for the space.

Key themes that emerged centered on creating inclusive opportunities for local entrepreneurs, especially within the food industry. There was a clear call for vocational training, particularly for undocumented and mixed-status individuals, as well as pathways to help small businesses formalize and grow. Accessibility stood out as a priority, with suggestions for free commercial kitchen space, childcare, and transportation to support community members.

The event highlighted a strong desire for centralized resources, from referrals to coordinated catering support, all working to empower local entrepreneurs. Ultimately, the community envisions the space as a vibrant hub of collaboration, cultural exchange, and sustainable food systems. We’re excited to continue working together to bring this vision to life and deepen our partnerships with local organizations.

We were fortunate to have a talented graphic recorder, Rio Holaday, join us at the event to capture the conversation in the vibrant artwork you see above. Explore more of her work by visiting her website and follow her on social media or follow her on social media.

If you would like to be involved in future events and conversations, please contact Sobrato Philanthropies Philanthropy Partner, Silicon Valley Program Kayla Wells.