About Us
Sustainability Through Regenerative Design
We are the global headquarters of the Five Points Youth Foundation, a Los Angeles-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to revitalize communities in south LA that have undergone economic, environmental and social decline.
We are here to change the world. Our programs emphasize neighborhood empowerment, economic development, social entrepreneurship and civic engagement, utilizing concepts of regenerative design and sustainability to enhance and make positive change in the world around us.
Whereas the highest aim of sustainable development is to satisfy fundamental human needs today without compromising the possibility of future generations to satisfy theirs, the end-goal of regenerative design is to redevelop systems with absolute effectiveness, which support the co-evolution of the human species along with other thriving species. ~ Andrew Williams JR, Five Points Youth Foundation Chairman
Our Mission
Our mission is to sustain, cultivate and self-empower our children, youth and adults. We prioritize those with the greatest need in an effort to inspire and transform change for a collective better future.
We have formed – and are constantly growing – regenerative relationships with agencies, organizations, groups and peoples throughout the global community. We preserve cultures, promote education and encourage wealth creation models at the local level to impact our immediate neighbors, tribes, villages, towns and cities.
Regenerative Design
The term “regenerative” describes processes that restore, renew or revitalize their own sources of energy and materials, creating sustainable systems that integrate the needs of society with the integrity of nature. Whereas the highest aim of sustainable development is to satisfy fundamental human needs today without compromising the possibility of future generations to satisfy theirs, the end-goal of regenerative design is to redevelop systems with absolute effectiveness, that allows for the co-evolution of the human species along with other thriving species.
Social Entrepreneurship
Since 1984, Five Points Youth Foundation, Inc. (Five Points) has drawn upon out-of-the-box thinking and experience in both the business and nonprofit worlds to deliver sustainable micro-enterprise solutions to at risk youth, women and families throughout Africa and Asia from its base model in California and alliances with community enterprises and organizations.
Economic Development
The sustained, concerted actions of policy makers and communities that promote the standard of living and economic health of a specific area. Five Points is now based in the heart of South Central Los Angeles, only blocks away from ground zero of the 1992 Civil Unrest where the political leadership has become entrenched but so have the wealth inequalities, lack of business development, job flight, the school to prison cycle, and dissipation of community wealth that we are addressing through the Florence Mail Box and Business Center.
STEAM Edutainment
An acronym for the fields of study in the categories of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Five Points is expanding the concept to include A for Arts, Architecture, and ACTIVISM using Hip Hop, Reggae and Gospel idioms to attract, engage and empower our communities.
Civic Engagement
A means of working together to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of skills, knowledge, values, and motivation in order to make that difference. it means promoting a quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes. Five Points champions the Vote 100% community outreach agenda to ensure that the value of all voters is appreciated by all regardless of political ideology or affiliation.
Community Empowerment
Increasing the spiritual, political, social, educational, gender, or economic strength of individuals and communities. Five Points works with institutions such as the Black Emergency Managers Association (BEMA) International, Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC), Loyola Marymount University, the United Hood Nation, Pando Populus, the Universal Hip Hop Museum, TheLivingWellTour and others to deliver community empowerment solutions.